Hacienda Grimón Crianza 2022

Hacienda Grimón Crianza comes from the Jubera valley in D.O.Ca. Rioja, a blend led by Tempranillo with smaller amounts of Garnacha and Graciano. The vineyards sit at around 600 metres and are farmed organically, enriched with composted sheep manure and worked without herbicides, with low yields that concentrate the fruit. The altitude brings cool nights and a wide day to night temperature range, which slows ripening and locks in acidity and aromatic freshness. After fermentation the wine spends 14 months in French and American oak, a Crianza ageing in which slow oxygen exchange through the staves softens the tannins and layers in vanilla, toast and gentle spice, French oak adding finer grain and American oak a sweeter note. Garnacha lends warmth and red fruit, Graciano acidity and lift. The result is a medium bodied, balanced red with cherry, plum and red berry fruit, a touch of liquorice and savoury oak spice, on fresh acidity and supple tannins. The finish is clean and moderately long. Serve at 16 to 18C, decanting briefly if young. It suits roast lamb, grilled meats and hard cheese.