The name itself suggests how Obalo Crianza Rioja is made. Spanish wine laws are quite simple. The designation "crianza" means the wine has been aged for at least two years, six of which in oak. However, these are minimum requirements. Obalo Crianza Rioja is aged for a full 12 months in oak, half of which is new oak. Finally, the bottles are aged for another 12 months at the Obalo winery.
We've become huge fans of Obalo Crianza Rioja. And we can hardly wait to share our enthusiasm with you. However, there are many other enthusiasts, including Harolds Hamersma, a renowned Dutch wine guru. Every year, he publishes a wine guide: the Grote Hamersma. In the 2019 edition, Obalo Crianza Rioja received a remarkable 9-, one of the highest scores. That's saying something, because only the very best receive this astronomical score.
The moment you open a bottle, we immediately understand Mr. Hamersma. Because what a delight this is. Wow! The deep red color already reveals a robust, characterful glass of red wine. Your nose is pampered by rich and generous notes of blackberry, black cherry, and violet. You also discover warm spices, which immediately betray the oak aging. It's high time to take a sip of Obalo Crianza Rioja. We are certain you will fall in love with this wine. What a feast this is! A balanced palette of dark berries and juicy cherries lands on your tongue. Notes of minerals and herbs play with your taste buds. The appealing, velvety flavor completes Obalo Crianza Rioja. But perhaps the best part is the finish, which seems rich and lingering. Pleasant nuances of black fruit, spices, tobacco, chocolate, and a pleasant peppery note emerge on the back of the tongue.
