Coto de Imaz Rioja Gran Reserva

The Coto de Imaz Rioja Gran Reserva tastes dense, spicy and velvety: ripe dark berries, vanilla and a long finish with leather. The dry Tempranillo from El Coto de Rioja shows a dense ruby red with a garnet rim in the glass.

On the nose, blackberry and black cherry meet vanilla, coconut and a hint of tobacco. These notes typically come from the long maturation in American oak. The wine matures for at least 24 months in barriques and then for another two years in the bottle.

On the palate, the Coto de Imaz has a full body and velvety, rounded tannins. The finish is long and spicy, with notes of leather and dried fruits. The alcohol content is 13.5% vol.

The Coto de Imaz Rioja Gran Reserva pairs well with hearty meat dishes: game, lamb, veal and steak. Lamb loin and Ibérico chops harmonize particularly well. Grilled and braised dishes with dark, spicy aromas also find a partner in it.

For a Spanish spread, combine the Rioja with tapas, aged Manchego, Serrano and chorizo. The tannins and the spice of the wine stand up to the salt and the aroma of these specialties.

Serve the Coto de Imaz at 16 to 18 °C. Decanting for an hour beforehand allows it to unfold. It is suitable for eating together on an autumn or winter evening, for a festive menu or for a dinner with guests.

If you like the Coto de Imaz, it is worth taking a look at other dry Gran Reservas from the Rioja. All three alternatives are red wines from Spain and are based on Tempranillo.

• CUNE Rioja Gran Reserva from CVNE: a dry Tempranillo from the Rioja that shows the same style in a different handwriting.
• Barón de Ley Gran Reserva from Baron de Ley: a dry red wine made from Tempranillo, also from the Rioja.
• Carlos Serres Gran Reserva from Bodegas Carlos Serres: a dry Rioja made from Tempranillo for all those who would like to explore the Gran Reserva style further.