Marqués de Cáceres Crianza 2022

Marqués de Cáceres is one of the houses that defined the modern face of Rioja Alta, and this Crianza remains its calling card. The blend leads on Tempranillo, with Garnacha for flesh and Graciano for lift and acidity, drawn from the cooler western reaches of the D.O.Ca. where clay and limestone soils and a continental climate with Atlantic influence hold back ripeness and protect freshness. The wide swing between warm days and cold nights slows sugar accumulation and fixes aromatic precision in the fruit. After fermentation the wine spends twelve months in French oak, where slow oxygen exchange through the staves softens the tannins and folds in vanilla and sweet spice without masking the grape. The result is a medium ruby red with a fresh nose of black cherry and plum, balsamic and dried herbs, and a measured frame of oak. The palate is juicy and savoury, with fine tannins, bright acidity and a clean, spiced finish. It is vegan and built for the table rather than the cellar. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees, decanting briefly if young, alongside roast lamb or aged sheep's cheese.