Gomez Cruzado Rioja Crianza, DOCa Rioja

A blend of Tempranillo and Garnacha from two hills to the north and south of Rioja. The Tempranillo is from the Sierra Cantabria and the Garnacha comes mainly from the north-facing vineyards of the Sierra de la Demanda. This allows the winemaker to create an intense but fresh and well-balanced wine.

Production 

The Tempranillo grapes are sourced from vineyards planted in the foothills of the Cantabrian mountains, and from the lower course of the Najerilla river (near Uruñuela and Torremontalbo). The Garnacha vines are planted near the higher course of the Najerilla (near Badarán). Soil types are a combination of alluvial, sandstone-clay and ferrous-clay. The vineyards are between 60 and 80 years of age, which gives further intensity to the wine. The grapes are handpicked into 20kg crates and sorted by hand at the winery. After 3 days of pre-fermentative maceration at low temperature, the must undergoes daily remontage and delestage during temperature-controlled fermentation in cone-shaped stainless steel tanks. The fermentation uses whole berries which creates some of the floral, complex characters and silky tannin structure. This is followed by 12 months maturation in, mostly new, American oak barriques.

Tasting Note

Plum and bramble aromas with savoury, lightly spicy hints. A smooth, approachable Crianza with ripe dark fruits and supple tannins. Shows tremendous balance and quality.

Food Match 

Authentic kebabs or herby lamb chops.