Arzuaga Crianza 2022

Cellar for up to 10 years. This full-bodied Tempranillo blend is best enjoyed with a slight chilling and should be served at 16°C after decanting for up to an hour. A blend of Tinto Fino (90%), Cabernet Sauvignon (7%), and Merlot (3%) grown at La Maquinilla vineyard at the Arzuaga family’s Finca La Planta estate. La Maquinilla, which is the oldest area of the estate, sits at 911 meters above sea level and is comprised of clay-limestone soils that are difficult to cultivate and produce small yields. This wine is dark cherry red with deep indigo reflections. The clean and bright fruit on the nose are reminiscent of ripe strawberries, blackberries and black cherries. Floral and sweet balsam race around the olfactory and invite you to take a long deep drink. The palate is engrossed in dreamy, concentrated black fruit swirled with hints of spice and fine wood. The balanced tannins and velvety roundness take your taste buds on a fruit filled journey ending on a long, elegant finish punctuated with toasted wood and caramelized undertones, thanks to 16 months in new French and American oak barrels. Bodegas Arzuaga Crianza has a typical 14.5% ABV and is perfect to pair with roasted big game, fowl, grilled red meats, lamb, stew, cold meats and hard cheeses as well as dark chocolate and berries. Although this wine is fantastic to drink this year, a few more years in the cellar could really make this Crianza really pop!

Price: £20.72 from 8wines UK