Vitola Rioja Reserva, Miguel Merino, D.O.Ca Rioja Alta
Right here. Right now.
Tastes like: Ripe red and black fruit. Cloves. Black pepper. Sweet spice. Tobacco. Liquorice. Coffee. Leather.
Miguel Merino has been shaking up the Rioja scene since the mid-nineties, taking classic grape varieties and adding his own modern twists. A bit like a vinous Fat Boy Slim.
He was the first pioneering producer to ask his coopers to make barrels using a mix of American and French oak and he especially sought the trickiest plots around the town of Briones to grow his grapes, tilling the land by horsepower and exclusively hand picking at harvest.
Señor Merino has now been handing the reigns to his son Miguel Jr and his wife, who will ensure the bibulous beat goes on.
This vibrant Reserva wine is 100% Tempranillo and spends 24 months in barrel and another few years in bottle so it’s released at its prime but will improve even more for another 3-5 years. Only 6,000 bottles made!
Sustainable - Hand harvested
Spain - 2016 - 14% - 75cl
93 Pts - Tim Atkin Rioja Report 2021
