Hacienda López de Haro Crianza 2022

Hacienda López de Haro Crianza comes from Bodega Hacienda López de Haro, part of the Vintae group, on the slopes of San Vicente de la Sonsierra in Rioja. It blends Tempranillo with Garnacha and Graciano, the classic Rioja trio. The climate here is moderated continental, tempered by the influence of the Cantabrian Sea, which keeps the nights cool and preserves acidity through ripening. Tempranillo provides the red fruit and backbone, Garnacha lends warmth and body, and Graciano contributes colour, acidity and an aromatic, herbal lift. After fermentation the wine completes malolactic conversion to soften its acidity, then ages for 16 months in French and American oak. That extended barrel time rounds the tannins through slow oxygen exchange and layers in vanilla, sweet spice and a savoury, cedar tinged complexity, with the American oak adding the familiar Rioja vanilla note. The colour is a bright cherry red with garnet at the rim. The nose blends ripe red fruit with vanilla, tobacco and a touch of leather. The palate is balanced and savoury, with red cherry fruit, supple tannins, fresh acidity and a long, spiced finish. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees with roast meats.