Campillo Crianza 2022

Campillo Crianza is a varietal Tempranillo from the Campillo winery, drawn from selected plots around Laguardia in the Rioja Alavesa. The vineyards sit at about 650 metres above sea level, an altitude where cool nights widen the diurnal temperature range, helping the grapes keep their acidity and develop colour and aromatic depth as they ripen. The harvest is done by hand. After fermentation the wine spends eighteen months in barrel, the standard Crianza ageing, during which slow oxygen exchange through the oak softens the tannins and adds vanilla, clove and toast to the fruit. The 2024 is deep red with a youthful rim. The nose leads with ripe red fruit and a touch of stewed fruit framed by vanilla and sweet spice, and the palate is full and warming, supported by ripe tannins and a savoury, lightly cocoa-edged finish. At 14 percent alcohol it stays balanced and rounded. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees in a Bordeaux glass, decanted briefly if young. It pairs well with grilled lamb, roast pork and hard sheep's cheeses.