Is this the world's most underpriced wine? Definitely a top contender.
Wine Enthusiast 93 points.
"Aromas of cassis, purple plums and a touch of summer farm stand waft from this deep-ruby-colored wine. It is surprisingly soft at first sip and then lush tannins slowly build in volume, bearing flavors of dark berries, eucalyptus and red-apple peel that drop off into a minty finish. Mike DeSimone" - Wine Enthusiast
Bodegas Franco-Españolas was born in 1890 as the union between France and Spain at a peak moment in Rioja, when the French came to the region trying to replace their vineyards devastated by the phylloxera disease. It was the origin of the “fino wines of Rioja”.
In 2015 the winery celebrated its 125th anniversary and in 2016, Borja Eguizábal assumes management, giving way to the third generation of the Eguizábal family as owners of the winery. We met with Borja at the family's Ribera del Duero estate (Valparaiso) where we got an unexpected insight into the extraordinary history and future ambition of this important operation.
70% Tempranillo, 20% Graciano, 10% Mazuelo.
Ageing
The wine is aged in new (30%) and second–year medium–roasted white American (Ohio) and French oak barrels for 30 months, with decanting every 6 months to facilitate the natural filtering process. It then stays in the bottle for 36 months for refinement.
Tasting
Ruby red in colour with russet hues. Complex in the nose, good intensity, balsamic, spicy, leathers, tobacco; all of this over a delightful candied fruit backdrop. A very enticing combination. In the mouth: elegant, tasty, highly aromatic, voluptuous tannins still present in the classical style and lasting through the aftertaste.
