Montecillo Crianza 2021

Montecillo was founded in 1870 in Fuenmayor, near the Ebro River in Rioja Alta, making it one of the oldest wineries in the region. This Crianza is a classic Rioja blend of Tempranillo and Garnacha, made in a refreshed but traditional style. Rioja Alta has a cool, continental climate with Atlantic influence, and the calcareous-clay soils hold moisture and preserve the acidity that gives these wines their freshness and ageing potential. The wine spends eighteen months in French and American oak, longer than the Crianza minimum, which rounds the tannins through gradual oxygen exchange and layers in vanilla, spice and a savoury complexity. The American oak contributes sweeter vanilla and coconut, the French finer clove and cedar. The colour is a deep cherry red. The nose shows ripe red fruits with vanilla, dried herbs and developing leather and tobacco from the extended barrel age. The palate is medium-bodied and balanced, with red and dark fruit, fine-grained tannins and a savoury, lingering finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees, decanted if young. It is a dependable match for roast meats and aged cheese.