Gran Dominio Crianza Rioja

• Vintage: 2018
  
• Origin: Rioja, Spain
  
• Varietal Blend: 100% Tempranillo
• Taste guide: Brilliant ruby red in colour. On the nose, aromas of ripe strawberries, raspberry and cranberry combine with subtle spicy notes of vanilla and clove. The palate is well structured with ripe and velvety tannins and a refreshing acidity which carries the bright fruit and spice aromas onto the elegant finish.
• Food match: Charcuterie, rice and pasta dishes, stews and all kinds of cheeses.
• 75cl - 13.5% - Natural Cork Opening

Reflecting their origins in La Rioja Alta, the Gran Dominio wines are made with a precision that shows winemaker María Barúa’s eye for detail and understanding of her native region. María has been the head winemaker and technical director since 2002, and brings both scientific expertise (with an academic background in chemistry in addition to her oenology degree) and local knowledge (having been born and raised in Rioja). Together with her young and energetic team, María focuses on using the latest advances in winemaking to ‘express the virtues of the land’.

The Tempranillo grapes are sourced from a selection of vineyards in both the Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa sub-regions. These areas are shielded from the worst of the Atlantic weather systems by the Sierra Cantabria mountains, but still benefit from some of the moderating Atlantic influence and the grapes undergo a slow and steady ripening process with warm days tempered by cool nights. The vines are 35 years old on average and yield grapes with great concentration of flavour.

The 2018 vintage in Rioja was marked by unpredictable weather conditions which meant that diligence was required in the vineyards to maintain the health of the grapes. Winter was cooler than usual with high levels of rainfall and a cool, wet spring delayed bud burst and caused some issues with mildew in the region. Milder summer temperatures than average meant that the harvest took place in mid October, slightly later than usual. The grapes harvested were characterised by a marked freshness, precise aromatics and lower potential alcohol levels than usual thanks to the cooler than usual conditions throughout the year.

Upon arrival at the winery, the Tempranillo grapes were destemmed and crushed. Fermentation took place in temperature-controlled, stainless-steel vats with regular punch downs and pump overs. Following fermentation, the wines were transferred to American oak barrels, from forests in Ohio, where they were aged for 12 months. The final blend was then assembled and the wines were aged in bottle for nine months prior to release.

£12.95 on at least 2 other websites when checked (Jan ‘24), just £9.99 here. Only 23 bottles sourced.