Cruz del Castillo Rioja Tinto Crianza

Cruz del Castillo is undoubtedly one of the kings of Rioja, having been producing the finest wines since 1850. Today, the winery has expanded into other wine regions, but its love for Rioja remains constant. The winery is known in Spain for its excellent price-quality ratio, making Spain its largest customer. Many bottles are enjoyed by Spaniards, a fact the family is proud of. Today, the fifth generation is at the helm of the family, and winemaker Franseco Jr. still crafts his wines with many Spanish traditions. Yet, he maintains a pioneering spirit and seeks a balance between tradition and modern winemaking techniques. This is not surprising, as the entire winery was recently renovated and equipped with the latest winemaking techniques.

Wood bearing for the Cruz del Castillo Rioja Crianza

For this red wine, the family naturally cultivates their beloved Tempranillo grape. These grapes are grown in a very old vineyard, some 50 years old. This gives the vines deep roots and allows them to easily absorb moisture and nutrients. This gives the bunches a rich flavor, which contributes to the wine's quality. The climate is also crucial; the vineyards always enjoy plenty of sunshine, but also sufficient cooling. The wind plays a significant role in this, along with the sharp drop in nighttime temperatures. When the harvest is ripe, all the bunches are harvested by hand and rigorously selected. Only the best bunches are transported to Cruz del Castillo. After pressing, this Crianza is aged for twelve months in oak barrels. American barrels are chosen because they are a better match for the wine. After this, it is also aged in cellars for another twelve months; only when the wine is perfect are the bottles sold.

The perfect classic taste of the Cruz del Castillo

The moment the wine is poured, we're already sold, as we see a beautiful dark red color with a purple sheen. It has a wonderful aroma, offering hints of black fruit, light spices, vanilla, and cedar. A vigorous swirl of the glass reveals hints of pepper and cocoa in this Cruz del Castillo Crianza. The palate is wonderfully full and robust, with abundant fruit notes such as blackberry and blueberry, along with just the right amount of spice. The finish reveals the lovely influence of the wooden barrel and light spices.