In the glass
Aroma: dark cherry, cassis, cedar, tobacco
Palate: black fruit, licorice, cedar, firm structured tannins
The Tarsus Reserva adds weight and complexity to the estate's style: dark cherry, cassis, licorice and cedar from 18 months in French oak, with firm, age-worthy tannins from La Horra limestone.
What it pairs with
-
Slow-roasted suckling pig
Firm tannins and concentrated dark fruit anchor the richness of crispy cochinillo. -
Braised veal cheeks in red wine
The wine's licorice and cedar notes merge with the slow-cooked gelatinous sauce. -
Aged Zamorano sheep's cheese
Firm, savoury cheese balances the concentrated dark fruit and tannins.
How to serve Tarsus 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. Slow-roasted suckling pig, Braised veal cheeks in red wine, Aged Zamorano sheep's cheese. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.
History
The Tarsus Reserva builds on the La Horra estate's strengths: extended 18-month oak ageing adds structure and complexity to the naturally concentrated fruit from the high-altitude limestone vineyards. It has become the estate's most recognised label.
- 1999 — First Tarsus Reserva vintage released from La Horra estate
Facts
- Producer
- Bodegas Tarsus
- Grapes
- Tinto Fino
- Classification
- DO Ribera del Duero
- Oak
- 18 months in French oak
- ABV
- 14.5%
- Price
- EUR 28-40 at retail
- Drinking window
- 6-15 from vintage
- First vintage
- 1999
Frequently asked about Tarsus Reserva
What does Tarsus Reserva taste like?
On the nose, dark cherry, cassis, cedar, tobacco. On the palate, black fruit, licorice, cedar, firm structured tannins. Structurally full-bodied, firm tannins, medium acidity with a long finish. The Tarsus Reserva adds weight and complexity to the estate's style: dark cherry, cassis, licorice and cedar from 18 months in French oak, with firm, age-worthy tannins from La Horra limestone.
When should I drink Tarsus Reserva?
Drink 6-15 from vintage. Young vintages benefit from 30-90 minutes of decanting; mature bottles should be handled carefully for sediment.
What food pairs with Tarsus Reserva?
Slow-roasted suckling pig is the canonical pairing. Other strong matches include Braised veal cheeks in red wine and Aged Zamorano sheep's cheese. Firm tannins and concentrated dark fruit anchor the richness of crispy cochinillo.
What grapes are in Tarsus Reserva?
The blend is Tinto Fino. The wine is classified as DO Ribera del Duero.