El Coto Crianza 2022

El Coto Crianza is a Tempranillo from El Coto de Rioja, a winery based in Oyón in the Rioja Alavesa since 1970. The Rioja Alavesa lies on the cooler, higher northern side of the appellation, where chalky clay soils and Atlantic-influenced weather give Tempranillo bright red fruit and freshness rather than weight. As a Crianza, the wine is aged twelve months in barrel followed by time in bottle before release. El Coto uses American oak, which through its wider grain and higher level of aromatic compounds gives the wine its characteristic vanilla, coconut and sweet toast, while the slow exchange of oxygen across the staves rounds the tannin into a soft, supple texture. Malolactic fermentation converts malic acid to lactic acid, smoothing the wine further. It is bright cherry red. The nose is open and friendly, with fresh red berry and cherry over vanilla and toasted oak. The palate is medium bodied and easy, the fruit clean, the oak gentle and the finish soft. This is a versatile, classic Rioja made to drink young. Serve at 16 degrees. It suits a wide range of roast and grilled meats.