Rioja, 1976 Red Wine

Description

1976 Faustino Martinez Rioja Reserva

Overview:
A mature Rioja Reserva from historic producer Faustino Martinez, this 1976 vintage reflects the traditional style of classic Rioja winemaking, where extended oak ageing and long bottle maturation shape a wine of refinement and tertiary complexity. Predominantly Tempranillo-based, it now shows the evolved character expected from a well-aged Reserva from this era.

Appearance:
Deep garnet-brick in colour with amber reflections at the rim, showing full maturity and extended evolution.

Nose:
Complex and fully evolved, opening with dried cherry, plum and redcurrant, layered with leather, tobacco leaf and vanilla. Cedarwood, balsamic tones and gentle sweet spice develop with aeration.

Palate:
Medium-bodied, smooth and fully resolved, with softened tannins and a harmonious structure. Flavours of dried red fruit, stewed plum and cherry are complemented by savoury leather, spice and refined oak-derived complexity. Balanced acidity maintains freshness despite full tertiary development.

Finish:
Long, savoury and elegant, with lingering notes of dried fruit, cedar, tobacco and gentle spice.

Decanting:
Stand upright for 24–48 hours prior to opening to allow sediment to settle. Decant carefully through a fine strainer immediately before serving at 16–18°C. Fragile corks are common with wines of this age; any cork fragments should be removed during decanting.

Condition

Good condition