Añares Crianza 2022

Anares Crianza is a Rioja red from Bodegas Olarra, founded in Logrono in the Rioja Alta sub-zone. The blend is Tempranillo at ninety per cent with Garnacha, Mazuelo and Graciano, the classic Rioja partnership: Tempranillo for red fruit and structure, Garnacha for warmth, Graciano for aromatics and acidity, Mazuelo for colour and grip. The cooler, higher Rioja Alta favours freshness and finesse in the fruit. After fermentation with selected yeasts at a controlled 22 to 26 degrees in stainless steel, the wine is aged fourteen months in American and French oak, then rests at least four more months in bottle. American oak adds the sweeter vanilla and coconut tones traditional in Rioja, French oak a finer spice, while the bottle time softens the tannins before release. The colour is cherry red with purple tints. The nose is red cherry, red berries and plum, with vanilla, dried herbs and a light leather note. The palate is medium bodied, the tannins smooth and the acidity fresh, finishing on gentle oak spice. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees. It suits roast lamb, beef and pork with hard Spanish cheese.