Bodegas El Vinculo Crianza
WHY WE LOVE IT
- Bodegas El Vínculo La Mancha Crianza is a 100% Tempranillo (Cencibel) red wine from La Mancha, Spain, produced by Familia Fernández Rivera.
- The winery aims to demonstrate that high-quality, long-lived wines can be produced from old vines and with careful agricultural practices.
- The vineyards, located at elevations of 650 to 750 meters (about 2,100 to 2,450 feet), benefit from cooler temperatures, while the soil is a mix of sand and clay.
- The average vine age is around 50 years.
Varietals: 100% Tempranillo
Elaboration: The grapes are hand-harvested, destemmed, and fermented in stainless-steel tanks. The wine is aged for a minimum of 12 months in American oak barrels.
Tasting Notes: Maroon color, clean and bright. The wine features prominent black fruit aromas of blackberry and violet, accompanied by a hint of licorice, typical nuances of the Tempranillo variety. Aging in American oak barrels imparts enveloping aromas of coffee and toffee. On the palate, it’s a wine with polished and well-integrated tannins. An attractive, fruity, and fleshy entry with very well-integrated and pleasant acidity, hints of roasted notes like toffee or coffee.
PRESS
2021 – 90 James Suckling
PRODUCER BACKGROUND
Bodegas El Vínculo is a prestigious winery located in Campo de Criptana, Ciudad Real, founded in 1999 by celebrated winemaker Alejandro Fernández, known as the “Master of Tempranillo.” Part of the Familia Fernández Rivera group, the winery aims to showcase high-quality, long-aging wines from La Mancha, a region traditionally focused on bulk production. The name “El Vínculo,” meaning “The Bond,” highlights the connection between Castilla-La Mancha and Castilla y León, honoring the founders’ ancestral roots. Now managed by the founders’ granddaughters, Bodegas El Vínculo has become a key producer in La Mancha, enhancing the region’s reputation for excellent Tempranillo wines.