What We're Drinking

- Just as the Rioja region dominates the Spanish wine scene, so its most characteristic black grape variety features in many other vineyards of Spain.

Tempranillo is the grape and this example comes from the Ribera de Duero, an area aspiring to overshadow Rioja in terms of quality, if not volume.

This particular wine is produced from low bush vines harvested by hand. After de-stemming and crushing, the grape residue is put into stainless steel tanks where a cold soaking is carried out to extract maximum colour and flavour.

After stabilisation, the wine is put into new American and French oak barrels for six months' maturation and it is this period which gives it much of its aroma and taste.

Deep coloured and full flavoured, this red wine has coconut and vanilla notes on the nose with red plum and cherry flavours on the palate, with just a hint of cinnamon and lemon on the long finish.

Enjoy with spring lamb in particular or with pork cooked with prunes.