Viña Eguía Crianza 2022

Viña Eguía Crianza is a single-varietal Tempranillo from D.O.Ca. Rioja, made by Bodegas Eguía. The vines grow on calcareous clay soils, and the climate carries both continental and Mediterranean influences, with the Sierra de Cantabria cooling temperatures and sheltering the vineyards from the northerly wind. That shelter and the cooling effect of the range keep the Tempranillo fresh and balanced, while the chalky clay lends structure and a sense of brightness. After harvest the grapes are fermented by traditional methods in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, which preserves clean, fresh fruit before ageing. As a crianza the wine spends twelve months in American oak barrels, where slow oxygen exchange softens the tannin and the wood lends a sweeter vanilla, toffee and coconut spice, in the familiar Rioja style. The wine is vegan. It is medium bodied and approachable, with ripe red fruit, cherry and plum, vanilla and gentle spice over soft tannin, finishing fresh and easy. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees. It suits roast lamb, pork and grilled chicken.