Country: Spain Region: Rioja Varietal: Tempranillo Vintage: 2017 Colour: Red Style: Dry Producer: Lopez de Haro Description:  A new classic Rioja, Hacienda Lopez de Haro Reserva, a red wine made by Bodega Classica. This winery can be found in San Vicente de la Sonsierra, one of the towns with the highest viticulture tradition in the Rioja Alta. This wine is a coupage of Tempranillo and Graciano grown on old vines with a low yield; planted in poor soils on terraces on the Ebro River. The harvest is done by hand in October, during the second and third weeks. As for the aging, Hacienda Lopez de Haro Reserva remains in French oak barrels and in American oak barrels for 20 months. During this period, there is a quarterly racking. This wine does not suffer from filtrations nor aggressive treatments in order to preserve the natural characteristics of the wine. Finally, the wine rests in the bottle for a minimum of two years before it is released onto the market. Tasting Note: It was a fairly balanced year until the harvest season arrived. The beginning of the cycle, in October, started with high temperatures, and it was not until mid-November that the first frosts began and the leaves of the vines began to fall to prepare for winter. Throughout the winter, rainfall was generous and water reserves could be secured for the growth cycle period. During the months of March and April, there was an increase in temperatures that led to the good sprouting of the plant. The growth cycle of the vines was suitable, and the sudden rise of temperatures resulted in quite a fast blooming. There was an optimal growth of the fruit, until the harvest season, when rains damaged the state of the grapes and caused a drop in production. This is a good vintage, but the last rains damaged the final result. The wines are good and can be drunk in the short- and mid-term, they have a medium body and material. Food Matches: Grilled red meat, spicy cuisine, pasta with meat, pizza