Terrai Vinedos Y Crianzas
El Coto de Rioja
Crianza Rioja Tempranillo 2000
Still fresh. Sometimes, crianzas do age! — 5 years ago
R. López de Heredia
Viña Gravonia Crianza Rioja Viura 2005
Nose has oxidized honey, green herbs, hazelnut, apricot, faint-light petrol, eucalyptus, gardenia blossom, all powerful, concentrating and invigorating.
Palate has honey tea with oak sawdust, cedar plank, beautiful saline minerality, candlewax, great acidity bite that comes in late, such extravagance.
We've been enjoying these Heredia crianzas for many years, but they do need time to settle in and we're still drinking these too young, but damn they are guilty pleasures. We really fell in love with the Blanc many years ago, drinking young then patiently waiting several years, wow what an evolution!
Decanted 2+hrs, drink now or enjoy over the next 3-5 years without concern.
$22, yes I know that reads like a crazy price, because it is, only patience is required! — 7 years ago
Terrai Vinedos Y Crianzas
OVG Old Vine Garnacha 2020
Hacienda Solano
Seleccion Ribera del Duero Tinta del Pais 2018
Hacienda Solano’s entry-level wine, Selección is mostly Tempranillo with some 2% Albillo from selected plots in the small village of La Aguilera, all farmed organically. Fermented in stainless steel with some full clusters, the 2018 Selección was partially aged in 225 and 500-liter French oak barrels for 8 months, much less than most Crianzas in the area. Aromas of red fruit and some notes of pine needles and Mediterranean herbs (some menthol?). Powerful, very smooth, fine tannins. An outstanding village wine and one of the best values in Ribera del Duero — 6 years ago
R. López de Heredia
Viña Cubillo Crianza Rioja Tempranillo Blend 2005
Nose has spicy cherry, tanned leather, juiced raspberry-blackberry, cigar box, cocoa nibs, exceptional.
Palate has blackberry reduction, ripe cherry mash, moist leather, cedar shavings, light mocha, nice acidity and dissipating tannins are gentle, long finish.
We've been enjoying these Heredia crianzas for many years, but they do need time to settle in and we're still drinking these too young, but damn they are guilty pleasures.
Decanted 2+hrs, drink now or enjoy over the next 4-6 years without concern.
$22, yes I know that reads like a crazy price, because it is, only patience is required! — 7 years ago
Bodegas Sierra Cantabria
Crianza Rioja Tempranillo 2018
Can Rioja Crianzas do no wrong??!! Such a gift of rich, joyous, wood aged red fruits, from old school, at 15$. Balanced,but full on the palate. Crazy. — 3 years ago
Marqués de Riscal
Reserva Herederos del Marques de Riscal Rioja Tempranillo 2016
I really like this Rioja - smooth, well-balanced and beautiful fruit aroma. The oak is a little stronger than other more fruit-forward Crianzas, but good, nonetheless. — 5 years ago
Urbina
Selección Rioja Tempranillo 1999
Have to admit I’m one of those who scrunches his nose at the mention of crianzas. Well, nose straighten out by this surprisingly mature 20 yr old (crianza??). Drinks more like a moderately bodied, high priced brunello—excellent! — 6 years ago
Freddy R. Troya
Proelio – Tempranillo Crianza 2015
DOCa Rioja – Spain 🇪🇸
Overview:
Made from Tempranillo and aged 12 months in barrel, Crianza wines are typically crafted for early enjoyment rather than long aging. Yet this 2015 surprises with its grace and staying power, showing how well Rioja structure and fruit can carry even at this stage.
Aromas & Flavors:
Red cherry, stewed plum, and dried strawberry notes mingle with soft cedar, leather, and a faint touch of vanilla. Secondary notes of earth and warm spice reveal the benefits of bottle age.
Mouthfeel:
Light to medium-bodied, rounded and smooth. The tannins have mellowed beautifully, leaving a silky texture and a warm, gentle finish.
Food Pairings:
A natural partner for tapas, roasted chicken, grilled lamb chops, or Manchego cheese.
Verdict:
Unexpectedly affable and delicious for its age. Proof that even a Crianza, when well-made, can exceed expectations and bring pleasure a decade later. Cheers!
Did You Know?
In Rioja, the classification terms Crianza, Reserva, and Gran Reserva don’t only refer to aging potential, but to minimum legal barrel and bottle aging before release. Crianzas usually age 1 year in barrel + 1 in bottle, making them approachable young. But in great vintages or from careful producers, Crianzas can surprise with longevity well beyond expectations.
— 5 months ago