Carlos Serres Rioja DOCa Gran Reserva 2014

Carlos Serres, a native of Bordeaux (there he is known as Charles), started a viticulture venture in Rioja back in 1896.  Mainly export the wines to his clients, after Phylloxera devastated France. Originally located in the Haro Station District, the Carlos Serres winery merged French wine-making techniques and local terroir with character. Two unique features supported the international expansion of its wines which, in just a few years, were already present on the other side of the Atlantic.

The fruits of its Rioja Gran Reserva came from 60 hectares of vineyards on Rioja Alta,  known as Finca El Estanque vineyard. The varieties used including Tempranillo (85%+) and some Graciano and Mazuelo. Average vine age around 35 years old.  Graciano in the area can provide refreshing acidity and exotic spice characters. Mazuelo, also known as Carignan in Southern France, enhances both tannin and wine body.

The wine-making involves long pre-fermenation maceration, up to 15 days after the initial gentle press.  Fermentation took place in cement tanks. The temperature max at 32℃. Once vinification completed, the wines began to age in both French and American oak barrels. According to the regulation of Rioja DOCa, 24 months in oak, and a further 3 years in bottles. The wine is not released until 2018, nearly six years after the harvest. Long ageing provides the wine velvet smooth tannin and hind-taste, also intense wine body and palate flavours due to reduction during the years in barrel