Marqués de Valtier Reserva 2013

Situated just inland from Valencia, in eastern Spain, Utiel Requena used to be most famous for its hearty, deep coloured reds that were shipped in bulk to bolster lighter wines elsewhere. However in the last 20 years, winemaking has been revolutionised by ambitious producers and the result is wines of elegance and finesse. The Rivera family arrived in the region in 1997. They'd been winemakers in Rioja for 98 years and were keen to try out elsewhere. Today they have 500 hectares of vines, championing Bobal and Tempranillo. Their superb Reserva, made by Chile's Rodriguez Espinosa, is a blend of the two, aged for a year in American oak to lend a toasted coconut and spice note to the deep plum fruit. A top choice for roast or casseroled meats.