{"product_id":"2020-palacios-remondo-la-montesa-rioja-reserva-seleccion-especial","title":"2020 Palacios Remondo Rioja Reserva Selección Especial La Montesa","description":"\u003cp\u003e2020 Palacios Remondo La Montesa Rioja Reserva Selección Especial is a refined, Garnacha‑driven Rioja that captures both the elegance of the high‑altitude Monte Yerga slopes and the signature touch of Álvaro Palacios. Crafted only in the best vintages and from older vines averaging 34 years of age, this is the “big brother” to the estate’s much‑loved La Montesa. It offers a deeper, more structured expression of Rioja Oriental, where ripe red fruit, floral lift and sweet spice come together in a modern yet unmistakably classic style.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the glass, this Reserva shows a beautiful, bright ruby‑red hue with medium intensity and a subtle garnet edge hinting at its time in oak. The nose is expressive and aromatic, showcasing pure Garnacha character: juicy cherries and ripe plums layered with wild forest berries, violet and rose petal notes, and a fine frame of sweet spices such as nutmeg, cedar, vanilla and a touch of cinnamon from its barrel aging.\n\nOn the palate, the wine is medium to full‑bodied, with a supple, polished texture and well‑woven tannins. The core of ripe red and dark fruit is balanced by fresh acidity, giving the wine lift and length. Sweet spice and subtle toasted notes from the mix of French and American oak add complexity without overpowering the fruit, creating a refined interplay between richness and elegance. La Montesa Reserva Selección Especial is notably fuller and more concentrated than its sibling La Montesa, yet remains poised and drinkable, with a long, gently spicy finish. Enjoyable now for its vibrant fruit and silky structure, it also has the potential to age gracefully over the next 6–8 years, developing more savory and tertiary nuances with time in bottle.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduction\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe grapes for La Montesa Reserva Selección Especial come from estate vineyards on the slopes of Monte Yerga in the eastern part of Rioja, at around 550 meters above sea level. This higher elevation, combined with poor, well‑drained soils, allows Garnacha to ripen fully while retaining freshness and aromatic intensity. The vines average 34 years in age, naturally limiting yields and concentrating flavor. After harvest, there is a strict fruit selection so that only the best bunches proceed to fermentation. Fermentation occurs spontaneously with native yeasts in stainless steel tanks, preserving the purity of the fruit and the character of the terroir. The wine then matures for 12 months in a mix of French and American oak barrels, followed by additional bottle aging to meet Reserva requirements and to harmonize tannins, fruit and oak before release.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood \u0026amp; Serving\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis elegant yet flavorful Rioja Reserva pairs beautifully with a range of Spanish and Mediterranean dishes. It is outstanding with aged Manchego, Jamón Ibérico or Serrano, and classic tapas such as albóndigas (meatballs) in tomato sauce, grilled chorizo or roasted vegetables with olive oil and herbs. It also works very well with roast lamb, pork tenderloin, game birds, or mushroom‑based dishes like risottos and hearty stews. For optimal enjoyment, serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F). Decanting for 30–60 minutes before serving helps the aromas open up and allows the tannins to soften, especially in its youth.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProducer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePalacios Remondo is the historic family estate of the Palacios family in Rioja, and the spiritual home of renowned winemaker Álvaro Palacios. While Álvaro gained international acclaim for putting Priorat and Bierzo firmly on the fine‑wine map, he returned to Rioja in 2000 after his father’s passing to take over the oenological direction of the domaine. From its vineyards in Rioja Oriental, particularly on Monte Yerga, Palacios Remondo focuses on Garnacha as the principal grape, emphasizing wines that transparently reflect their origin rather than rigidly following traditional categorizations. Today, the estate is considered one of the leading modern references in Rioja, known for combining finesse, terroir expression and drinkability in wines that regularly garner critical praise and a loyal following among enthusiasts worldwide.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Palacios Remondo","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54251856036177,"sku":"GCW-REMO-20111225","price":30.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0874\/0614\/9969\/files\/2020_Palacios_Remondo_Rioja_Reserva_Seleccin_Especial_La_Montesa.png?v=1783441885","url":"https:\/\/bottlehero.com\/products\/2020-palacios-remondo-la-montesa-rioja-reserva-seleccion-especial","provider":"Bottle Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}