Viña Pomal Crianza 2022

Viña Pomal Crianza is one of the signature wines of Bodegas Bilbaínas, a long-established house in D.O.Ca. Rioja that first bottled this Tempranillo in 1996. The grape is grown across the Rioja heartland, where the climate runs continental with hot days and cool nights. That diurnal swing slows ripening and preserves natural acidity and aromatic freshness, while the region's clay-limestone soils contribute structure and lift to the fruit. After fermentation the wine spends twelve months in American oak, the traditional choice in Rioja. American oak is more open-grained and releases more vanillin and lactones than French oak, which is why it lends the sweet vanilla, coconut and dill character that defines the classic Crianza style. Slow oxygen exchange through the barrel staves softens the tannins and adds leather and spice as the wine ages. The result is a medium-bodied red, ruby with garnet at the rim, carrying violet, dark plum, red berry and liquorice on the nose, then a savoury palate framed by fine tannin and bright acidity. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees, decanting briefly if young. It suits roast lamb, grilled beef and aged sheep's cheese.