La Rioja is certainly Spain's most famous wine area, best known for its impressive, rich and complex red wines. Rioja is currently, together with the Priory, one of the two regions of Spain that can boast of the Denominación de Origen Calificada (DOCa), the highest level of the Spanish quality system. The most famous Rioja red wines are produced with Tempranillo grapes and are aged in wood for quite long periods, which give the wines a great intensity of tertiary, complex aromas with the typical "earthy" scent.
The Rioja DOCa "Crianza" by Viña Real is a red of extraordinary quality produced from the vineyards of the Alavesa area harvested by hand. A maturation of about 14 months in French and American oak barrels leads to a Crianza of sure expressiveness, in which the characteristics of Tempranillo are able to express themselves at their best. Elegant, soft, long-lived.
Tasting Notes
Ruby red, the nose expresses notes of cherry, blackberry, vanilla well integrated with hints of cocoa and coffee. On the palate it is fine, fleshy, round and with excellent persistence.
Pairings
For the whole meal, it goes well with rich first courses based on very intense sauces and with meat main courses, even baked.