Viña del Portillo Reserva Navarra 2017

A complex, mature Reserva from the renowned Bodegas de Sarria. It lies in Navarra, a region next door to Rioja. And this wine while similar to Rioja is also uniquely its own beast. It's made with a large portion of Cabernet, complemented by Spain's native Graciano. That's typical of Navarra, a region in the northeast, next door to Rioja, but one that's as influenced by France as it is by its neighbour. As long ago as the 1980s, it was experimenting with Bordeaux grapes alongside Spanish varieties. This appealing, silky and complex red is from Bodegas de Sarria, a winery that lies at the heart of the Pilgrim's Way, not far from Pamplona. They are renowned for quality. Matured for two years in oak, the rest in bottle, this is a complex, long-flavoured red, with toasty oak spice that’s delicious with roast lamb rich, braised meat dishes.