Burgo Viejo Licenciado Rioja Reserva 2019

This wine comes from Burgo Viejo, a unique cooperative of six grape-growing families who traditionally sold their harvest to larger producers but recently began crafting wines under their own label. Their approach focuses on tempranillo despite their vineyard being naturally suited to garnacha, creating a distinctive expression that reflects their intimate knowledge of the land. The result is a more artisanal, family-driven wine that showcases the terroir with greater authenticity than mass-produced alternatives.

Allow this Reserva to breathe for at least 30-60 minutes after opening, as the aeration will unlock its complex layers of black forest cake flavours alongside savoury, spicy, and earthy notes. Serve at cellar temperature (16-18°C) in large Bordeaux-style glasses to concentrate the aromatics. The wine's full-bodied nature and oak integration make it perfect for pairing with grilled meats, aged cheeses, or rich stews that can match its intensity.

The 95-point Decanter score places this wine in exceptional territory, indicating it rivals some of Spain's finest Reservas. Multiple gold medals from prestigious European competitions like Mundus Vini and Berliner Wein Trophy demonstrate consistent recognition across different judging panels. These accolades are particularly significant for a relatively small producer, suggesting the wine punches well above its weight class and offers remarkable value for its quality level.

While this 2019 Reserva is drinking beautifully now with proper aeration, Rioja Reservas are built for longevity and this wine has excellent cellaring potential. The combination of tempranillo's natural structure, oak ageing, and the wine's full-bodied profile suggests it will continue developing complexity over the next 8-12 years. If you're patient, the earthy and spicy elements will integrate further, while the fruit flavours will evolve into more tertiary characteristics.

The wine's black forest cake character with savoury, spicy undertones makes it ideal for rich, protein-heavy dishes like lamb shanks, beef bourguignon, or aged Manchego cheese. The oak-derived vanilla notes complement dishes with similar warm spices, while the wine's earthy complexity pairs beautifully with mushroom-based dishes or game meats. Its full-bodied structure can stand up to bold flavours without being overwhelmed, making it versatile for hearty Mediterranean or Spanish cuisine.