Sierra Cantabria Crianza 2021

Bodegas Sierra Cantabria produces this crianza in D.O.Ca. Rioja from 100 percent Tempranillo, the grape the region is built on, sourced from vineyards in San Vicente de la Sonsierra and Labastida in the Rioja Alta. The harvest is done by hand, with bunches selected in the vineyard and again on a sorting belt before destemming and fermentation at a controlled 25 to 28 degrees using indigenous yeasts. This part of Rioja sits on calcareous clay soils under an Atlantic-influenced climate, which gives Tempranillo bright acidity, fine tannins and an elegant, savoury profile rather than sheer power. The wine is aged for 14 months in French and American oak barrels, a crianza ageing that softens the tannins through slow oxygen exchange and adds vanilla, sweet spice and the leathery, savoury complexity typical of the style. It is an intense cherry-red with a subtle orange rim and a nose of red cherry, berries and dried herbs over oak and a hint of leather. The palate is medium to full bodied, balanced and supple, with red fruit, fine spice and a savoury finish. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees. It suits lamb, roast meats and aged cheeses.