Pure Tempranillo - intensely fruity, soft, approachable and easy to drink. The colour is a deep violet with vibrant, youthful notes and the nose is a compote of raspberry and other red fruits. Full bodied on the palate, where the berry fruits are also evident, with impressive structure and volume - a real satisfying mouthful of wine. Firm tannins on the finish round off this big and beautiful modern Spanish wine. As you would expect, it can be enjoyed with robust flavoured foods. It goes well with lamb, cured Spanish hams and meaty tapas. For those who prefer to avoid meat, try it with Manchego cheese or roasted red peppers. Drinking well now, but why not cellar for 18-22 months for prolonged pleasure?

The Tempranillo vines for Marquesa are up to 25 years old, therefore well established on free-draining chalk and clay soils near Huecaseca in Ainzon. The vineyards occupy the foothill slopes of Mt. Moncayo, Campo de Borja's highest peak. Harvest in 2007 was towards the end of October when the grapes were judged by Norrel to be in perfect condition. Fermentation in a combination of stainless steel and epoxy tanks lasted for 15-18 days at temperatures of 26-28C. Malolactic fermentation was encouraged and there was battonage to extract maximum flavour and colour.

Available from

Waitrose

Recommendations

"Intense black fruit, soft texture with tannin showing a touch on the finish. Great wine for a tagine or a cosy night in and favourably priced. 100% Tempranillo. For fans of Rioja on a budget." 88/100 - The Wine Gang

Notes

1 Prices quoted are guide prices only and may vary between stockists and if the product is on promotion. 2   We cannot guarantee availability of products at the stockists listed.