Rioja, 1966 Red Wine

Federico Paternina Reserva Especial

Bottle size: 75cl

ABV: 13%

Price:

£199.00

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Description

The 1966 Federico Paternina Reserva Especial is a magnificent example of mature Rioja from one of Spain’s most historic and respected bodegas. Founded in 1896 in Haro, at the heart of Rioja Alta, Paternina built its reputation on crafting long-lived wines that embody the classic Rioja style—Tempranillo-led blends aged extensively in American oak before release. The 1966 vintage is considered one of the great years of the 20th century in Rioja, producing wines with the depth, balance, and structure to age gracefully for decades, as this Reserva Especial so clearly demonstrates.

In the glass, the wine displays a pale brick-red hue with orange-brown highlights, a hallmark of mature Tempranillo. The bouquet is wonderfully complex and evolved, with layers of dried cherry, redcurrant, and plum interwoven with vanilla, coconut, and sweet spice from long oak ageing. Secondary and tertiary notes of leather, tobacco leaf, cedar, and earthy truffle add richness, while subtle hints of dried orange peel and balsamic lift the aromatics beautifully.

On the palate, the 1966 Reserva Especial is silky and elegant, with tannins fully resolved into a smooth, graceful texture. The once-vibrant fruit has softened into flavours of dried strawberry, fig, and spiced apple, balanced by savoury tones of cigar box, old leather, and toasted almond. A gentle, well-preserved acidity gives the wine freshness, ensuring it remains lively despite its great age. The finish is long and layered, leaving a warm, savoury echo tinged with spice and dried fruit.

This is a wine to enjoy in quiet appreciation, ideally decanted gently to remove sediment before serving. It pairs beautifully with traditional Spanish dishes such as roast lamb, jamón ibérico, or grilled vegetables, and works equally well with aged Manchego or Idiazábal cheese. The 1966 Federico Paternina Reserva Especial is more than a bottle of wine—it is a time capsule from Rioja’s golden era, offering a rare and unforgettable tasting experience.

Condition

Bin-soiled and slightly damaged label. Level: base of neck

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