Gomez Cruzado Honorable Rioja 2019 Red Wine, 75cL, SpainBy Winebuyers

This 'field blend' is produced from the fruit of Gomez Cruzado's oldest vineyards (over 50-year-old vines) - south-east facing, in the foothills of the Sierra Cantabria. The vines planted here are predominantly Tempranillo, but also Garnacha, Graciano, Mazuela and Viura. Soils are poor, chalky clay and white in colour, with slabs of calcareous rock beneath. The grapes are hand-picked into 15kg crates, and are sorted further by hand at the winery. The grapes undergo 4 days pre-fermentative maceration at low temperature, then temperature-controlled fermentation with daily remontage and delestage. Malolactic fermentation takes place in new oak barriques. The wine has wild bramble and spiced plum aromas, richly flavoured black cherry fruit and expressive well-integrated oak flavours. Ripe tannins are balanced by vibrant acidity and developed dried fruit, mocha and toasty spice characters. This characterful red will stand up to many richly-flavoured meat and vegetable dishes.