Manuel Quintano, Rioja Alavesa (Spain) Garnacha 2019

 Manuel Quintano, who was born in the 18th century in Labastida, is now considered the first vintner to foreshadow modern Rioja wines.  This dark cherry-red wine is made with grapes from 30 to 50 year old vineyards.  It was aged in small oak barrels (half French, half American) followed by 12 months in bottle before release.  The inviting and well-balanced palate is dominated by densely flavored fruit seasoned by oak and smooth tannins.  This is not a red wine designed only for steak and burgers — I enjoyed it recently with chicken oven-roasted with potatoes and mushrooms.