Description
Rioja Gran Reserva Especial, Bodegas Benito Urbina 2004
Bodegas Benito Urbina is situated in the town of Cuzcurrita de Rio Tiron in Rioja Alta. There are 75 hectares in total – 65 of Tempranillo and 10 of Graziano, Mazuelo and Viura – and the estate has been in the family hands for 4 generations. In 1975 the family decided to age and bottle their own wines and to this end major investment in the cellar and vineyards has taken place alongside a more organic approach to its viticulture. The superb Gran Reserva Especial 1996 is a blend of 90 % Tempranillo, 5 % Graciano and 5 % Mazuelo and spends 2 years in oak and 4 years in the bottle before release.
A vibrant dark ruby in colour. A rich nose of blueberry, mulberry and mint with notes of tobacco and leather. On the palate, beefy and meaty, packed with spicy red-fruit flavours. Concentrated and smooth in texture with finely balanced tannins and excellent acidity leading to a lingering finish. Drink with oxtail stew marinated in Rioja and served with chorizo, rack of lamb with honey allioli or escalivada Catalana (barbecued aubergine, pepper, onion, and tomatoes.
Grapes: 90 % Tempranillo, 5 % Graciano and 5 % Mazuelo
