Acentor, Rioja DOC (Spain) 2018

 A blend of 85% Tempranillo and 15% Graciano, this is made from the estate’s grapes grown at an elevation of 550 meters (about 1804 feet).  Deeply, darkly colored, this Spanish wine evokes cherries and other red fruits, plus subtle hints of floral, spice and vanilla.  The blend throbs with ripe fruit which might have been excessive but instead is reined in just in time to be a balanced and tasty red to enjoy with sausages, beef, lamb, and red-sauced pasta dishes.