In the glass
Aroma: dark plum, blackberry, tobacco, cedar
Palate: dark cherry, licorice, earthy mineral, structured tannins
The extended-oak Reserva from Aster spends 24 months in older French barrels following the La Rioja Alta philosophy, developing dark plum, tobacco, cedar and earthy mineral complexity.
What it pairs with
-
Cochinillo asado
The wine's firm structure and tobacco-cedar character suit the rich, crispy pork. -
Braised oxtail in red wine
The wine's earthy, licorice notes mirror the slow-cooked gelatinous oxtail. -
Aged La Mancha cheese
Hard, savoury sheep's-milk cheese pairs with firm tannins and cedar spice.
How to serve Aster Reserva
Allow 95 minutes from open to pour.
- Open and decant. Open 90 minutes before serving and pour into a decanter to aerate.
- Serve at 16-18°C. Cellar temperature (16-18°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
- Glassware. Use a large Bordeaux-style glass: the bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
- Pair with. Cochinillo asado, Braised oxtail in red wine, Aged La Mancha cheese. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.
History
Aster Reserva applies the La Rioja Alta group's signature 24-month barrel ageing to Ribera's Tinto Fino, using older French barrels to integrate oak rather than dominate fruit. The eastern Burgos terroir at Anguix provides additional mineral complexity.
- 2004 — First Aster Reserva vintage released
Facts
- Producer
- Bodegas Aster
- Grapes
- Tinto Fino
- Classification
- DO Ribera del Duero
- Oak
- 24 months in French oak, second and third-fill
- ABV
- 14.0%
- Price
- EUR 28-40 at retail
- Drinking window
- 7-16 from vintage
- First vintage
- 2004
Frequently asked about Aster Reserva
What does Aster Reserva taste like?
On the nose, dark plum, blackberry, tobacco, cedar. On the palate, dark cherry, licorice, earthy mineral, structured tannins. Structurally full-bodied, firm tannins, medium acidity with a long finish. The extended-oak Reserva from Aster spends 24 months in older French barrels following the La Rioja Alta philosophy, developing dark plum, tobacco, cedar and earthy mineral complexity.
When should I drink Aster Reserva?
Drink 7-16 from vintage. Young vintages benefit from 30-90 minutes of decanting; mature bottles should be handled carefully for sediment.
What food pairs with Aster Reserva?
Cochinillo asado is the canonical pairing. Other strong matches include Braised oxtail in red wine and Aged La Mancha cheese. The wine's firm structure and tobacco-cedar character suit the rich, crispy pork.
What grapes are in Aster Reserva?
The blend is Tinto Fino. The wine is classified as DO Ribera del Duero.