El Coto Coto de Imaz Rioja Gran Reserva

- Serve slightly below room temperature (about 16-18°C) to highlight its structure and freshness without muting flavors.
- Decant 1 hour before serving to soften tannins and enhance aromatic complexity.
- Pair with dishes featuring mature Manchego cheese and quince paste served on a rustic wooden board for a contrasting salty-sweet bite.
- Complement with grilled lamb koftas spiced with smoked paprika and fresh herbs served on a warm terracotta platter to evoke Rioja terroir.
- Present with roasted piquillo peppers stuffed with chorizo and Manchego garnished with a drizzle of smoked olive oil for a bold tapas-style experience.
- Use as a poaching liquid for summer stone fruits like cherries or plums then serve over vanilla bean ice cream with a fresh mint leaf for an elegant wine-infused dessert.
- Whisk into a red wine reduction sauce infused with garlic and rosemary drizzled over grilled ribeye or mushroom Wellington for a refined dinner.
- For an adventurous twist chill lightly and pair with rich dark chocolate salted almonds as a post-dinner palate refresher.
- Best enjoyed during intimate dinners rustic wine tastings or paired with lively conversation and aged wooden furnishings to evoke Old World charm.

For storing red wine such as a Gran Reserva maintain a stable temperature around 12°C (54°F) ideally between 12–16°C (54–61°F) to preserve aging potential and prevent premature aging. Avoid temperature fluctuations or extremes above 19°C (65°F) which can degrade quality.

Keep relative humidity between 60% and 70% to prevent corks from drying out (which causes oxidation) while avoiding excessive moisture that promotes mold growth on labels and corks.

Protect the bottle from direct light especially UV rays by storing it in a dark environment or using a wine cellar with low indirect lighting. Light exposure accelerates wine degradation and color fading.

Store the bottle horizontally to keep the cork moist and airtight reducing oxidation risk. This is particularly important for cork-sealed wines like Gran Reserva reds.

Ensure minimal vibration and movement since frequent shifting can unsettle sediment and disrupt aging.

For sealing:

- When unopened rely on the original cork seal with proper humidity and temperature to maintain integrity.
- After opening reseal tightly with an appropriate wine stopper and refrigerate to slow oxidation; consume within a few days for best quality.

Use an environment with good air quality and ventilation to prevent mold and unwanted odors that could affect the wine.

This will optimally preserve the wine's quality and longevity.