2019 Sierra Cantabria Crianza

2019 Sierra Cantabria Crianza is a beautifully poised Rioja that captures the elegance and energy of Rioja Alavesa in a single glass. Made from 100% Tempranillo and aged 14 months in French and American oak, it offers a refined balance of fruit, spice, and oak polish. From a vintage praised by critics as one of the finest for this wine, it represents outstanding value in classic, age‑worthy Rioja.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, this Crianza shows a vivid ruby red core with bright violet reflections at the rim, signaling both youth and freshness. The nose is expressive and layered: redcurrant and blackcurrant are joined by ripe red berries, framed by notes of roasted coffee, vanilla, graphite, and a gentle toast from the barrels. On the palate, the wine is medium to full‑bodied with a fine, well‑knit structure. Firm yet polished tannins are balanced by fresh acidity and well‑integrated alcohol, giving the wine both presence and finesse. Flavors of fresh, juicy red and dark fruit intertwine with subtler nuances of spice, roasted coffee, and noble woods from the oak aging. The finish is long and precise, leaving a lingering memory of delicate toast and refined, savory complexity. Enjoyable now, it will continue to develop added harmony and tertiary notes over the next 5–8 years, and potentially longer under good cellaring conditions.

Production
The Tempranillo grapes for Sierra Cantabria Crianza come from sustainably farmed vineyards in San Vicente de la Sonsierra and Labastida, in the heart of prestigious Rioja Alavesa. Here, calcareous clay soils with gravel and a continental climate moderated by Atlantic influences contribute to wines of tension, finesse, and aromatic clarity. All bunches are hand‑harvested and carefully selected first in the vineyard and again on a sorting table at the winery. The 100% Tempranillo is fully destemmed, then fermented with native yeasts from the estate’s own vineyards at 26–28°C to preserve varietal character and terroir expression. A long maceration of around 15 days includes twice‑daily pump‑overs at the start, tapering to gentle pump‑overs toward the end, ensuring color, flavor, and tannin extraction without harshness. The wine is then aged for 14 months in Bordeaux‑size barrels of both French and American oak, achieving a seamless integration of fruit and wood.

Food & Serving
This classic Rioja Crianza is a versatile partner at the table. It pairs beautifully with grilled lamb chops, roast pork, Iberian charcuterie, and dishes featuring roasted vegetables, mushrooms, or mild game. Semi‑cured cheeses such as Manchego, as well as tomato‑based stews and hearty paellas, are also excellent matches. Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) for ideal expression; a short decant of 30–45 minutes is recommended in its youth to open up the aromatics and soften the tannins, though it can be enjoyed straight from the bottle with a bit of time in the glass.

Producer
Bodegas Sierra Cantabria is a family‑owned estate rooted in the village of San Vicente de la Sonsierra, one of Rioja’s most revered winemaking zones. Over generations, the Eguren family has built a reputation for meticulous vineyard work and thoughtful, terroir‑driven wines that showcase the full potential of Tempranillo in Rioja Alavesa. The bodega is widely respected for combining traditional Rioja craftsmanship—such as careful oak aging and hand harvesting—with modern precision and sustainability in the vineyard. Sierra Cantabria’s wines are regularly praised by international critics and have helped cement the estate’s status as one of the key reference points for high‑quality, characterful Rioja.

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