Finest for: charcuterie companionship
M&S has carved out a reputation for itself as a purveyor of high quality items, having constructed a formidable vary of exemplary merchandise underneath its M&S Assortment umbrella. Naturally, its wine imports are of especial import, so to talk – as evidenced by two notably robust entrants from El Coto de Rioja in Álava, one in all which is a 2018 Reserva.
The Duque de Miralta Reserva 2018 pours shiny, however sits darkish within the glass. Although aromatic, it’s delightfully straightforward on the nostril, evoking darkish chocolate and dried fruits immediately. This decadent path combine offers method to compote notes, and hints at a developed sweetness within the course of.
At first style, although, this sweetness just isn’t really easy to search out. That is to its credit score, as extra advanced spiced notes come to the entrance. It’s pleasingly tart, with somewhat tannic bitterness behind it that can be fairly welcome; as that tartness mellows, the sweetness seems, and lingers on the tongue with darkish fruits and cacao. This developed, all-trades mellowness is thanks each to the mixing of grapes from all three areas and to the French oak casks during which the Reserva spends two years.
In all, that is an enjoyably advanced Rioja that doesn’t alienate with its fuller-bodied flavour profile. It might naturally stand effectively in opposition to stronger spiced and meaty dishes, however its thinner tartness would additionally make it a advantageous charcuterie companion.