A superb gift for a red wine lover. This is a great Rioja Gift Set containing two superb bottles of Spainsh Rioja from Hacienda el Ternero in a wooden presentation box.

Wine has been grown and made at this site since 1077, a heritage the winery is extremely proud of. Unusually, despite being produced well within the boundary of the Rioja DOCa wine-making region, the vines actually reside in a small enclave of the neighbouring Castilla y Leon administrative area after the church sold the land to the state at the beginning of the 19th century. Unlike most Rioja (which is matured in American oak), this winery choose to age their wine in new and 2nd year French oak for a softer, more approachable style.

Hacienda el Ternero Crianza 'Torno'

The name `Torno` stems from the old Monastery; the monks would place food and clothing onto the base of a rotating door which they would turn `torno` so that the people outside could get to them without looking out.

This fantastic Spanish red wine from Rioja Alta is made from 100% Tempranillo. Classified as Crianza, it was aged for 12 months in French oak barrels before resting in bottle.

On the nose it is perfumed with violets and cherries. The palate is fresh and structured with notes of black fruits with spices and hints of caramel from the oak influence on the finish.

Hacienda El Ternero Selección Crianza

The 'Selección' Crianza is a slight step-up from the 'Torno', having spent 14 months in barrel and at least a year resting in its bottle.

The result is 100% Tempranillo grapes that exude black cherry and plums on the nose with aromatic scents of violets and fresh herbs. On the palate expect that same vibrant fruit but with subtle balsamic, tapenade and fresh toast undertones from the French barrels. Food wise – my advice is this: the wine is the culmination of careful maturation of flavours over a long period of time so treat your food the same; slow cooked chicken and chorizo casserole, braised lamb shank or aged, cured meats and cheeses will work best. Aged wine loves slow food.