Bodegas Benito Urbina is situated in the town of Cuzcurrita de Rio Tiron in Rioja Alta. There are 75 hectares in total - 65 of Tempranillo and 10 of Graziano, Mazuelo and Viura - and the estate has been in the family hands for 4 generations. In 1975 the family decided to age and bottle their own wines and to this end major investment in the cellar and vineyards has taken place alongside a more organic approach to its viticulture. "Seleccion" is a blend of 90% Tempranillo, 5% Mazuelo and 5% Graziano from 20 year old vines. Aged for 15 months in American oak casks, it is deliberately released early before reaching 'Reserva' status.
Ruby red in the glass with a tawny rim. A complex and concentrated nose of damson and summer pudding giving way to notes of vanilla, coffee and toasted almonds. With age the palate has become mellow and smooth with layers of dried fruit flavours with hints of coconut and fig. The finish is lingering and elegant. Try with slow braised shoulder of lamb, pollo a la Riojana (sauteed chicken with chorizo, peppers and green peas) or octopus braised with red onions and rosemary in a red wine sauce.