El Coto Rioja Crianza, La Rioja DOCa, Spain, 2021, Half Bottle

Grape: 100% Tempranillo, hand picked, oaked, sustainable winery

Producer Tasting Note:

This Crianza wine is a vibrant ruby red in colour with a garnet rim. Aromas of red fruits, vanilla and toast entice the nose. On the palate, the wine’s silky texture is tempered by concentrated, red berry fruit and notes of sweet spice from the oak, which culminate in a juicy and persistent finish.

Critics' Tasting Notes:

"Spiced plums, cherries and a touch of vanilla. Tart berries and plums on the palate, with a medium body and light tannins. Fluid, succulent and balanced, but a bit more depth would take it to the next level. Drink now."

James Suckling, July 2024

"Ripe aromas of bright and dense fruit seasoned by creamy oak nuances on the nose. Solid palate, generous and fresh."

90/100 points (Silver Medal), Decanter World Wine Awards, January 2025

Estate: El Coto was founded in 1970 in Rioja Alavesa and has grown from modest beginnings into one of the best known Rioja producers. Today, El Coto has over 730 hectares of vineyard in production across the three Rioja DOCa sub-zones.

The grapes for this wine were sourced mainly from old vine vineyards in Rioja Alavesa with some from Rioja Alta and Rioja Oriental. The vineyards are divided into small parcels planted on limestone and clay soils.

Fermentation took place in the Oyón winery, using stainless steel, temperature-controlled tanks. Once fermentation was complete, malolactic fermentation occurred. The wine was then aged for a minimum of 12 months in 225L American oak barrels and a further six months in bottle before release.

Food Match: A classic pairing with lamb dishes