Beronia Reserva 2020 – A Rioja That Knows Exactly What It’s Doing

There’s something reassuring about picking up a bottle of Rioja Reserva. You sort of know where you’re going before you’ve even pulled the cork. And with Beronia 2020, that expectation is pretty much met but in a really tidy, well executed way.

Straight away on the nose, this leans slightly savoury. Not in a heavy or overly traditional sense, but enough to give it a bit of character. There’s a gentle spice running through it, sitting alongside that familiar Rioja oak profile. It doesn’t jump out of the glass, it just sort of builds steadily the more time you give it.

On the palate, it’s all about balance. Redcurrant comes through first, fresh and slightly tart, followed by a softer red cherry note that rounds things out nicely. Then comes that vanilla wrap from the oak, which ties everything together without dominating. It’s smooth, composed, and very easy to drink.

What I like here is that nothing is out of place. The tannins are there, but they’re polished. The body sits right in that medium zone where you could quite happily have a second glass without thinking about it. The finish doesn’t go on forever, but it doesn’t need to. It leaves enough behind to keep you interested without overcomplicating things.

This is one of those wines that doesn’t try too hard to impress, and that’s exactly why it works. It knows what a Rioja Reserva should be and sticks to it. For me, that’s often where the value lies.

It also fits nicely into that conversation around supermarket versus classic Rioja. The quality here is clearly a step up from your everyday bottles, but it still feels accessible, both in style and in price. It’s a good example of how well this category can perform when it’s done properly.

If I was pairing this, I’d naturally lean towards lamb or something with a bit of richness, but equally it’s the kind of wine you could open on its own and just enjoy without overthinking it.