2016 Gran Castillo Colección Paradores Reserva

If you’re looking for amazing value and flavor, cast your eyes toward Spain. For this smooth Reserva, we headed to a little spot we know of in Valencia … Blessed with long hours of hot sunshine and cooling sea breezes (thanks to the Mediterranean), this part of Spain is known for its fabulously intense, fruit-forward wines with ripe, luscious tannins and plenty of food-friendly structure, which Gran Castillo Paradores offers up in spades. Aged for 12 months in American oak barrels, it delivers mellow aromas and flavors of black fruit compote, vanilla, tobacco, and chocolate. To make it really pop out of your glass, go ahead and decant it into a glass pitcher pretty jug about 30 minutes before you plan to serve it. Sip it like a local (very gently chilled), or pair it up with pan-seared steak, garlicky grilled lamb or a plate of Spanish charcuterie and cheese.