Vivanco Crianza 2022

Vivanco Crianza is produced by Dinastia Vivanco in Briones, in Rioja Alta. It is built around Tempranillo with a measure of Graciano and the local Maturana, both of which add colour, fresh acidity and aromatic complexity to the supple Tempranillo base. The fruit comes from vineyards of fifteen to twenty years across several plots in Briones, planted on clay rich soils with a notable iron content that brings firmness and a mineral edge. Harvest is by hand into small ten kilo crates in early October, and the must is moved by gravity to protect the fruit. The wine is aged for sixteen months in French and American oak followed by six months in bottle. The two oaks work together, French wood for fine tannin and spice and American for vanilla and sweetness, while slow oxygen exchange in barrel rounds the texture. This bottling is certified vegan. The colour is bright cherry. The nose shows fresh red fruit and plum with liquorice and a peppery, spicy lift. The palate is medium bodied, fresh and balanced, with fine tannins and a clean, savoury finish. Serve at 16 degrees. A reliable match for lamb and grilled meat.