Spanish big guns, Remírez de Ganuza have produced a quite sublime old vine Tempranillo blend from the famed Rioja region that will defy all expectations. A luscious aroma of asian spicies and black fruits greet the nose before unfurling into flavours of dark berry fruit, cigar box, mushroom and blood plum. Brilliantly structured with life in front of it that will stretch with ease to 2025. If you're looking for a taste of Spanish royalty, start here.

Centred in the historic town of Haro in the Rioja Alta sub-region, the Imperial winery is named after a special bottling run for the English market, in a bottle known as the Imperial Pint. These days, the winery still applies artisinal winemaking techniques in their facilities, built by renowned French architect Gustave Eiffel in 1909. A blend of 85% Tempranillo, and 15% Graciano, Mazuelo, and Garnacho. Wild forest fruits are intermixed with liquorice, clove, and black pepper. Round and elegant on the palate with a fruit-filled aftertaste. A wine with great detail and finesse.

Contino was founded in 1973 as the first Chateau in Rioja on the 62 hectare estate in Rioja Alavesa. The name "Contino" refers to the officer in charge of the one hundred soldiers who looked after the royal family continuously, or "de contino". Grapes are carefully handpicked from the best microplots within the estate, with particular attention towards the characteristics of the soil and the characters they impart on the wines produced. The resulting blend of 86% Tempranillo, 6% Mazuelo, 6% Graciano and 2% Garnacha is exceptionally harmonious, with aromas of fresh dark fruits, along with spicy, toasty, notes of cedar and black pepper. This is a rich, flavour-packed wine full of complexity, with all of its components seamlessly integrated.

Vinas de Gain is Artadis entry level wine typically showing vibrant black fruit, plush tannins and a smooth supple texture. The Tempranillo grapes are sourced from vines between 25 and 40 years of age that are managed along organic and biodynamic lines. Vinas de Gais is matured in up to 40% new and 60% one and two year old casks for 12-14 months.

Marqués de Riscal began with a dream back in 1858 and over 150 years later, the Bodega decided to commemorate the 150th Anniversary with a Gran Reserva Rioja that befitted the history and standing of such great wines. The result it this outstanding Tempranillo blend from the 2001 vintage, a truly special vintage in the Rioja region. Dark cherry in colour with complex aromas of balsamic, charred wood and layers of spices. The palate follows with a viscous mouthfeel with a good concentration of tannins and acid structure. A truly remarkable Rioja that pays a great tribute.