Faustino V Reserva Rioja is a classic Rioja Reserva from Spain's Rioja Alavesa sub-region, bottled at 13.5% ABV in a 750ml format. This Tempranillo-dominant blend earned 93 points from James Suckling and 92 points from Wine Enthusiast, reinforcing its standing as one of the most dependable Reservas at its price tier. It also collected a Gold Medal at the Berliner Wine Trophy and a Silver Medal from Mundus Vini.Quick Facts: ABV: 13.5% | Origin: Rioja Alavesa, Spain | Reserva | Distillery: Bodegas FaustinoProduction & HeritageBodegas Faustino is one of the largest family-owned wineries in Rioja, with a history stretching back to 1861 in the Rioja Alavesa sub-region. The Faustino V Reserva is composed of 92% Tempranillo and 8% Mazuelo (Carignan), aged for a minimum of 24 months in American oak barrels followed by at least 12 additional months of bottle aging before release. That barrel time is notably double the DOCa Rioja minimum requirement for the Reserva classification, giving the wine greater integration of oak character and structural complexity than many peers at similar price points.Tasting NotesAroma: The nose opens with ripe dark plum and blackberry, layered with Luxardo cherry and sweet vanilla from extended American oak aging. Beneath the fruit, balsamic undertones and toasted baking spices — clove, cinnamon — emerge alongside a subtle cocoa-powder savoriness.Taste: The entry is juicy and fruit-forward, with blackberry and dried cherry leading into a mid-palate of clove, mint leaf, and a thread of black pepper. Fine-grained tannins spread evenly across a medium- to full-bodied frame, while malic acidity provides lift and drive. Older vintages can show leather, sun-baked earth, and grilled-meat savory notes as the Tempranillo character evolves.Finish: Medium-long with lingering dried plum, toasted oak, and a gentle spice fade. The tannin structure remains silky rather than grippy, leaving a clean and balanced close.How to Drink Faustino VThis Reserva rewards patience — decanting for 20 to 30 minutes opens up the oak-fruit interplay. It drinks well at cellar temperature (60–65°F) either neat or with a light chill during warmer months. For cocktails: a Kalimotxo (equal parts red wine and cola over ice) is a traditional Basque Country serve where the wine's spice and fruit hold up; a Tinto de Verano with lemon soda highlights the cherry and plum notes for a refreshing warm-weather drink; and a Red Wine Sangria built with brandy, citrus, and seasonal stone fruit benefits from the wine's vanilla-oak backbone.Best For Introducing someone to traditional Rioja Reserva without a steep learning curve Weeknight pairing with roasted lamb, grilled chorizo, or Manchego cheese Building a cellar with age-worthy Spanish reds at an accessible entry point Gifting a wine drinker who appreciates old-world style and oak-aged depth Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does Faustino V taste like? Faustino V Reserva delivers ripe dark plum, blackberry, and cherry fruit layered with vanilla, clove, and toasted oak from 24 months in American barrels. It is medium- to full-bodied with fine tannins, balanced acidity, and a spice-driven finish.How does Faustino V compare to Cune Reserva? Both are benchmark traditional Riojas at similar price points, but Faustino V leans toward riper dark fruit and more pronounced American oak vanilla, while Cune Reserva tends to show slightly brighter red fruit and a leaner, more mineral-driven profile. Faustino V also uses a higher percentage of Tempranillo (92%) compared to Cune's blends, which can incorporate more Garnacha and Graciano.Is Faustino V good for sipping neat? Yes — the 24-month oak aging and additional bottle rest create a smooth, integrated wine that drinks well on its own, especially after a brief decant to let the aromas fully open.Where is Faustino V made? Faustino V Reserva is produced by Bodegas Faustino in Rioja Alavesa, the northernmost sub-region of Spain's DOCa Rioja, known for its higher-altitude vineyards and chalky clay soils that favor Tempranillo.What foods pair well with Faustino V? Grilled lamb chops complement the wine's smoky oak and dark fruit; aged Manchego cheese mirrors the toasted, nutty notes; roasted red pepper dishes echo the Tempranillo's earthy spice; chorizo and cured Ibérico ham match the wine's savory undercurrent; and slow-braised beef short ribs benefit from the wine's medium tannins and acidity cutting through richness.What sizes does Faustino V come in? Faustino V Reserva is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle and is also produced in 375ml half-bottles and 1.5L magnums, though availability of larger and smaller formats varies by market.Is Faustino V worth the price? Faustino V positions as an entry-level Reserva that consistently over-delivers — 93 points from James Suckling and 92 from Wine Enthusiast are strong scores for a wine in this value tier, and the extended aging program (double the DOCa minimum barrel time) provides a level of complexity typically found in more expensive bottlings.Why Faustino V?The defining advantage of Faustino V Reserva is its aging regimen: 24 months in American oak — twice the DOCa Rioja barrel minimum — followed by a full year of bottle rest before release. That extra time translates directly into smoother tannins and deeper oak integration than most wines at this price point. Multi-vintage recognition from James Suckling (93 points) and Wine Enthusiast (92 points), plus international medals from Berliner Wine Trophy and Mundus Vini, confirm the wine's consistency across vintages. For anyone seeking a textbook Rioja Reserva — dark fruit, vanilla oak, fine tannins, and genuine cellar potential — Faustino V remains one of the most reliable benchmarks in the category.
