2007 Vina Marro Reserva – Tempranillo – Rioja Spain
The Domenco de Jarauta family can trace their links in Rioja back to 1888. However it was not until 1995 that the winery really hit their straps. In this year they built a modern winery and the owner’s son joined the family business with the primary target to combine tradition, quality and innovation. He had previously studied oenology at the prestigious university in the Penedes
Their mature, low yielding vineyards are all located in the key wine growing areas of Rioja, planted over clay like soils with many boulders that aid water drainage. Combine this with a significant investment in the best modern equipment and a move towards organic viticulture and the wines of this estate have never been better
The 2007 Reserva is a modern take on a Rioja, with plenty of upfront fresh fruit. Elegance and finesse are the key features of this wine, with oak as a support and the wine is so drinkable it slides down the throat. The fruit is harvested from the Rioja Baja sub-region of Rioja, which is the warmest viticultural area within La Rioja, where wines are characterised by their intensity of colour and density of fruit. This wine displays a mixture of cherries and dried flowers, with a solid backbone of fine tannins and an underlay of richer chocolate flavours.
Many Rioja wine enthusiasts, including myself, swear by the Reserva level because they are a great balance between the super fruity Crianza and the oaky-bottle-aged Gran Reservas. A match made in heaven, particularly as most winemakers will often age their wines longer than the minimum three years and select better quality grapes for these Reserva cuvees.
Food Matchings:
Modern styles of Reserva Rioja have flavor profiles tending towards chocolate, spices and licorice. These flavours lend themselves to big flavours, with a Mediterranean slant. Think traditional Spanish dishes like shellfish paella and grilled chorizo sausage to name a few. They are also magic with slow cooked garlicky meats like lamb or mushroom risottos. This wine would be great for that tapas restaurant that has just opened up around the corner.
Cellaring Potential:
Despite already being 6 years old, this wine has plenty of life left. It will cellar easily for the next 3 -4 years. I would decant the wine for at least 20 minutes before serving.