Tempranillo, under yet another name!
MuseumReal Reserva 2004 (Cigales, Spain), 14%, €20.55, Karwig Wines.
The historic Cigales area has been producing wines for centuries and this, with its distinctive pewter label, is one of the good ones!
Grape variety is listed as Tinta del Pais, another name for Tempranillo, and the fruit comes from some of the oldest vines in the region (between 60 and 100 years old).
Colour is dark cherry, almost black, and the nose has that cherry, also plum, also hints of oak and spice, even herbs. The fruits and flavours are expertly combined to give a smooth sophisticated wine, concentrated, with moderate tannins and fine acidity leading to a long dry finish. A great match for red meat in general and for lamb in particular.
