2010 Faustino Rioja I Gran Reserva

Winemaker Notes; Tempranillo, Graciano and Mazuelo, the three classic Rioja grape varieties. Graciano provides a very lively color and high acidity; Mazuelo flavour and abundant tannin, both together with Tempranillo are the perfect coupage for long ageing wines. True to Rioja, true to its origins.Cherry red developing to an intense ruby color. Intense and complex. Well integrated sweet and warm hints with ripe fruit, notes of vanilla and sensations of cinnamon, blond tobacco and cocoa. Elegant in the mouth, structured and with good acidity. The finish is sweet and surprising for a Rioja Gran Reserva. There is an aftertaste of the blend of very ripe fruit, vanilla and roasted notes.

JS94 James Suckling; Very complex aromas of ripe berries, sultanas, cedar and hints of chocolate. Full-bodied with round, ripe tannins that are layered and fresh. A delicious combination of mature fruit and mahogany add to the complexity of the wine. Holding on really nicely. Drink or hold.

Rioja Red Blend is a term used to describe the combination of red-wine varieties used in the red wines of Rioja. Spain’s Tempranillo forms the base of the blend for the majority of the wines in this category, with Garnacha (Grenache), Mazuelo (Carignan) and Graciano making up the balance. At least one producer (Marques de Riscal) has special dispensation to include Cabernet Sauvignon in its wines, although this practice is uncommon.

Rioja Alavesa is the smallest of the three wine-producing sub-regions in Rioja, Spain. It is situated to the north of the River Ebro, straddling the La Rioja region and the Alava province within the autonomous community of the Pais Vasco (Basque Country).

Bodegas Faustino is one of the most internationally recognized Rioja producers in the world. Its Tempranillo-based wines are distributed to over 70 countries and Faustino makes up more than a third of total Rioja Reserva and Gran Reserva exports each year.