Wines Rioja Seleccion Especial Numerada - Toro Reserva - 2020

Viniou Reviews

Seleccion Especial Numerada 2020 is a striking red wine from the renowned Rioja DO, in the heart of Spain's most celebrated wine region. This wine, crafted from a carefully selected “Cuvée Toro Reserva” blend, showcases the finesse and depth characteristic of exemplary Rioja reds. The 2020 vintage benefited from a balanced growing season, ensuring optimal maturity of the grapes. With a natural certification, the wine was vinified with minimal intervention, focusing on expressing the true character of the fruit and terroir. While the precise grape composition isn’t listed, most Rioja reds are dominated by Tempranillo, often enhanced with Garnacha and minor indigenous varieties, resulting in a harmonious profile of ripe red fruits, subtle oak, and a graceful tannic structure.

The Rioja region is nestled along the banks of the Ebro River, flanked by the Sierra Cantabria mountains, bringing about a complex interplay of Atlantic and Mediterranean influences. The soils are diverse, comprising a mix of clay, limestone and alluvial components, conferring both structure and elegance to the wines. Rioja boasts a storied winemaking tradition, dating back to Roman times, and has evolved into Spain’s benchmark for age-worthy, expressive reds. The Reserva category, as represented by this cuvée, typically denotes extended maturation, lending further complexity and refined spice notes to the wine.

Food pairings for this Seleccion Especial Numerada 2020 should highlight its depth and balance. Classic pairings would include roast lamb scented with rosemary, chorizo stew or ibérico pork; the wine’s vibrant acidity and structured tannins also complement dishes like grilled vegetables, wild mushroom risotto or aged Manchego cheese. Traditional Riojan specialities such as patatas a la riojana (a hearty potato and chorizo dish) will harmonize beautifully with the wine’s generous fruit and subtle earthiness.

Serve this Rioja Reserva at a temperature of 16-18°C. Decant for around an hour to allow its aromatic bouquet to unfold fully, and enjoy in large-bowled glasses to appreciate its complexity and lingering finish. This bottle can be savoured now or cellared for further development over the next 5 to 8 years.