Arienzo Crianza 2022

Marqués de Riscal, founded in 1858, is one of the founding houses of modern Rioja, based at El Ciego in the south of Rioja Alavesa. Arienzo Crianza is built around Tempranillo, around 90 percent of the blend, with small additions of Graciano and Mazuelo that bring acidity and aromatic lift. The fruit comes from vineyards in the Alavesa, where limestone-clay soils and a moderating Atlantic influence give freshness to the Tempranillo. The wine spends eighteen months in American oak barrels, a long crianza ageing that goes well beyond the regional minimum and gives the oak ample time to integrate. American oak supplies the vanilla, coconut and sweet spice that are the hallmark of traditional Rioja, while the extended barrel time softens the tannins through slow oxidation. The colour is a deep, vibrant cherry red. The nose shows ripe cherry and blackberry, vanilla, clove and a leafy tobacco note. The palate is smooth and rounded, the fruit and oak in balance, with a savoury, spiced finish. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees. It suits roast lamb, grilled beef and aged cheeses.