Wines Rioja Martinez Bujanda - Gran Reserva - 2015

Viniou Reviews

Martinez Bujanda’s 2015 Gran Reserva from Rioja is an emblematic red wine, representing the enduring traditions and expertise of one of Spain’s most celebrated wine regions. Crafted from a blend typical to Rioja, this Gran Reserva likely features Tempranillo as the dominant variety, perhaps complemented by small percentages of Graciano and Mazuelo. The Gran Reserva classification signifies stringent ageing requirements: this wine has spent at least two years in oak barrels, followed by a minimum of three years ageing in bottle. This process results in an elegant bouquet, layered with aromas of dried fruits, tobacco, leather and subtle vanilla undertones, complemented by a silky, balanced palate and gracefully integrated tannins.

Rioja, located in north-central Spain along the Ebro River, boasts a fascinating viticultural history shaped by both traditional methods and modern innovations. The climate is strongly influenced by both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean, providing a mix of coolness and warmth that enables optimal grape ripening while maintaining acidity and aromatic complexity. Soils are diverse, but the predominance of calcareous clay, iron-rich clay and alluvial soils imparts a distinctive finesse and mineral backbone to the wines. Martinez Bujanda is one of the region’s established bodegas, lauded for its commitment to sustainable and organic practices – an extra mark of provenance in this Gran Reserva.

Given its structured yet harmonious style, this Rioja excels with robust, flavourful dishes. Classic Spanish pairings include lamb chops grilled over vine cuttings (chuletillas al sarmiento), slow-cooked lamb shoulder, or an aged Manchego cheese. Beyond regional fare, it accompanies roast beef, duck breast in berry sauce or earthy vegetable stews beautifully. Decanting for an hour prior to service will help release the wine’s complex bouquet and soften the tannins. The optimal tasting temperature is 16-18°C, allowing the full array of tertiary aromas and the wine's supple texture to express themselves in the glass.