Castillo de Monjardín Crianza 2022

Bodegas Castillo de Monjardín lies in the centre of Navarra, at the foot of the Pyrenees, an area shaped by French history and long used to Bordeaux grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chardonnay. This Crianza blends Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo and Merlot, a Bordeaux-led style anchored by Spain's classic red grape. The high, cool setting near the mountains gives a wide day-to-night temperature swing that ripens the fruit slowly and keeps acidity and colour firm. As a Crianza the wine spends twelve months in French oak barrels before further bottle age, which softens the tannins and adds cedar, vanilla and a light spice while the fruit stays in place. The colour is a deep ruby with a garnet edge. The nose shows cherry and plum over red currant, dried herbs, tobacco, a touch of cocoa and vanilla from the oak. The palate is medium to full, with ripe, fine grained tannins, fresh acidity and a savoury, structured finish. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees, decanting briefly. It is a natural match for roast lamb and grilled red meat.