Winemakers harnessed the best characteristics from four red varieties for 2017 Toro Loco Reserva Red Blend, a delicious Spanish gem. The preceding 2015 vintage won numerous accolades, including a 96-point Double Gold Medal in the Harvest Challenge Wine Competition. This vegan red wine is layered with complexity, led by Spain’s native red grapes, Bobal and Tempranillo. Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah round out this balanced, full-bodied blend. Attractive ripe fruit notes first greet you upon uncorking, expressing flavor notes of cherry and raspberry with a touch of vanilla. Oak barrel-aging was utilized to finesse its velvety tannins. DO Utiel-Requena is located near Valencia in the east part of Spain, where grapes are nurtured by mild winters, hot summer days, cool nights, and a fresh sea breeze known as ”Solano.” Toro Loco expresses the quality and geographic uniqueness of this region, and its wines are made exclusively from grapes grown by a local co-op of 3,000 families. The name Toro Loco refers to the region’s Bobal grape, which translates to “bull head” in Old Spanish. “Loco” references the Bordeaux winemaker who came to Spain and helped create the community tradition. Produced by Benoit Valérie Calvet, this line of wines demonstrates how heritage and tradition can be kept alive without compromising modernity in creating beautiful wine. Toro Loco Reserva is perfect to uncork with Spanish foods, especially tapas and chili con carne. It’s also excellent alongside braised pork dishes or spareribs.