Beronia, Reserva, Rioja, Spain 2020

Beronia is based in Ollauri, Rioja Alta, and sources fruit from more than 900ha of vineyards, all within 10km of its winery on a range of soils including clay-limestone, ferrous clay and alluvial; vines are aged from 20 years to some on pre-phylloxera rootstock dating back more than 100 years. The 2020 Reserva is predominantly Tempranillo and was matured for 18 months in a mix of French and American oak barrels, followed by additional time in third-use French barrels, and then at least 18 months more in the bottle before release. Very pretty raspberry fruit defines this wine, which is very fresh with bright acidity and soft, ripe tannins. Oak is very well integrated and this is an elegant and fine reserva with a chalky lift.