Sierra Cantabria Rioja Reserva Unica 2020 750ml

#85 in Top 100 Wines, 2025. From a year when the producer lost 20% of its grapes, the 2020 Reserva Unica overcomes the adversity of the vintage in its delicate, finessed profile that belies an inherent power of concentrated black fruit. With 2% Graciano, it has precise acidity and is plenty powerful yet supple in tannins and rich red fruit. Beautifully balanced, it shows profound elegance and will be a long-lived wine for another 15-20 years.

• Country: Spain
• Region: La Rioja
• Appellation: Rioja
• Size: 750ml
• Color: Red

Varietal

Tempranillo

There are plenty of notable native Spanish grapes which have made a big impression on the wine world at large, but none are as renowned or as widely loved as the Tempranillo varietal. This black skinned grape has been used for wine making for centuries, with several ancient civilizations noticing the fact that it is highly versatile and holds some delicious flavors and aromas, perfect for those looking for a powerful yet elegant grape for their wines. Tempranillo often causes winemakers some trouble, however, as it is highly susceptible to many diseases. Despite this, plenty continue to persevere with this varietal, as it is perfect for producing delicious and complex single variety and blended wines, packed full of classic Spanish flavors and plenty of aromatic and intense surprises.