Viña Bujanda Crianza 2021

Vina Bujanda Crianza is a single-variety Tempranillo from vineyards across the Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa, the cooler, higher western reaches of D.O.Ca. Rioja. Both zones favour Tempranillo, with their clay-limestone soils and Atlantic-influenced climate giving moderate ripening, fresh acidity and a savoury rather than jammy fruit profile. After arriving at the winery the grapes are sorted and destemmed, then the must macerates on the skins for two weeks, drawing colour, tannin and aroma. Following fermentation the wine ages twelve months in 225-litre barrels, 70 per cent American and 30 per cent French oak, before bottling. American oak lends vanilla, coconut and a sweeter spice, French oak a finer cedar frame, and the slow oxygen exchange of barrel ageing rounds the tannin and integrates the fruit. It is bright ruby with a garnet edge. The nose is red cherry, plum and strawberry with vanilla, dried herbs and a light leather note. The palate is medium-bodied and balanced, the tannin soft, the acidity fresh, finishing clean and savoury. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees. It is an easy match for roast and grilled meat.