2015 Zuazo Gastón Reserva Rioja DOCa

Spain’s star grape shines in 2015 Zuazo Gastón Reserva Rioja DOCa, a dry, Tempranillo-driven red blend. Hailing from Rioja, this wine represents what local winegrowers consider an excellent vintage. The nose offers layered aromas of black cherry, leather, tobacco, and spice. The same notes emerge on the palate, complemented by hints of vanilla and cream. This blend is full-bodied with juicy acidity on the finish. Tempranillo grapes (95%), along with a touch of Graciano (5%), were carefully selected and gently pressed to preserve their freshness. This was followed by 20 months of aging in French oak barrels. 2015 is an impressive vintage for the Rioja region, as grapes expressed rich flavor, with wines demonstrating nice structure. Located in Northern Spain, Rioja experiences a combination of cooler Atlantic influences and warmer Mediterranean influences, resulting in complex and exciting wines. The region is known for its high-quality reds, especially Tempranillo. Zuazo Gastón represents the fruit of several generations of winegrowers. Since 1850, the award-winning family winery has been crafting artisanal wines that are versatile enough for casual family meals yet elegant enough for formal dinner parties. 2015 Zuazo Gastón Reserva Rioja DOCa pairs well with flavorful meat-based dishes like grilled steaks, lamb and pork chops, roasts, and stews. Decant this delicious red blend an hour or so before serving.