Week 45, 1996 İHannu Lehmusvuori
Rioja, Spain
58,40 FIM
Bodegas Domecq considers Marques de Arienzo to be one of it's most acclaimed wines. The grapes consist mostly of tempranillo (90%), with additions of graciano and mazuelo (5% each).
When sold the wine is at least 5 years old. First the wine matures 24 months in well chosen oak casks giving it a refined balance between the oak aromas and the full-bodied grape base. Three years of further maturing in bottles has created a flavour that is soft, strong and has a right quantity of tannine to persist on the palate.
In my view this slightly developed and flexible wine sits well also with darker meats, even with the somewhat spiced ones, and with a long coversation and enjoyment.
The fine qualities of tempranillo are well presented in this wine. I believe this wine to give a balanced pleasure for many years to come.
