Enjoy those festive Friday feels with this wonderful red. Sociable but relaxed, this soft yet structured spicy Rioja is a classic to be sure. So, stoke the fire, crack the cork and gather round. Aged in oak barrels to give that lovely creamy vanilla and cedarwood character and then bottle-aged to soften out the tannins. A wine to roll the flavours of caramel, redcurrants, blackberries, even a hint of chocolate around in your mouth. We promise, it's a real Christmas treat.

The Real Wine Story

When we were first introduced to Pedro, owner and winemaker at Martinez Alesanco, sometimes you just know that things are right. Each wine tasted in their impressive new winery (yes, you should book in a visit, tell them we sent you!) was enjoyed and followed by another, equally enjoyed. Each wine with a purpose, a point of difference and a story. The brand-new tasting room has panoramic views over the red soils of the Upper Najerilla towards the Sierra Cantabria which between them largely define the microclimate and wine styles.

Maybe the highlight of that first tasting together was the revelation of Maturana Tinta, a re-discovered and re-planted Rioja grape variety. There are only a few notes of Maturana Tinta in this Rioja Reserva, along with 94% Tempranillo and 4% Garnacha, but you can see its presence. Young, refreshing, and lightly toasted with the classic freshness of the Badarán area. Black cherry and strawberry with a light herbal background. 18 months in barrel and 26 months in bottle. French oak. See, sometimes you just know when something is right…