Expect dark cherry, dried red fruit, leather, tobacco, vanilla, dill, and dried herb with full body, structured but softening tannins, and bright acidity. Gran Reserva-level Rioja requires at least 2 years in oak and 3 years in bottle, with ~5 years total minimum aging. The 2015 Rioja vintage was warm.
- Varietal
- Tempranillo-dominant Rioja blend
- Region
- Spain / La Rioja
- Body
- Full
- Style
- dry red, traditional Rioja, oak-aged, age-worthy
The producer
Bodegas Carlos Serres was founded in 1896 and is one of Rioja's older producers. The estate produces traditional Rioja across the standard quality tiers (Crianza, Reserva, Gran Reserva).
What critics say
Carlos Serres Gran Reserva receives consistently solid reviews as a well-made traditional Rioja Gran Reserva.
Pairing
Slow-roasted lamb, lamb chops with rosemary, aged Manchego