Hacienda el Ternero Rioja Crianza Selección 2018

Hacienda el Ternero Rioja Crianza Selección 2017 is a polished, medium-bodied Tempranillo that showcases the finesse of high-altitude Rioja. Crafted from vines grown at around 650 meters above sea level, it balances ripe fruit, subtle oak and vibrant freshness with impressive ease. This is a modern, fruit-forward Crianza that offers serious quality without the weight of a Reserva or Gran Reserva.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, this Rioja shows a deep ruby color with garnet highlights at the rim, hinting at its time in barrel and bottle. The nose opens with delicate floral notes of violets and cherry blossom, lifted over a core of ripe red fruits. On the palate, expect juicy morello cherries and red plum wrapped in a smooth, medium-bodied texture. Subtle layers of caramel and a touch of bitter almond add complexity, while the French oak stays firmly in the background, providing gentle structure rather than overt toast or vanilla. Tannins are fine-grained and well-integrated, with a fresh acidity that keeps the wine lively through the finish. Enjoyable now for its fruit and fragrance, it has the structure to evolve gracefully for another 4–6 years under good cellaring conditions.

Production
Hacienda el Ternero’s vineyards lie in the northern reaches of Rioja at an impressive average altitude of 650 meters, where cooler nights and a longer growing season help preserve acidity and aromatic intensity in the Tempranillo grapes. The fruit for the Crianza Selección is harvested with careful selection, then undergoes fermentation followed by an extended maceration period to extract color, fine tannins and depth of flavor. After this, the wine is aged for a minimum of 16 months in French barrique, allowing it to gain complexity and structure, and then rested for at least another year in bottle before release to harmonize its components and refine the texture.

Food & Serving
This Crianza’s balance of ripe fruit, freshness and subtle oak makes it highly versatile at the table. It pairs beautifully with grilled lamb chops, roast pork, charcuterie, or classic Spanish dishes such as chorizo, albóndigas and roasted peppers. It also works well with semi-cured cheeses like Manchego or aged Gouda. Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) for optimal expression. A brief decant of 30 minutes can help the floral aromas and red fruit notes fully open, especially if enjoyed in its youth.

Producer
Hacienda el Ternero is a historic estate situated in the northern part of Rioja, in a privileged high-altitude setting that has long been recognized for producing expressive, ageworthy wines. With roots that trace back centuries, the property combines traditional Rioja know-how with a more contemporary, terroir-driven approach. By focusing on estate vineyards, meticulous viticulture and thoughtful use of French oak, Hacienda el Ternero has carved out a reputation for wines that are both authentic to Rioja and distinctly their own—elegant, fruit-pure expressions that highlight the uniqueness of their elevated terroir.

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