Baigorri Crianza 2022

Baigorri Crianza comes from D.O.Ca. Rioja, the benchmark Tempranillo region of northern Spain, where the grape is backed here by Garnacha and other red varieties. The house aims for a balance between fruit and oak, freshness and concentration, a classic Rioja brief. Tempranillo gives structure and red-fruited depth, while the calcareous clay soils and the moderating influence of the surrounding sierras lend the freshness that keeps these wines lively. The wine spends fourteen months in a mix of French and American oak barrels, a Crianza ageing that does two things: malolactic fermentation softens the wine's acidity, and the slow ingress of oxygen through the staves rounds the tannins while American oak in particular adds vanilla and sweet spice, French oak a finer, more savoury grain. The result is an intense ruby red with ripe plum and red berry fruit, vanilla, clove, tobacco and a touch of leather from time in barrel. The palate is medium to full, balanced and fresh, the tannins polished. Serve at 17 degrees after a decant. It suits roast lamb, grilled beef and hard cheeses.