This Crianza from El Meson, falls within the second-tier of maturation. Literally translated as ‘breeding’, Crianza is a mature wine ‘bred’ for earlier consumption than the higher-tiered beefy Reservas and Gran Reservas the area is more widely known for.

Founded in 1985 by a small group of Rioja wine professionals who wanted to develop a purely “vineyard driven” winery, oriented to the production of high-quality wines from their own vineyards. They also wanted to develop and implement a new style of “modern” Rioja wines; wines of deeper colour, structure, and concentration, in line with what today’s most discerning consumers are looking for.

The wine has been matured in American oak barrels for at least 12 months and is now beginning to show a greater depth through its additional bottle ageing.

This modern Tempranillo has lively red fruit, complemented by a touch of vanilla and spice, fine acidity and smooth tannins.