Ramón Bilbao Viñedos de Altura 2022

Ramón Bilbao is based in Haro, the historic centre of Rioja Alta, and draws this Crianza from selected old vineyards in the higher parts of the region around Villalba de Rioja and Tudelilla. Altitude matters here: cooler nights at elevation slow ripening and hold acidity, so the equal blend of Tempranillo and Garnacha keeps freshness alongside ripe fruit. Tempranillo supplies structure and red berry character while Garnacha adds weight and a riper, plummier core. After a manual harvest and selection the wine ages fifteen months on its lees in barrel, where regular contact with the spent yeast adds texture and rounds the tannins, and slow oxygen exchange through the oak softens the wine and layers in vanilla and spice. The colour is deep cherry red. The nose shows redcurrant, plum and a savoury edge of liquorice and black pepper over cedary oak. The palate is medium bodied and balanced, with fine tannins and a fresh, persistent finish. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees, ideally decanted for half an hour. It suits roast lamb, grilled beef and aged Manchego.