Viñas del Vero Crianza 2021

Viñas del Vero Crianza is a red from D.O. Somontano in Aragón, made from organically grown Tempranillo on the winery's own vineyards. Somontano sits in the foothills of the Pyrenees, where altitude and cold mountain nights set up a wide gap between day and night temperatures. That diurnal range slows ripening and helps the fruit keep fresh acidity and clear berry aromatics while reaching full flavour. The grapes are farmed organically, without synthetic chemicals, which keeps the soil active and the fruit expression clean. After fermentation the wine spends eight months in American oak barrels, a moderate ageing that rounds the tannins and adds a measured note of vanilla and sweet spice without burying the fruit. It is bright cherry red. The nose leads with red cherry, ripe red berries and plum, lifted by dried herbs and a soft vanilla and coconut tone from the oak. The palate is medium-bodied and supple, with fresh acidity, fine tannins and a clean, fruit-driven finish. This is a versatile everyday Rioja-style red built for the table rather than the cellar. Serve at 16 degrees. It works with a wide range of roast and grilled meats.