Why does Rioja Reserva taste like that?

Characteristically medium-plus tannin and medium-full body. Commonly associated with red cherry, dried strawberry, leather, tobacco.

Not claiming: That every wine from this variety shows these characteristics. This is the range across the category, and site and winemaking move wines within and beyond it.

Characteristically medium-plus tannin, high acidity and medium-full body. Commonly associated with blackberry, violet, liquorice, balsamic.

Not claiming: That every wine from this variety shows these characteristics. This is the range across the category, and site and winemaking move wines within and beyond it.

Characteristically medium-full body. Commonly associated with strawberry, raspberry, dried herbs, white pepper.

Not claiming: That every wine from this variety shows these characteristics. This is the range across the category, and site and winemaking move wines within and beyond it.

A wide day–night temperature range is associated with better acid retention, because cool nights slow the respiration that consumes malic acid while warm days continue to ripen the fruit.

Not claiming: That altitude or continentality guarantees high acidity. Both widen diurnal range on average and neither determines the outcome.

Vanillin and oak lactones are extracted from oak into the wine, in quantities that fall sharply with each use of a barrel.

Varies: Species, grain, seasoning, toast level, barrel size and the age of the barrel all change what is extracted and how much.

Not claiming: That oak produces buttery character. That comes from malolactic fermentation. Nor that a given oak origin yields a given flavour.

Combining components to make something better than any of them alone.

Not claiming: That every producer of this style uses this method, or that using it is required.

What changes with each use of a barrel — and what does not.

Not claiming: That every producer of this style uses this method, or that using it is required.

Slow oxygen ingress through the staves and bung promotes polymerisation of tannins and anthocyanins, which stabilises colour and is generally associated with a softer perception of tannin.

Not claiming: That an old barrel is equivalent to a steel tank. Aromatic extraction falls with use; oxygen permeability does not.

Rioja’s ageing classifications set minimum periods in oak and in bottle, so extended oak maturation is a legal requirement for the higher tiers rather than only a stylistic choice.

Not claiming: That Tempranillo requires oak, or that the convention applies outside the regions that codify it.

Drinks well on release and typically holds for a further ten years.

Not claiming: That a wine of this style will develop these characters. Ageing potential varies by producer, vintage and storage, and most wine is better young.