El Coto Rioja Crianza, La Rioja DOCa, Spain, 2022

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.

Critic's Tasting Note:

"Aromas of subtle vanilla, light red plums and berries. A simple, fluid Rioja showing some diluted fruit and oak tannins on its light- to medium-bodied palate. Balanced but rather light and easy. Drink now."

88/100 points, James Suckling, January 2026

Also awarded 88/100 points GUIA PENIN (Spain) May 2025, and GOLD Concours Mondial de Bruxelles 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