Bodegas Olarra 'Era Costana' Reserva Red Blend, Rioja DOCa, Spain

Fruit forward, robust, and brimming with personality: introducing the Era Costana Reserva. The luscious tannins lead the way into a deeply savory palate of licorice, tobacco, star anise, and blackberries. It's almost reminiscent of biting into a freshly baked blackberry pie, and every bit as satisfying. Wines like this are built to go with a great meal; if it were up to us, we'd be serving some pork chops and a fennel salad, but the options are almost endless.

Product Details:

• ABV: 13.5%
• Blend: Tempranillo-heavy Rioja Blend
• Appellation: Rioja DOCa
• Wine Enthusiast Rating: 94 Points

Sensory Description:
A touch of baking spice on the bouquet enlivens dark-berry notes. This wine has flavors of black cherry, blackberry, clove, salted caramel, and Valencia orange, with a touch of olive tapenade. Lustrous tannins dissolve into a bright fruit-filled finish, leaving a lasting impression that invites another sip.

Winemaker's Background:
Practically since its foundation, Bodegas Olarra has been recognized as the Great Cathedral of Rioja or the greatest exponent of Wine Architecture. Its impressive construction, the work of Juan Antonio Ridruejo, is one of the first exercises in architecture applied to a winery and one of the first times that a prestigious architect designed a production facility.

Wine is for people to enjoy. That is who we are thinking about when we are making it. About who is going to enjoy it and how, what their tastes are. And just as these have changed and evolved with time, so have our wines, but without losing any of the character and philosophy of our roots. With a history dating back 50 years, Bodegas Olarra bases their wines on the ideal selection of the raw material, on the traditional winemaking methods which have been adapted to modern times and on the calm evolution of their wines in accordance with the new tastes of the consumer.

The third generation of the Bodegas Olarra family is made up of three committed young winemakers whose memories, training, and dedication are totally wrapped up in the production of great Rioja wines. Pedro Limousin Ucín is responsible for the area of sales, Marcial Zapke Ucín performs his duties in the area of administration, and Luis Limousin Ucín, together with Javier Martínez de Salinas (one of the best winemakers in Spain), makes the perfect tandem in the areas of 21st-century viticulture and oenology.

Serving Suggestions:
Era Costana Reserva is an excellent companion to a hearty meal. It pairs beautifully with pork chops and a fennel salad, or you might enjoy it with a rich lamb stew. Serve at a temperature between 60-65°F to fully appreciate its complex flavors and aromas.