Marques de Caceres Crianza 2019, DOCa Rioja, Spain

2019 vintage: Grape varieties: Mostly Tempranillo, with small contributions of Garnacha Tinta & Graciano. Vinification: The bunches are carefully destemmed for alcoholic fermentation in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature. Maceration with the skins lasts up to 20 days in order to extract color, aromas and density in the mouth. Malolactic fermentation is completed in new barrels and stainless steel tanks, depending on the plots and areas of origin. When finished, the wines rest in barrels and are racked every 6 months. Selection of small plots from Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa. Low yields from old vines harvested by hand. Harvesting: The grapes are hand-picked, priortizing the order of harvesting according to the ripeness of each selection or area of each village. Soils: Mostly clayey-limestone. Plots in Rioja Alta with ferrous subsoil and more limestone in Rioja Alavesa. Total time in barrel: 12 months in French (60%) and American (40%) oak barrels. The barels are distributed between 25% new oak, 25% with two wines, and the other 50% with a maximum of 3 to 4 wines. Ageing in bottle: Minimum 1 year of bottle storage in the winery prior to release. Tasting notes: Ruby red color with medium depth rim. Intense, fresh aroma. Complex notes of plum, enveloped against a very enjoyable balsamic undertone. Delicate leather and spicy touches that recall a subtle toastiness enhance the wine’s finesse and elegance. Its broad, well-rounded tannins and ripe fruit provide a balanced, full-bodied mouthfeel. A pleasant, luscious and tasty wine in mouth.