Gomez Cruzado, Rioja El Predilecto MG, 2022

Gomez Cruzado’s Rioja El Predilecto 2022 is a beautifully pure expression of modern Rioja with a nod to the region’s traditional, fruit-led style. Crafted from high-altitude Tempranillo and Garnacha, it delivers elegance, freshness, and remarkable clarity, with no new oak to mask the character of the fruit. The result is a wine that feels both contemporary and rooted in Rioja’s historic winemaking heritage.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, El Predilecto shows a bright, polished ruby color with inviting purity. The nose is full of ripe red and dark berries, lifted by subtle spice and a fresh, mineral edge. On the palate, it is juicy and refined, with succulent cherry, blackberry, and plum notes framed by vibrant acidity and soft, well-integrated tannins. The wine is generous yet precise, with a smooth, balanced finish and plenty of immediate charm. Its fruit-forward style makes it highly enjoyable now, but the structure and freshness from the high-altitude vineyards suggest it can also develop nicely over the next few years. It is built for drinking young, while the best bottles should gain even more nuance with short to medium-term cellaring.

Production
The grapes come from some of the highest vineyards in Rioja, with Tempranillo sourced from the upper slopes of Samaniego and Garnacha from Alto Najerilla. These cooler, elevated sites extend ripening and help preserve acidity, giving the wine its lift and finesse. The fruit is 100% destemmed, then undergoes a cold fermentation with native yeasts and a short maceration, with Tempranillo and Garnacha vinified separately before blending. Aging takes place for five months in neutral cement tanks, allowing the purity of the fruit and the character of the terroir to remain front and center.

Food & Serving
This is a versatile food wine, especially good with roasted poultry, grilled lamb, tapas, charcuterie, or dishes with Mediterranean herbs and vegetables. It also works well with mushroom risotto, pork tenderloin, or mildly spiced Spanish cuisine. Serve at 16–18°C, and decanting is optional; a short aeration can help open up the aromatics, but the wine is already expressive and ready to enjoy.

Producer
Gomez Cruzado is one of Rioja’s classic producers, with a long history in the region and a reputation for wines that combine tradition, precision, and a strong sense of place. Based in Haro, the heart of Rioja, the estate has become known for highlighting vineyard origin and crafting wines with freshness and transparency. El Predilecto reflects that philosophy especially well, and has earned strong critical recognition, including 93 points from Guía Peñín and 92 points from Robert Parker.

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