# Rioja Bordón Reserva (2017)

- **Producer:** Bodegas Franco-Espańolas
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Tempranillo, Garnacha, Mazuelo
- **Region:** Rioja, Spain
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.5%
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** black plum, black cherry, red cherry, raspberry, cloves, cedar, vanilla, chocolate, earth, tobacco, leather, dried fruit

## About this wine

The Rioja Bordón Reserva 2017 is a red wine from the D.O.Ca. Rioja region of Spain, produced by Bodegas Franco-Españolas. Founded in 1890, the winery has a rich history and is now owned by the Eguizábal family. This wine is a blend primarily of Tempranillo, with contributions from Garnacha and Mazuelo, sourced from across Rioja's three sub-regions: Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa, and Rioja Oriental. The 2017 vintage reflects the warm conditions of the year. The wine represents a classical Rioja style, with its label having undergone a redesign in 2017.

## Interesting facts

- Founded in 1890 to revive phylloxera-ravaged vineyards.
- Hosted Ernest Hemingway and King Alfonso XIII.
- Label redesigned in 2017, the same year as this vintage.
- Sourced from all three Rioja sub-regions.

## Food pairing

The full body and drying tannins of this Rioja Bordón Reserva are well-suited to complement the richness of proteins like lamb and beef. The wine's inherent structure can cut through fattier cuts, while its savory notes can harmonize with herbs and earthy flavors often found in traditional Spanish and European cuisine.

## Wine making process

The production of Rioja Bordón Reserva 2017 involves a traditional blend of Tempranillo, Garnacha, and Mazuelo. Following alcoholic fermentation, the wine undergoes malolactic fermentation to enhance its texture and complexity. A crucial part of its development is the aging process, which typically spans 13 to 18 months in a combination of American and French oak barrels. This is followed by a period of bottle aging before the wine is released, allowing for further integration and maturation of its components.