{"product_id":"gomez-cruzado-rioja-cerro-las-cuevas-2021","title":"Gomez Cruzado, Rioja Cerro Las Cuevas, 2021","description":"\u003cp\u003eGomez Cruzado’s Rioja Cerro Las Cuevas 2021 is a refined, high-altitude expression of Rioja that highlights purity, freshness, and precision rather than overt oak. Sourced from old bush-vine Tempranillo planted in the hills of Rioja Alavesa, it reflects the estate’s long-standing focus on elegant, site-driven wines with a distinctly classic pedigree.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBright and polished in the glass, this Rioja offers a vibrant profile of red berries and forest-floor nuance. The nose is layered with strawberry, raspberry, and a subtle touch of liquorice, while the palate is medium-bodied, intensely flavored, and carried by lively acidity that keeps the wine fresh and focused.\n\nFrench oak plays a supporting role here, adding structure and finesse without masking the fruit. The finish is long and clean, with a fine tannic texture that suggests strong aging potential over the next several years, especially for those who enjoy Rioja with tension and energy rather than heavy extraction.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduction\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe fruit comes from 80-year-old bush vines planted around the village of Leza in Rioja Alavesa, an elevated area known for producing wines with balance, freshness, and depth. Gomez Cruzado works with old vineyards in the mountains to capture greater concentration and natural acidity, and the grapes are fermented with native yeasts in open vats to encourage gentle extraction and elegant tannins. The wine is then aged for just over a year in French oak barrels, with careful attention paid to the toast level so the wood supports rather than dominates the wine’s pure fruit character.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFood \u0026amp; Serving\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis wine pairs beautifully with roast lamb, grilled Iberian pork, mushroom dishes, or slow-cooked poultry, as well as aged Manchego and other firm Spanish cheeses. Serve it at around 16–18°C, and consider decanting for 30–60 minutes if drinking it young, to help the aromatics open and the texture soften.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProducer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGomez Cruzado is one of Rioja’s historic names, with roots dating back more than a century in Haro’s celebrated wine district. Today, the estate is widely respected for its meticulous vineyard sourcing and modern interpretation of Rioja’s classic style, particularly in wines that emphasize altitude, old vines, and finesse. Its commitment to precision and terroir-driven wines has helped reinforce Rioja Alavesa’s reputation for producing some of the region’s most elegant reds.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gomez Cruzado","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54255806021969,"sku":"OS-624521","price":61.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0874\/0614\/9969\/files\/624521_42faec81-b2a3-4056-8a71-3bf114cfb654.png?v=1783461899","url":"https:\/\/bottlehero.com\/products\/gomez-cruzado-rioja-cerro-las-cuevas-2021","provider":"Bottle Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}