Altos Ibéricos Crianza 2022

Altos Ibericos Crianza is made by the Torres family in the D.O.Ca. Rioja, drawing fruit from the higher, cooler Rioja Alavesa sub zone. The clay, limestone and sandstone soils there hold water through dry summers and lend the Tempranillo its firm backbone and fresh acidity, while the altitude keeps the fruit bright. After fermentation the wine is aged for twelve months in French and American oak, which marks it as a Crianza. The barrels soften the tannins through slow oxygen exchange and add vanilla, sweet spice and a light toast, while malolactic fermentation in the cellar smooths the texture. In the glass it is medium to full bodied and approachable, showing ripe red berries, cherry and plum on the nose, with liquorice, vanilla and a savoury, slightly leathery note from the oak. The palate is rounded and balanced, with enough grip and acidity to carry it through a meal and a clean, moderately long finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees in a standard red glass. It suits roast lamb, grilled meats and aged Spanish cheeses, and works equally well on its own.