Wine Review of 2014 La Rioja Alta S.A. Torre de Oña ‘Martelo’ Reserva Rioja Vino Tinto Red, Spain
Score: 91/100 points
The Torre de Oña vineyard property was acquired in 1995 by La Rioja Alta S.A. with the aim of making wine from a single estate rather than from blending grapes from several vineyards spread across Rioja which is the tradition and most common winemaking practice in this area of Northern Spain.
Important investments have been made on the property located at the feet of the Cantabrian Mountains in Rioja Alavesa, allowing the production of a brand-new wine made of 60+ years-old vines: Martelo.
Made predominately from Tempranillo, the star grape variety of Rioja, together with small proportions of Mazuelo, Garnacha, and Viura, Martelo is aged for 24 months primarily in American oak barrels to ‘bring sweetness and suavity to the wine without adding to the tannic structure’.
The first-ever vintage of Torre de Oña Martelo Reserva was vintage 2012 while the 2014 vintage (cosecha 2014)reviewed here has just been released. Here are thoughts and tasting comments about it.
Overall Reviews Notes & Tasting Impressions
With a red color of medium intensity, Martelo Rioja red wine shines with an abundance of oaky and fruity notes to the nose.
A heap of toasted coconut and vanilla, burst in intensity with roasted hazelnut and bright cherry fruit characters to the aromatic profile, spiced up by sweet spices, nutmeg and a hint of lifted white pepper.
The palate is soft with a tannic density of medium concentration, but the wine bursts in intense dark-roasted coffee and cocoa bean notes. It’s pungently fruity filled with flavors of cherry liqueur and dried cranberry, as well as very spicy, notes of chili and black pepper.
The whole feels savory and slightly drying with granulous tannins and a ashy finish.
A wine to pair with rich meat dishes and stews, grilled fat cuts of meat and opulent diners. It will pair perfectly with cuisine needing a good acidity and savory finish to cleanse your palate and add powerful spicy and toasted, smoky notes.
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