Ondarre Rioja Gran Reserva is a flagship of Bodegas Ondarre, part of the respected Grupo Faustino in Rioja. Made in the classic Gran Reserva style, it is built around Tempranillo and released only after extended ageing in oak barrels followed by several years’ maturation in bottle.

The 2019 shows a mature, brick-edged red. The nose unfolds with dried red and black fruits, sweet spice and vanilla from oak, leading into leather, tobacco and forest-floor complexity. The palate is silky and savoury, with fine-grained tannins and a long, elegant finish — a traditional, food-friendly Rioja, superb with roast lamb, game and aged Manchego.