Wines Navarre Larrainzar - Reserva Especial - 2014

Viniou Reviews

Larrainzar’s 2014 Cuvée Reserva Especial is a distinguished red wine hailing from Navarre, a historic region in northern Spain. Crafted in the classic Reserva style, this wine likely features a blend of traditional Navarran grape varieties such as Tempranillo, Garnacha, and possibly Graciano or Cabernet Sauvignon, though the specific cépage may vary. Matured for a prolonged period in oak barrels and then in bottle, as is customary for cualquier Reserva, it reveals deep concentration and complexity. The 2014 vintage, marked by a relatively balanced climate after an initially wet spring, allowed grapes to achieve optimum ripeness, fostering expressive fruit aromas buttressed by elegant tannins and well-integrated oak.

Navarre, nestled just north of Rioja and bordered by the Pyrenees, benefits from a unique climatic mosaic. While the western end enjoys the temperate influence of Atlantic winds, the central and eastern sections are shaped by continental and Mediterranean climates. This diversity, coupled with a patchwork of clay-limestone, gravelly soils, and alluvial terraces, makes Navarre ideal for producing both robust reds and fresh rosés. Historically significant as a medieval kingdom and a wine trading route, Navarre’s estates such as Larrainzar embody a balance between innovation and preservation of viticultural heritage.

The structure and depth of the Cuvée Reserva Especial make it an ideal companion for hearty dishes. Traditional pairings include roast lamb shoulder seasoned with rosemary, braised beef cheeks, or game such as venison adorned with wild mushrooms. Local Navarran cuisine, such as cordero al chilindrón (lamb stew with peppers and tomatoes), syncs beautifully with the wine’s spice and savouriness. For cheese lovers, a wedge of mature Manchego or Idiazábal sharpens its fruit profile and frames its polished tannins.

To appreciate the full bouquet and refined palate of this Reserva, serve it at 16-18°C. Allowing the wine to breathe for at least an hour prior to tasting will unfurl layers of dark fruit, balsamic undertones, and subtle wood spice, elevating your culinary experience.