La Rioja Alta is one of Spain’s most historic, and sought after estates. And the Viña Arana Gran Reserva is the insider’s tip: their newest Gran Reserva, that performs as well as their more famous wines but at a much lower price. It comes from vines that are approaching fifty years old, planted in three spots in the heart of the La Rioja Alta zone. Predominantly Tempranillo, it has 5% Graciano in the blend from the Montecillo vineyard in Fuenmayor, with winemaker Julio Sáenz explaining, "Graciano helps our Gran Reservas to age." It spent 3 years in barrel, and has now spent another five in bottle, and that ensures that this is perfectly developed, with lots of spice and floral complexity. Don’t look further than the classic match of roast lamb: it will blow you away.