# Gran Reserva (2016)

- **Producer:** Barón de Ley
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Tempranillo, Graciano
- **Region:** Rioja, Spain
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.0%
- **Average price:** €25
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** strawberry, raspberry, cherry, plum, black pepper, vanilla, coconut, cedar, toast, cloves, leather, tobacco, forest floor, dried fig, prune

## About this wine

Barón de Ley was founded in 1985 in the Rioja Oriental sub-region, styled after the classic Médoc châteaux concept where grapes are sourced from the estate's own vineyards surrounding the winery. Housed in a historic 16th-century Benedictine monastery in Mendavia, the estate focuses on combining modern winemaking efficiency with traditional Rioja aging regimes. The Gran Reserva represents the pinnacle of their traditional range, crafted only in exceptional vintages from low-yielding old vines.

## Interesting facts

- The winery is housed in a beautifully restored 16th-century Benedictine monastery acquired by the founders in 1985.
- Unlike many traditional Rioja houses, Barón de Ley was founded on the single-estate 'château' model, sourcing from their own vineyards.
- Gran Reserva wines must undergo a minimum of five years of aging, including at least two years in oak and three years in the bottle.

## Food pairing

The robust structure, vibrant acidity, and integrated tannins of this aged Rioja Gran Reserva make it an exceptional partner for rich, savory meats. The wine's tertiary notes of leather and spice complement gamey flavors, while its high acidity cuts through the fat of marbled meats and rich cheeses.

## Wine making process

The 2016 Gran Reserva is primarily crafted from Tempranillo, supplemented by Graciano. The grapes are hand-harvested and undergo fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. Following fermentation, the wine is aged for a minimum of 24 months in a combination of American and French oak casks. This is followed by an extensive bottle aging period of at least 36 months in the winery's cellars before release, meeting the strict DOCa requirements for Gran Reserva.