Hugonell Reserva Rioja 2020
£13.25
The wine
A traditional and classic Rioja showing notes of red berried fruit, tobacco and hints of spicy oak, through to a warm and heady palate with a rich, savoury finish. Aged at the Ondarre winery ten kilometres away.
Reserva requires three years of ageing with at least one in oak, and is made only in years the bodega judges worthy. Having the Joven, Crianza and Reserva alongside one another is the clearest demonstration available of what those years in barrel actually do to the same blend.
The producer
Hugonell
View all Hugonell winesHugonell is a Rioja label built on the region's classic ageing categories, made from Tempranillo with Garnacha, Mazuelo and Graciano in the traditional proportions.
Rioja's system is unlike any other. Rather than classifying by vineyard, it classifies by time: Joven means young and unaged, Crianza requires two years with one in oak, Reserva three years with one in oak, and Gran Reserva five years with two. The bodega, not the buyer, does the waiting, and Rioja is almost unique in releasing its wines ready to drink.
American oak has traditionally been used here rather than French, a legacy of the trade with the Americas, and it is where Rioja's characteristic vanilla and coconut note comes from. Having the Joven, Crianza and Reserva side by side is the clearest possible demonstration of what those years in barrel actually do.






