Anciano 3 Year Crianza Valdepenas
WHY WE LOVE IT
- Aged for three years, this is a wonderful example of a classic Crianza, vibrant in color and brimming with fresh fruit flavors.
- Bodegas Navalón is surrounded by the ancient vineyards of DO Valdepeñas in the heart of Spain.
- The bodega has been the passion of the same local family for several generations.
- Valdepeñas means “valley of stones” and the town of the same name has a history of winemaking which stretches back as far as the 7th Century BC.
Varietal Composition: 100% Tempranillo
Elaboration: Tempranillo grapes were hand-picked from 30 years old vines in late August/early September. The soils are clayey lime with a chalky layer which retains water to refresh the vines. Altitude helps moderate the classic continental climate: cold winters and long, hot, dry summers.
Fermentation was at controlled temperatures (below 28º C) in stainless steel tanks. This Crianza wine was then matured for six months in a mix of American and French oak barriques with varying toasting levels.
Tasting Notes: A bright cherry red, this wine is bursting with fresh aromas of red berry fruits with hints of balsamic and spice. Smooth and round on the palate, with concentrated cherry, strawberry and redcurrant fruit flavors and a long, fresh finish.
PRESS
90 Points Decanter World Wine Awards
PRODUCER BACKGROUND
Anciano wines are from a family-owned vineyard in Criadores de Rioja located in Alberite, Spain, just six kilometres from Rioja’s capital of Logroño. The bodega is strategically situated at the crossroads of the appellation’s three sub-regions: Rioja Alta, sheltered by the Cantabrian Mountains; Rioja Alavesa with its yellow-hued limestone soils; and Rioja Oriental, home to reddish silica soils. The region is also at the intersection of three weather patterns – continental, Mediterranean and Atlantic.
Criadores de Rioja was founded in 1999. The estate is owned by the Vivanco family, who are well-known in the region for having spent over 100 years and four generations in Rioja winemaking. The estate practices sustainable, organic farming techniques.