Cune Rioja Crianza 06

The Compania Vinícola del Norte de España, or CUNE (pronounced Coon-ay) is one of the best of the traditional Rioja bodegas. Its extremely high standards ensure classic wines even though quantities can be considerable. This Crianza, from a very good vintage, is 80% Tempranillo and 20% Garnacha and Mazuelo, all hand-picked, from the Rioja Alta sub-region. To retain aromatics, the fruit was relatively cool-fermented at 26-28°C to 13.7% alc and the wine aged in American oak casks for 12 months maturation. Medium ruby red in colour, this is unmistakably Rioja with its soft red fruit aromas and flavours evenly matched by cedar and vanilla American oak cask characters. The palate is elegant and open with moderately drying tannins. This is classic Rioja with the Tempranillo more in the Pinot Noir-like expression. This will be an excellent match with Mediterranean food over the next 4-6 years.  RC Jan 10

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