Marqués de Cáceres La Capilla Crianza 2022

La Capilla is the Ribera del Duero project of Marqués de Cáceres, a producer long established in Rioja, based at a boutique estate in Roa in Burgos and running since 1998. This Crianza blends Tempranillo, the region's Tinto Fino, with Merlot for added flesh. The high Castilian plateau gives chalk and gravel soils that drain freely and a strongly continental climate, where hot days and cold nights extend ripening and lock in acidity and colour behind the wine's full 15% alcohol. After fermentation the wine completes malolactic conversion to soften acidity, then ages fifteen months in French oak followed by sixteen months in bottle. The long barrel time draws slow oxygen through the staves, stabilising colour, refining tannin and adding vanilla, clove and a cocoa edge, while the bottle rest integrates the oak before release. The wine is deep and dense, with a nose of ripe plum, blackberry and sweet spice over a hint of liquorice. The palate is full and structured, with firm, ripe tannin and a long, savoury finish. Serve at 16 to 18C and decant. It suits roast lamb, grilled beef and mushroom dishes.