Museum Real Reserva Cigales DO

Hundred-year-old Tempranillo vines on the Castilian plateau — that is the basis for this Reserva from the D.O. Cigales, one of the oldest red wine appellations north of Valladolid.

Finca Museum is one of the wineries that has brought Cigales out of the shadow of its large neighbors, Ribera del Duero and Rioja. The Real Reserva matures for 24 months in new barriques, followed by another 12 months in the bottle — a maturation period that gives the wine structural depth before it hits the market.

Deep ruby red in the glass. On the nose, sour cherry, blackberry, and dried plums, plus clove and a hint of vanilla from the wood aging. Velvety on the palate, with ripe tannin and a spicy, slightly leathery finish.

• Food: Leg of lamb with rosemary crust, Ibérico chorizos, mature Manchego
• Temperature: 16–18 °C, open 30 minutes before pouring