DOMINIO DEL AGUILA Canta la Perdiz , Ribera del Duero

DOMINIO DEL AGUILA Picaro Tinto Fino , Ribera del Duero

This Tempranillo from the renowned Rioja region offers a delicate touch of oak, savoury flavours and light tannins. Vibrant in style and softly structured, it is a fantastic food wine.

There are minuscule volumes produced of the Cirsion by Bodegas Roda (the name of the thistle which is Roda's logo) which is made from grapes specially selected for the suppleness of the tannins they deliver. Parcels selected are from low-yielding older Tempranillo vines of 45 years and more, from four vineyards. Choosing the plants with the softest tannins, this makes the wine very attractive and supple early on, but it still has great ageing potential.

This wine displays a bright bigarreau cherry colour with light red-brick tones provided by the oak ageing. It has complex and interesting aromas of ripe red fruits harmoniously integrated with spicy touches, dominating some pleasant balsamic notes. Balanced in mouth, with body and strength. Soft tannins, fleshy and expressive. A wine with a long life.

A rich unmistakable Rioja jammed packed with flavours of ripe dark berries and plum. This bargain has been a favourite of ours for a while now and is a fabulous match to hearty casseroles and spicy sausages.

Upon much deliberation, our overall masked winner revealed a style and character that provided us with a fairly clear cut insight into the modern day advances of a region etched in history and tradition. Cosme Palacio consistently produces one of our favourite Riojas that always offers incredible value for money. Produced predominantly from Tempranillo grown in cool, relatively high altitude sites, this is modern Rioja that's bright and ready to go thanks to a touch of bottle age. It's medium bodied with fine tannins and juicy in the mouth. Black fruits dominate the flavour profile with some delicate cedar and earthy notes adding complexity to a delicious example from this much loved region.