Monte Real Crianza 2022

Bodegas Riojanas makes Monte Real Crianza from estate-grown Tempranillo around Cenicero, a village at the centre of Rioja Alta. This cooler, higher western sector of Rioja, with its clay-limestone soils and Atlantic-influenced climate, gives Tempranillo its bright red fruit, fine tannins and capacity to age. After harvest the grapes are destemmed, crushed and fermented, then macerated over a long period to draw colour and structure from the skins. Ageing lasts 18 months in American oak barrels, with rackings and natural stabilisation through the period, and the American wood contributes the vanilla, coconut and sweet-spice signature that defines traditional Rioja while a slow exchange of oxygen softens the tannins. It pours a bright cherry red, with a nose of raspberry and red cherry lifted by liquorice, thyme and a gentle floral note. The palate is medium-bodied and smooth, the red fruit framed by sweet oak spice and supple tannins, closing fresh and savoury. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees. A classic match for lamb and roast meats.