Beronia Rioja Reserva 2020 vs Thorny Devils Old Vine Grenache Single Vineyard 2022
Compare current tracked prices, stockists and core specifications.
| Availability | In stock | In stock |
|---|---|---|
| Best current price | £18.49 | £18.49 |
| Current stockists | 1 merchant | 1 merchant |
| Producer | Beronia | Thorny Devil |
| Style | Red | Red |
| Grape | Tempranillo | Grenache |
| Region | Rioja | — |
| Country | Spain | — |
| Size | 750ml | 750ml |
| Where to buy |
Beronia Rioja Reserva 2020
Beronia Rioja Reserva is a contemporary expression of one of Spain's most celebrated wine regions — elegant, complex, and built to impress. Predominantly old-vine Tempranillo with contributions of Graciano and Mazuelo, the wine is aged for 18 months in French and American oak before a further 18 months in bottle, producing a polished, harmonious red with real depth and a long, refined finish. Why You'll Love It Beronia has been producing Rioja for decades, earning a reputation for wines that balance traditional winemaking with a modern sensibility. The Reserva is the jewel in the crown — a wine that rewards patience and attention, revealing greater complexity with every glass. If you're looking for a Rioja that delivers genuine sophistication without requiring a special occasion, this is it. Vineyard & Production Grapes are hand-harvested at optimal ripeness and carefully sorted before slow, controlled fermentation to extract colour, aroma, and texture. The wine then spends 18 months maturing in a combination of French and American oak barrels, followed by a further 18 months of bottle ageing — allowing all the flavours to integrate fully before release. Tasting Notes Deep cherry-red in colour. The nose shows ripe black fruits and sweet cinnamon spice, with the palate delivering smooth, refined layers of lush black fruit, cacao, roasted hazelnut, and a hint of pepper. Soft tannins and an elegant, long finish complete the picture. Perfect Pairings A versatile partner for the table. Excellent with roast meats, Ibérico cured meats, slow-cooked lamb, and aged or ripe cheeses. Also a natural match for hearty stews and game dishes. The Blend Tempranillo 93%, Graciano 6%, Mazuelo 1% — DOCa Rioja, Spain. 18 months oak, 18 months bottle. 75cl bottle.
Thorny Devils Old Vine Grenache Single Vineyard 2022
Thistledown was established by Master of Wine Giles Cooke with the goal of producing refined, textural Australian wines. By gaining access to long-forgotten Old Vine Grenache vineyards in McLaren Vale, Giles has been able to craft wines that showcase subtle perfume, elegance, and a true reflection of their origin. His aim is to celebrate the stories of these remarkable vineyards through wines of sophistication and personality. Viticulture Thorny Devil draws on fruit from multiple sub-regions of McLaren Vale, all old, dry-grown, and bush-trained. Picking times vary by site, but the common approach is “picking on the way up” to preserve vibrancy and freshness. The wine’s name was inspired by a small local lizard discovered in the vineyard during the 2014 vintage, a nod to the natural environment that shapes the vineyards. Winemaking All ferments are wild, with varying percentages of whole bunches. Extraction is light, focusing on infusion rather than heavy tannin. After pressing, the wine is aged for approximately 8 months in seasoned French oak hogsheads of 300 and 500 litres before bottling. Tasting Note Pale in hue yet expressive, Thorny Devil exhibits the classic McLaren Vale perfume and spice. The palate is elegant and layered, revealing wild strawberry, subtle spice, and silky texture. A delicate, refined red with a captivating textural complexity. Food Matching Pairs beautifully with game meats, North African-style lamb, and charcuterie. Awards James Suckling 93 Points – “Entry point to the glories of McLaren Vale Grenache…tamarind, red cherries, mint, rhubarb, cranberry, white pepper, clove and dried thyme notes on a long, gentle finish.” NG(MW), 2024 The Wine Front 93 Points – “Medium-bodied, sappy cherry with fine-grained tannins, juicy finish, lively and fresh. Very nice.” GW, 2024 Robert Parker Wine Advocate 92 Points – “Raspberry compote, orange peel, black tea, humbug candies and red licorice on the nose; plush, luxurious and velvety palate.” EL, 2024 Ha
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