Luis Alegre Crianza 2022

Luis Alegre Crianza is a Rioja blend led by Tempranillo at 85 percent, with equal small parts of Garnacha, Graciano and Mazuelo. The fruit comes from vineyards of around 30 years on clay and chalk soils at 500 metres in the D.O.Ca. Rioja. The clay holds water through the dry summers while the chalk and altitude bring freshness and slow ripening, which preserves acidity in the grapes. After a manual harvest the must is macerated and fermented for 15 days, then completes malolactic fermentation, which converts sharp malic acid to softer lactic acid and rounds the texture. The wine ages 14 months in a mix of French and American oak, combining the tighter spice of French wood with the vanilla and sweeter toast of American, softening the tannins through gradual oxygen exchange. It shows a bright ruby colour. The nose carries cherry and raspberry wrapped in spicy, toasted oak. The palate is medium bodied and balanced, the Graciano lending acidity and the Garnacha a little warmth, with fine tannins and a savoury, lingering finish. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees, with a short decant, beside roast meats and stews.