Viña Salceda Crianza 2022

Viña Salceda is a benchmark Rioja producer, and this Crianza, reworked under winemaker David González, comes from Rioja Alavesa on the northeastern bank of the Ebro River. It blends Tempranillo, which gives the wine its red fruit and structure, with Garnacha, which adds warmth and roundness. Rioja Alavesa sits on poor, chalky clay soils at altitude, where cool Atlantic influence preserves freshness and balance even in ripe vintages. After alcoholic fermentation the wine completes malolactic conversion, softening its sharper malic acidity into rounder lactic acidity, then ages for twelve months in American oak. American oak is more open grained and gives the classic Rioja signature of vanilla, caramel and sweet spice through steady oxygen exchange, while the time in barrel rounds the tannins. The colour is a bright cherry red. The nose shows ripe cherry and raspberry over vanilla, sweet spice and a gentle leather note. The palate is medium bodied and balanced, with red fruit, supple tannins, fresh acidity and a spiced, savoury finish. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees. A natural partner for lamb and roast meats.