# Dragon Gran Reserva (2014)

- **Producer:** Berberana (Marques de la Concordia Family of Wines)
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Tempranillo, Cariñena, Garnacha, Syrah
- **Region:** Catalonia, Spain
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.5%
- **Average price:** €9
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** blackcurrant, ripe strawberry, black cherry, black plum, black pepper, red cherry, red plum, cinnamon, vanilla, cedar, dried fruit, tobacco, dried cherries, bitter orange, hazelnut, leather, cardamom

## About this wine

The Berberana Dragon Gran Reserva 2014 is a red wine from Catalunya, produced by Marques de la Concordia Family of Wines. This Gran Reserva designation signifies a minimum of five years of aging, with at least two in oak. The blend is primarily composed of Tempranillo (40%), Cariñena (30%), Garnacha (20%), and Syrah (10%). Berberana, founded in 1877, is a historic Spanish winery, and Marques de la Concordia is a significant wine company with a presence across Spain's major wine regions. The wine's extended maturation in French oak barrels contributes to its complex profile. It is noted for offering a Gran Reserva classification at an accessible price point.

## Interesting facts

- This wine spent 5 years aging before bottling.
- It was aged in French oak barrels for 5 years.
- Berberana is one of the oldest wineries in Rioja.
- It's noted as a value-driven Gran Reserva.

## Food pairing

The wine's structure and developed character complement rich protein sources like lamb and beef, where tannins can interact with meat proteins. Flavors of dried fruit and spice in the wine can echo or contrast with ingredients like herbs, nuts, and fruit in the dishes.

## Wine making process

The Berberana Dragon Gran Reserva 2014 is a blend of Tempranillo, Cariñena, Garnacha, and Syrah, sourced from the Catalunya region. A defining aspect of its production is its extended aging period. Following harvest, the wine was transferred to French oak barrels, ranging from 2 to 3 years old, in March 2015. It remained in these barrels for a full five years, until March 2020, before being bottled in December 2021. This significant oak maturation is a key technique that shapes the wine's character, contributing to its complexity and mature profile.