Behind the Martínez Corta winery are four generations who have progressively handed down the winegrowing tradition. Its greatest asset, a well-tended family vineyard with very old vines planted more than a century ago in Rioja Alta. Some of the grapes from these wines went into making Martínez Corta Reserva 2016, a single-varietal Tempranillo that's classical in style and very elegant. Awarded 90 points by British Master of WineTim Atkin.
Consumption features
Serving temperature
Consumption time
General features
Type of wine
Region
Grape variety
100% Tempranillo
Type of barrel
French oak (3 to 5 years old)
Barrel aging time
16 months
Capacity (cl)
75
Alcohol content (% vol.)
14.5
General Information
Martínez Corta Reserva 2016 comes from 100% Tempranillo vineyards with calcareous soils in Uruñuela and Cenicero, at an average altitude of 500 metres. After being picked by hand, the grapes were fermented for 15 days in stainless steel vats at a controlled temperature. The wine was then transferred to French oak barrels to be aged for 16 months and was finally matured to perfection in the bottle for at least 36 months.
Founded in 2005, Bodegas y Viñedos Martínez Corta is built on the work of four generations of winegrowers in Rioja Alta, specifically in the municipality of Uruñuela. This family firm began with the planting of the first vineyards on the slopes of the Najerilla River, near the villages of San Asensio and Torremontalbo. It now has 80 hectares of vineyards located in an exceptional area between the Ebro and Najerilla rivers. Most of the vines are very old, some more than a century, and grow in poor, healthy, calcareous and clayey soils that are conducive to low yields of high quality.
The winery's facilities, surrounded by vineyards, have a characteristic octagonal layout. Its range of wines respects the classic character of the area, but expertly updated to appeal to contemporary tastes. Martínez Corta is currently part of the Bornos Bodegas y Viñedos group.
Martínez Corta Reserva 2016 (D.O.Ca. Rioja) is an excellent accompaniment to stewed meats such as oxtail in red wine or round of beef.
Tasting notes
Lovely ripe cherry red colour with a garnet rim and medium-high pigmentation.
Fragrant and highly intense aromas, with initial notes of delicate, clear hints of black fruit in jam (blackberries and plums), followed by balsamic notes of liquorice and subtle echoes of toasted wood and cocoa in the finish.
On the palate, the wine is round with great balance between acidity, body and alcohol. Pleasant tactile sensations translate into ripe tannins with good mouthfeel. Very ripe fruit on the palate with spicy hints. Great balance. Long, clean finish with a blend of black fruit and smoky notes.