# Faustino V Reserva (2017)

- **Producer:** Bodegas Faustino
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Tempranillo, Mazuelo
- **Region:** Rioja, Spain
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.0%
- **Average price:** €20
- **Vegan:** No
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 17–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** black cherry, blackberry, blueberry, black currant, dark plum, vanilla, clove, cedar, cocoa powder, sweet spice, tar, black olive, dried Mediterranean herb

## About this wine

The Faustino V Reserva 2017 is a distinguished red wine from Bodegas Faustino, a historic family winery in Rioja, Spain. Produced in the Rioja Alavesa sub-region, it is primarily made from Tempranillo grapes. The 2017 vintage was marked by challenging weather, including frost and drought, leading to a high-quality, low-yield harvest. This wine is notable for its extended aging period of 24 months in new American oak barrels, exceeding the DOCa Rioja requirements for a Reserva. Bodegas Faustino, established in 1861, is a significant producer in the region, known for its commitment to quality and its iconic bottle design.

## Interesting facts

- The 2017 harvest was the earliest in Rioja's recorded history, starting in August.
- Faustino owns 1,600 acres of vineyards, ensuring self-sufficiency for its premium wines.
- The wine spends 24 months in new American oak, double the legal minimum for a Reserva.
- Faustino is the largest exporter of Gran Reserva wines from Rioja.

## Food pairing

The wine's medium-full body and grippy tannins are well-suited to complement the richness of proteins like lamb and beef, while its fruit notes can stand up to savory sauces. The wine's structure also allows it to pair with aged cheeses.

## Wine making process

The Faustino V Reserva 2017 is produced from grapes grown in the Rioja Alavesa sub-region. After harvest, fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures, followed by a 20-day maceration period. The wine then undergoes an extensive 24-month aging process in new American oak barrels, which is double the minimum requirement for a Reserva. Following barrel aging, the wine is aged for at least 12 months in the bottle before it is released for sale. Malolactic fermentation is also completed as part of the process.