Beronia Crianza 2022

Beronia Crianza is produced by Bodegas Beronia, part of the González Byass group, in Ollauri in the heart of La Rioja Alta. It is led by Tempranillo with small additions of Garnacha Tinta and Mazuela, the traditional Rioja field blend. La Rioja Alta sits at higher altitude with a cooler, more Atlantic climate and calcareous clay soils, conditions that favour finer tannins, fresh acidity and the savoury, structured profile that defines classic Rioja. The wide day to night temperature range slows ripening and locks in aromatics. The wine spends twelve months in a combination of French and American oak: the American barrels lend vanilla and sweet spice, the French add tighter grain and structure, and the slow oxygen exchange in barrel rounds the tannins and knits the blend together. The colour is deep cherry. The nose shows ripe red fruit and dried flowers with delicate hints of cocoa and an elegant mineral note. The palate is medium bodied and balanced, with ripe but fresh fruit, soft tannins and a long, lightly spiced finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees. It suits roast and grilled meats, mushroom dishes and aged cheeses.