Torre de Oña Martelo Reserva 2014

In 1995, the iconic La Rioja Alta estate purchased Torre de Oña. The purpose was to make a different wine to the great traditional classics they make at their original, fine bodega. They wanted to experiment, to make a different expression of Rioja, that embraced both tradition and modernity. Starting in 2005, they studied the terroir of each plot and vinified them separately. Martelo Reserva is a single vineyard red – old-vine Tempranillo with a little Mazuelo, Garnacha and Viura – what they call a field blend. It’s aged for two years in mostly American oak (20% French), all new. Critic Jamie Goode calls this “a modern Rioja”, yet it’s not about bold fruit. There’s elegance, complexity, richness and length. Enjoy with game and roast meats.