Solagüen Crianza 2022

Solaguen Crianza is a single-varietal Tempranillo from D.O.Ca. Rioja, made by the Solaguen winery within Bodegas Labastida. The grapes come from 30-year-old bush vines grown at 450 to 550 metres, hand harvested from vineyards where altitude brings cold nights that keep the fruit fresh in a continental climate. On arrival the grapes are destemmed and given a cold maceration at 8 degrees over about 120 hours, a pre-fermentation soak that draws colour and bright fruit from the skins before fermentation begins. The wine is then aged 12 months in American oak, the traditional choice in Rioja, whose looser grain and aromatic compounds bring the classic vanilla and sweet spice character through slow oxygen exchange that also softens the tannins. It is bright ruby, with red berries, cherry and a savoury, herbal edge over vanilla, toffee and a hint of tobacco. The palate is medium-bodied, with supple tannins, fresh acidity and a smooth, savoury finish in the recognisable Rioja mould. Serve at 16 degrees, with roast lamb, grilled pork or a plate of cured meats and Manchego.