- Red Still
- 75CL
- 14.5%
- Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
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Esteban Martín Oak 6, 2020 reveals a layered, complex profile of dark fruit, vanilla and toasted oak. Extended oak ageing adds depth and a silky texture, creating a bold, expressive wine with a long, lingering finish. Ideal for special occasions.
Currently showing youthful fruit character with prominent oak influence, this wine will integrate further over the next 2-3 years as the vanilla and spice elements marry with the dark fruit. The tannins will soften gradually, allowing more complexity to emerge by 2028-2029. While built for medium-term cellaring, the wine's fruit-forward style suggests it will be at its peak through 2032, after which the fruit may begin to fade.
Tasting Notes
AppearanceDeep ruby red with purple highlights, showing good concentration and youth.
NoseDark berry fruit dominates, with blackcurrant and plum leading. Vanilla and toasted oak provide a sweet backdrop, while subtle spice and leather emerge with aeration. The oak integration is evident but not overpowering.
PalateFull-bodied with ripe dark fruit flavours supported by well-integrated tannins. The oak adds texture and vanilla sweetness, while maintaining the fruit's natural character. Good acidity provides balance and prevents the wine from feeling heavy.
FinishLong and warming, with oak spice and dark fruit lingering pleasantly.
Overall impressionA well-crafted, oak-influenced red wine that successfully balances fruit intensity with barrel complexity.
Food Pairings
In Aragón, this style of wine traditionally accompanies hearty mountain fare such as ternasco (roast lamb) with rosemary and garlic, or chorizo and morcilla sausages grilled over oak coals. The region's signature dish, pollo al chilindrón, featuring chicken braised with peppers and tomatoes, pairs beautifully with oak-aged reds. Local chefs also serve these wines alongside wild boar stew and aged Manchego cheese, taking advantage of the wine's structure to complement rich, savoury flavours.
We think this wine would go well with
Serve at 16-18°C to allow the fruit and oak to express fully without the alcohol becoming prominent. Decanting for 30 minutes will help integrate the oak and soften the tannins, though this wine is approachable without decanting. Use large Bordeaux-style glasses to concentrate the aromas and provide adequate surface area for aeration.
The vineyards benefit from Aragón's continental climate with hot, dry summers and cold winters, creating ideal conditions for concentrated fruit development. The region's limestone and clay soils provide good drainage while retaining sufficient moisture during the growing season. High altitude vineyard sites experience significant diurnal temperature variation, preserving acidity and allowing for extended ripening periods that develop complex flavour compounds.
Aragón encompasses several designated wine regions in northeastern Spain, known for producing both traditional Spanish varieties and international grapes. The region's continental climate and diverse soils allow winemakers considerable flexibility in style, from fresh, early-drinking wines to more structured, age-worthy bottlings. Aragón's wine industry has modernised significantly in recent decades, with many producers investing in new technology and oak ageing programs.
The 2020 vintage in Aragon brought the region's winemakers a year of careful navigation through variable conditions. Spring arrived with reasonable temperatures, though the growing season required vigilant vineyard management as summer heat intensified across the region's diverse microclimates. The continental climate that defines much of Aragon meant that timing became crucial, with producers working to preserve freshness whilst achieving full phenolic ripeness in their fruit.
The resulting wines display solid quality with good concentration, particularly from Garnacha, which thrived in the warmer pockets of Campo de Borja and Calatayud. Tempranillo from Cariñena shows promising structure, whilst the higher altitude vineyards delivered wines with pleasing acidity and aromatic intensity. Most 2020 Aragon reds are drinking well now, offering immediate pleasure with their ripe fruit character, though the better examples will reward cellaring for another three to five years to develop additional complexity.
FAQs
What makes Oak 6 different from other Esteban Martín wines?
The Oak 6 receives six months of barrel ageing, which adds vanilla, spice, and textural complexity not found in their unoaked bottlings. This extended maturation creates a more structured wine suitable for special occasions.
What grape varieties are used in this blend?
The blend is built on Tempranillo with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot adding structure and international appeal. This combination is common in modern Spanish winemaking, balancing local character with familiar flavours.
How long can I keep this wine?
Oak 6 is designed for drinking within 6-8 years of vintage. While it will remain enjoyable beyond 2032, the fruit-forward style means it's best consumed while the dark berry flavours remain vibrant.
Does this wine need decanting?
Decanting for 30 minutes will help the wine show at its best, allowing the oak to integrate and the tannins to soften. However, it's perfectly enjoyable straight from the bottle if you prefer.
What's the difference between this and Rioja?
While both may use similar grape varieties, Aragón wines like Oak 6 tend to be more fruit-forward and less influenced by traditional Spanish oak ageing regulations. The style is generally more approachable and less austere than classic Rioja.
Is this wine suitable for vegetarians?
Most modern Spanish wines use vegetarian-friendly fining agents, though specific production methods can vary. Contact the producer directly if you require confirmation of vegetarian or vegan status.
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