Gómez Cruzado Crianza 2023

Gómez Cruzado Crianza is a red from D.O.Ca. Rioja made by Gómez Cruzado in Haro, in the famous station district where the classic Rioja Alta houses are based. The winery, founded in 1886, draws its fruit from three Rioja Alta zones in the Sierra de Cantabria and the Najerilla valley, all farmed under sustainable viticulture. The blend is led by Tempranillo at around 80 percent with Garnacha, the Tempranillo from cooler high sites giving structure and bright fruit, the Garnacha adding warmth and red berry. Rioja Alta sits at altitude under an Atlantic-influenced climate, where cool nights and a long season preserve acidity and give the wine its freshness. After fermentation the wine spends 12 months in American oak, the porous wood softening the tannin through gentle oxygen exchange and adding vanilla and sweet spice. The colour is bright ruby. The nose shows ripe cherry and plum with red berry, vanilla and a savoury, dried herb edge. The palate is medium bodied and fresh at 13.9 percent, the tannins fine and the oak measured, with a clean savoury finish. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees. Good with roast and grilled meats.