Tasting Notes: Tempranillo 90 %, Graciano 10 %
“Gran reserva” means that it was aged at least five years, with a minimum of 2 years in oak. In addition, gran reserva wines are typically made in only outstanding vintages.
The backbone of some of the best Spanish wines, Tempranillo is a red grape variety grown throughout Spain and Portugal.
Generally speaking, Tempranillo produces red wines with red fruit and leather aromas, high tannins, moderate to low acidity, and moderate alcohol. In 2020, Tempranillo was the third most-planted grape variety in the world, with the majority of plantings in the Iberian peninsula.
El Coto was founded in 1970 and released its first vintage in 1975. It found success relatively quickly and worked to expand facilities and upgrade equipment. Between 1990 and 1997 the winery doubled in size and became the first Spanish winery to be listed on the national stock exchange. The cellar grew to over 70,000 barrels, with an average age of around three years to meet the various aging requirements of Rioja wines. El Coto now exports its wines to more than 50 countries making it one of the most accessible Spanish wines in the world. El Coto is part of the Baron de Ley group that includes the eponymous Baron de Ley winery.
El Coto de Rioja has a small range of wines indicative of the region, including entry-level red, rosé and white wines, as well as Reserva and Gran Reserva wines under the name Coto de Imaz. Tempranillo is the most significant variety here, although Graciano, Grenache, and Carignan all appear frequently in the wines.
Winemaker Notes
Intense cherry color with garnet edge. Mature and elegant, its aromatic richness is changing and subtle, becoming more apparent as the wine breathes. On the nose, powerful aroma, complex, ripe fruit and fine cocoa. Fleshy on the palate, powerful, velvety, with ripe tannins and good acidity with notes of toast and coconut followed by tertiary aromas (leather, wet earth), and red fruit and dried fruit. Round, silky tannins, persistent and complex aftertaste.
A good choice to accompany game, red meat and beef.
Drink now through 2030.
Price: $39.99
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