Beronia Rioja Crianza 06

This is classic Crianza made by Matias Calleja, the bodega’s head winemaker, a blend of 84% Tempranillo, 13% Garnacha and 3% Mazuelo, fermented in tank to 13.5% alc, then aged 12 months in oak. The barrels used are predominantly American, and there is use of special casks which include head boards of French oak. The average age of the barrels is less than 4 years. The wine is then aged in bottle for a further 12 months before release. Youthful in appearance with a purple hued ruby-red colour, this has an elegant and tightly bound nose of red berry fruits with restrained sweet and spicy oak notes, along with a cool herb and peppery nuance. The shyness of the bouquet belies the palate which has some depth and fine-grained tannins. The acidity level is noticeable and the subtlety of the red fruit and spice flavours allow the structure to dominate, resulting in a dryness and austerity. The sweet oak sits in the background at first. With air time, the fruit becomes richer and sweeter, darker fruits and liquorice appear, and the oak more manifest. This will be an excellent accompaniment with pasta and meat dishes over the next 5-7 years.  RC July 10

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