Sonsierra Crianza 2021

Sonsierra Crianza is produced by Bodegas Sonsierra, a cooperative founded in 1962 by more than 240 growers in San Vicente de la Sonsierra, in the north of Rioja Alta. The members farm over 500 hectares of their own vineyards, many planted on the calcareous clay slopes that give this corner of Rioja its freshness and finesse. The wine is 100% Tempranillo. After fermentation it ages twelve months in American oak, the Crianza style for the region, where slow oxygen exchange softens the tannins and the wood lends vanilla, a sweet caramel tone and a gentle toast that mark traditional Rioja, while malolactic fermentation rounds the acidity. Time in barrel and bottle settles the structure and adds a savoury, leathery complexity to the fruit. The wine is medium to deep cherry red with a garnet edge. The nose shows red cherry, raspberry and plum with vanilla, sweet spice and dried herbs. The palate is medium bodied and balanced, with supple tannin, fresh acidity and a smooth, savoury finish. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees. It is an easy match for roast meats and grilled lamb.