Castillo Armado Tempranillo Reserva 2016

Castillo Armado pays homage to the armed fortresses of Valdepeñas, built in the late 8th century atop the large rocks of Spain’s central plains. As one of the country’s oldest winemaking regions, recognised as an official appellation of origin since 1932, Valdepeñas is home to some of Spain’s oldest vines. Some of our Tempranillo vines date back to the year of our winery’s foundation in 1904 and their precious grapes are blended with those of our younger ones

100% Tempranillo

Clay and lime soils with fiercely cold winters and hot, dry summers.

The Tempranillo grapes were picked by hand from our younger trellised vines and our unsupported old vines in early September (average age of vines at time of harvest was 35 years). Slow fermentation at controlled temperatures (20-22°C) helps to preserve and develop the naturally fruit-driven intensity of the Tempranillo grapes before the wine is decanted into 225L oak barrels to begin the ageing process in our temperature-controlled barrel room.

Aged in our cellars for 5 years, with a minimum of 12 months spent in our French, American and Hungarian oak barriques.

Will improve with age over the next 3-5 years.

Castillo Armado Reserva’s ripe berry flavours are coupled with hints of smooth vanilla and rich cocoa, imparted by the French, American and Hungarian oak barrels in which the wine has matured. Dark red cherry with a savoury bouquet infused with redcurrant fruit and cake spices, then spicy and savoury to the taste with lifted red berry fruit, a touch of orange zest and peppery spices. There’s a nice touch of smokiness coming through, underlying earthy notes and a long dry finish lifted by vanilla oak and mint. Tannins are firm yet the wine is ripe and juicy with a pleasing generosity.

This wine will go well with Duck confit pappardelle with golden cherry tomatos, fennel infused tomato sauce, Manchego cheese and roasted pine nuts, or a tapas platter with jamon serrano, chorizo and grilled vegetables.  Ie. tapas platters, meats, medium bodied pasta, pork, chicken.