Viniou Reviews
The Faustino Cuvée I Gran Reserva 2015 is a flagship red wine from the prestigious Rioja DO, epitomising the estate’s rich winemaking heritage. Crafted mainly from Tempranillo, the dominant grape variety in Rioja, it is complemented by smaller proportions of Graciano and Mazuelo, lending depth and structure. The grapes are handpicked from select vineyards before undergoing a traditional vinification, including extended ageing in American and French oak barrels, which is customary for Gran Reserva wines and imparts complex tertiary aromas and a beautiful integration of tannins. The 2015 vintage, marked by particularly favourable weather conditions, yielded wines of notable elegance, balance and potential for cellaring.
Rioja, situated in northern Spain and flanked by the Sierra Cantabria, benefits from a convergence of Atlantic and Mediterranean influences. This results in warm days and cool nights, ideal for nurturing acidity and aromatic concentration in the wines. The soils are a blend of calcareous clay, ferrous clay and alluvial sediments, providing the vines with excellent drainage and mineral complexity. Rioja’s winemaking traditions date back centuries, with a reputation for producing ageworthy reds that are renowned around the world for their finesse, subtlety and layered character.
The Faustino Gran Reserva 2015 calls for refined food pairings that honour its complexity. Classic choices include roast lamb or beef, especially slow-cooked dishes that mirror the wine’s savoury notes and gentle tannins. It also pairs beautifully with regional Spanish specialities such as Rioja-style lamb stew (cordero a la riojana), Iberico ham, and hard cheeses like Manchego. For a vegetarian option, try dishes featuring earthy mushrooms or roasted root vegetables.
To fully appreciate this Gran Reserva, serve it at a temperature of 16-18°C. Decanting for at least an hour before tasting will allow the wine’s bouquet of dried red fruits, tobacco, sweet spices and subtle leathery notes to emerge. Enjoy now or consider cellaring a few more years for additional complexity.
