Rioja DOCa Coto Real 2020 El Coto de Rioja

What kind of wine it is

Coto Real by El Coto de Rioja is a red wine produced in Rioja from Tempranillo grapes. Hand harvesting in crates preserves the integrity of the fruit until processing. The production process combines fermentation in steel, malolactic fermentation in barriques, and a long period of aging in barrels and bottles, strictly without filtration. The result is a glass with a complex profile, offering an elegant structure and a well-defined silky texture.

Where it comes from

This red comes from the Rioja wine-growing area, a Spanish region with a great winemaking tradition. The El Coto de Rioja winery works the grapes and enhances the intimate connection between grape variety and soil. Choosing to harvest the Tempranillo exclusively by hand reflects a rigorous production approach focused on careful farming. The wine thus conveys an authentic expression of the Rioja landscape, guaranteeing high territorial identity and stylistic coherence.

How it is produced

Vinification begins with alcoholic fermentation and a long maceration in small stainless steel tanks, where daily pump-overs favor excellent structural extraction. Malolactic fermentation takes place in barriques, giving the sip roundness. This is followed by 24 months of aging in barrels of different woods, origins, and levels of toasting, enriching the bouquet. The wine then rests in bottle for at least 18 months before release and is unfiltered to preserve its density.

Tasting notes

In the glass, it shows a deep cherry red, indicating prolonged skin contact. The scent profile offers a clear bouquet where wild red berries mingle with elegant notes of mocha and coffee, deriving from the time spent in wood. On the palate, the entry is dense and enveloping, guided by tannins that give a pronounced tactile sensation. The tasting ends with a long and persistent finish, where all the aromatic notes return in a coherent and balanced fashion.

Food pairings

Its aromatic density makes it the perfect match for structured recipes based on grilled or stewed red meats. Thanks to its enveloping texture, it pairs perfectly with dishes of intense flavor like game, as it supports the flavors without overpowering them. It also finds a harmonious match with earthy dishes like duck breast and roast pigeon. A traditional dish such as beef stew enhances the fullness and balance of every sip throughout the meal.

When to serve it

It is the ideal choice for important dinners featuring meat and convivial moments with enthusiasts of intense reds. The complexity achieved from wood aging and bottle resting makes it suitable for an attentive tasting, evolving in the glass as time passes. It finds its best place during the cooler seasons, alongside a rich and succulent cuisine, where slow-cooked dishes call for a wine with plenty of character and persistent balance.