Campo Viejo Vendimia Seleccionada 2021

Campo Viejo is one of Rioja's best-known houses, and Vendimia Seleccionada is a single-variety Tempranillo made in the traditional Crianza style. Tempranillo is the leading grape of the region, well suited to Rioja's continental climate, where hot days and cool nights ripen the fruit while holding its acidity, and to the clay and limestone soils that give the wine structure and freshness. The grapes are destemmed and crushed, then fermented and macerated to draw out colour and tannin, before the wine ages eighteen months in a mix of French and American oak barrels. The two oaks work in tandem: French oak adds fine spice and structure, American oak brings sweeter vanilla and coconut, and the slow oxygen exchange through the wood softens the tannins into a rounded, supple texture. It pours a deep cherry red, with a pronounced nose of plum, blackberry, cherry and sweet oak spice. The palate is ripe and smooth, with mellow tannins, dark fruit and a vanilla-edged finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees. It is a versatile match for roast and grilled meats.