1996 C.V.N.E. (Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España) Rioja Viña Real Gran Reserva (Spain, La Rioja, La Rioja Alta, Rioja)

Back to the burgundy-like expression of Rioja. Very nice funky nose right after opening that gets a little more mellow with air. Red fruit, earth, serrano ham, pine cones on the nose. Dancing on the palate with raspberry, plum, and pine forest floor. Great freshness. This was a masterful pairing with flor di sardo and blanco di sardo cheese as well as with italian salumi. The acidity cut right through the fat of the salami and the saltiness of the cheese.