MARQUES DE RISCAL 1860 Tempranillo, Marqués de Riscal 2007 Grape Varieties 85% Tempranillo 7.5% Merlot 7.5% Syrah Food Matching Note: This wine pairs well with ham, mild cheeses, casseroles which are not too spicy, pulse stews, poultry, grilled and roast meat. Tasting Note: A black-cherry coloured wine with slight violet hues. High aromatic intensity, with aromas of ripe dark fruit, fine smoked notes with toasted aromas coming through. On the palate it is meaty and crisp, with a presence of well-polished tannins. Moderate acidity, with a long, pleasant finish in which the oak can be detected more distinctly. Vinification Note: This wine has been created using carefully selected Tempranillo grapes from the best plots in gritty soil in the alluvial lands of the Duero region. This variety produces highly aromatic wines with good body and colour, backbone and lots of freshness and intensity. The Syrah and Merlot grapes, which are present in the blend in proportions which do not exceed 15%, give the wine greater structure and complexity. During picking, which is controlled by the Riscal technical department, only ripe Tempranillo grapes which have been exposed to the sun are selected and these are placed in boxes with a maximum capacity of 18 kilos to prevent damage to the berries. Fermentation takes place at a controlled temperature of between 24ºC and 26ºC, with short maceration and vatting times of only a week. The malolactic fermentation occurs in the tank and this is followed by 6 months’ ageing in new American-oak barriques. Find this wine at www.winestore.co.uk Price: £56.81 (Including VAT at 20%)