Siglo Tempranillo Special Edition from Bodegas Manzanos comes covered in a jute sack, which instantly gives the bottle a lovely old-world Spanish feel.
The back label explains that winemakers in the past would wrap their best bottles in jute to help preserve them during transport, protecting them from shifts in temperature and light under the hot Spanish sun. This jute saco is hand-stitched by ASPRODEMA, an NGO supporting adults with intellectual disabilities.
The wine is 100% Tempranillo from vineyards in Rioja Alta and the Rioja del Reyno area. Unusually, there is no visible vintage. The Rioja label is green, Joven, that gives no official ageing indication. However, it is aged for 12 months in barrel, split 50% French oak and 50% American oak. The technical sheets also say it had had 92 points from Decanter, 92 points from James Suckling and sits at 13.5% abv.
This really needs at least 30 minutes to air in the glass or bottle. Once it opens up, you get cherry, eucalyptus, the latter actually slightly similar to the hessian sack around the bottle, but it does not come across as oaky. It is dry and fruity, with good depth, medium tannins and a gentle touch of spice.
This is not your full-on woody Rioja, the kind that can be too much with food unless you are having something like steak. This one feels more fruit-driven and is much more food friendly.
I received this from the importer and distributor Alliance Wine, who sell this wine to Morrisons, ND John, Spiritly and Champagne One, with retailers offering it for around £12.
