Ramón Bilbao Crianza 2022

Ramón Bilbao Crianza 2022 is made in Haro, in the heart of Rioja Alta, by a winery founded in 1924. The wine is built around Tempranillo grown on the chalk and clay soils of the area. Rioja Alta sits at higher altitude with cooler nights and Atlantic influence, which slows ripening and holds the natural acidity that gives these wines their balance and ability to age. The wine is aged for around fourteen months in American oak followed by time in bottle before release. American oak gives a softer, sweeter spice and more vanilla and coconut tone than French, while the slow oxygen exchange across the barrel rounds the tannin; the bottle rest lets the oak and fruit knit together before the wine reaches the table. The colour is bright cherry red. The nose is fresh, with juicy blackberry and plum over gentle vanilla and a hint of coffee. The palate is medium bodied and smooth, with supple tannin, fresh acidity and a savoury finish of red fruit and spice. Serve at 16 to 17C.