Valdelosfrailes (Matarromera) Cigales Reserva | 2016

Cigales is above the city of Valladolid, north of the Duero River. Rosé wines represent at least 50% of production, but the region has a long history of making reds based on Tempranillo. Valdelosfrailes is a project from Carlos Maro of Matarromera. The Reserva bottling represents the oldest bush vines of Tempranillo grown in gravels and sands. Aged for 14 months in a combination of old and new barrels, this is decadently old-school Spain with big notes of dried cherry, smoky blackberry, and cured ham. It's bold in every direction and offers a treasure chest of savory herbs and spice. A great value from a great vintage, keep Cigales on your radar when looking for Tempranillo-based reds. ~Allegra A