Wines Catalonia Finca Museum - Reserva - 2020

Viniou Reviews

Finca Museum Reserva 2020 hails from the diverse winemaking region of Catalonia in Spain, an area renowned for its innovative approach and attention to quality. This red wine is a cuvée reserva, meaning it has enjoyed a lengthy ageing period before release, often lending the wine more complex aromas and a silkier texture. While the precise blend is not detailed, Catalonian reds typically feature Tempranillo, Garnacha (Grenache), and occasionally Carignan, each contributing structure, fruitiness, and spicy nuance. The 2020 vintage benefited from a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and moderate rainfall, resulting in ripe, concentrated fruit. Barrel ageing, characteristic of reserva wines, introduces notes of vanilla, sweet spices, and a touch of smokiness, which beautifully complement the inherent red and black fruit character typical of the region.

Catalonia stands out as one of Spain’s most dynamic and diverse wine regions, boasting a rich tapestry of microclimates and soils. The region is bounded by the Pyrenees and the Mediterranean Sea, with a mixture of limestone, slate, and clay soils, ideal for cultivating expressive, well-structured reds. A long viticultural history dating back to Roman times combines traditional and modern winemaking, producing wines with both authenticity and contemporary finesse. Finca Museum sources fruit from old vines grown on rocky, poor soils, which limit yield and concentrate the flavours, resulting in wines of depth and elegance.

For food pairings, the structure and complexity of this reserva make it a superb match with robust dishes. Spanish classics such as slow-cooked lamb or Catalan beef stew (estofado de ternera) are perfect, as the wine’s tannins and acidity complement both the richness of the meat and the aromatic spices in the dish. Grilled venison, roast duck, or Manchego cheese are equally harmonious, and for something distinctly local, try botifarra sausage with white beans.

To fully appreciate this wine, serve it at 16-18°C. Decanting for about 30 minutes will help the aromatic profile to open, revealing layers of fruit, spice, and subtle oak. This is a wine made for convivial meals and sharing, reflecting the spirit of Catalonian winemaking.