El Coto De Imaz Rioja Gran Reserva

El Coto was founded in 1970 in Rioja Alavesa and has grown from humble beginnings into one of the best-known Rioja producers. Today El Coto has over 700 hectares of vineyard in production across the three Rioja DOCa sub-zones of Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa and Rioja Oriental. This makes them the largest vineyard owner in Rioja and gives them great control of the quality of the grapes which go into their wines, the majority of which are sourced from their own vineyards. Their stand-out reds hail primarily from their estate at Cenicero in the heart of Rioja Alta. There is an increased focus on sustainability, both in the vineyard and the winery, including the use of cover crops and integrated pest management. In addition, they are in the process of converting 38 hectares of the Los Almendros vineyard to organic viticulture, aiming to be certified in the next two years.

They have invested in a new property, Finca Carbonera, ideal for the production of their white wines. With parts of the estate reaching almost 900 metres above sea level, it is the highest vineyard in all of Rioja, and perfect for the new white grape varieties.

Head winemaker Cesar Fernandez oversees production, starting with hand picking into 350 kilogram crates to ensure the grapes arrive at the winery in pristine condition. Modern and intelligently designed, the emphasis in the winery is on temperature control and gentle handling of the grapes.

Tempranillo, Graciano

The ‘Coto de Imaz’ wines are made from a selection of the best Tempranillo grapes grown in El Coto’s vineyards in Cenicero, Rioja Alta. The soils here are limestone-rich clay and produce grapes of great flavour intensity and excellent levels of acidity, crucial for the making of Reserva and Gran Reserva wines which undergo extensive oak ageing. A small amount of Graciano is also included in the blend for the Gran Reserva, to add complexity.

Upon arrival at the winery, the grapes were sorted, destemmed and crushed. Fermentation took place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks at 22-27°C and lasted for around 21 to 30 days. After malolactic fermentation in tank, the wines were transferred into a mixture of French and American oak (75% new) for a minimum of 24 months, followed by 36 months ageing in bottle prior to release.

This wine is a brilliant ruby colour, with russet tones. On the nose, there are aromas of toast and coconut followed by tertiary aromas including leather and a noticeable earthiness. The palate is fruit forward with distinct red berry and dried fruit characteristics, alongside a hint of oak-derived spice. It is rounded with silky tannins and finishes with a persistent and complex aftertaste.

Caribbean goat curry is a winner with this one!