Manzanos Crianza
D.O.Ca Rioja (Spain)
Wine making process
Hand harvested in 12 kg boxes, to guarantee the bunches reach the winery in perfect condition. To pick only the best grapes, we hand select them on the sorting table.After fermentation, the wine undergoes a malolactic fermentation both in barrels and in cement tanks. The wine is not filtered or stabilized to maintain all its characteristics. 18 months in oak barrel, 70% French and 30% American second year use. Fined in bottle for a minimum of 6 months.
Terroir
Manzanos Crianza stands out amongst our range of wines and defines us as winemakers. We choose vineyards within our estate to make characterful wines. It’s the selection in the vineyard and in the winery that guarantees our wines. The Tempranillo grape comes from the oldest vineyard at 50 years old, Los Poyatos, It´s small cluster, medium structure, good acidity and very elegant. The fineness of its tannins makes it unique. The roots have explored deep down over the years and the vines has developed a resistance to drought and climate change. Graciano variety is coming from “Los Molinos” estate, this is the highest altitude vineyard of Graciano in “Rioja del Reyno”, it is located at 450 meters above sea level. This vineyard is marked by the balance between the low fertility , the shallow depth and the clay loam texture with gypsum of the soil. All of this and the climate influence give us loose clusters with small and very concentrated grapes. So, we obtain a mature wine profile with black fruit and violets. This wine has a freshness, concentration and minerality which gives it a uniqueness. The quality of the grapes assures us that this wine is made in the vineyard and complemented in the winery.
Appearance
Deep intensity cherry red colour.
Aroma
Intense and very complex, with outstanding ripe black fruit, dried plums and liquorice. Spicy notes, undergrowth and mineral nuances over an elegant oaky background.
Taste
Equilibrated and well-structured with silky tannins and delicious ripe fruit. Fresh and savoury, with a sound finish. Lingering fruity and spicy notes typical of good Graciano.
Type of Wine
Crianza.
Varieties
Tempranillo, Graciano, Garnacha.
Ageing
Barrel: 18 months, new and second year French and American oak barrels.
Bottle: At least 6 months ageing in bottle.
Serving temperature
60-65ºF
Food pairings
Red meat and mature cheese.