Señorío de P. Peciña Crianza 2020

Senorio de P. Pecina Crianza is produced by Bodegas Hermanos Pecina in the Rioja Alta, blending Tempranillo with small amounts of Graciano and Garnacha. The grapes come from 40-year-old vines on clay-limestone soils, whose age and free-draining chalk give low yields of concentrated, balanced fruit. The cool, Atlantic-influenced climate of the western Rioja preserves acidity and gives a savoury rather than jammy character. The harvest is done by hand into small 15-kilo cases to keep the bunches whole, sorted by hand, then gently destemmed to avoid harsh extraction. As a Crianza the wine spends twelve months in American oak barrels, which add vanilla, coconut and a sweeter spice while slow oxygen exchange softens the tannin, with the Graciano lending acidity and the Garnacha adding roundness. It is bright cherry red with ruby glints. The nose is fresh red fruit, cherry and raspberry, with vanilla, light spice and a savoury herbal edge. The palate is medium-bodied and supple, the tannin fine and the acidity lively, finishing clean. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees. It suits roast meat, charcuterie and grilled vegetables.