2017-C Gomez Cruzado Crianza Rioja DOCa, Spain (750ml)
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A Monthly Wine Club Selection
Rioja was the first Spanish wine region to obtain DO status, in 1925. In 1991, it was promoted to DOCa (Qualified Designation of Origin), a higher category reserved for wines maintaining a proven consistency and quality over a long period of time. Rioja has three distinct subregions (Alavesa, Alta & Baja) as well as stylistic diversity ranging from the traditional oxidative wines to the fuller, over-the-top modern style.
Founded in 1886 by Ángel Gómez de Arteche, in the heart of Haro’s Barrio de la Estación, Gómez Cruzado is a historic winery and one of only sixteen Bodegas Centenarias (hundred-year-old wine cellars) in all of Rioja. The winery and vineyards were bought in 1916 by Rioja natives Ángel and Jesús Gómez Cruzado, for whom the winery is now named. In the early 2000s, the winery was purchased by the current owners—the Baños family—who, in 2008 brought in the leadership team of David González and Juan Antonio Leza, two young Riojan winemakers and viticulturalists, each with over a decade of winemaking experience in several different winegrowing regions.
Made with 80% Tempranillo (from the foothills of the Sierra Cantabria and from vineyards adjacent to the lower course of the Najerilla river) and 20% Garnacha (from the Alto Najerilla area). The grapes were harvested manually, and the bunches were then carefully sorted at the winery. The must saw a 3-day of cold pre-fermentative maceration, with daily pump-overs and delestage during fermentation, in temperature-controlled, stainless-steel, truncated, conical tanks. The resulting wine was aged for 12 months in predominantly American oak barrels.
Inviting aromas of red and dark berries mingled with baking spices. The palate is fruit-driven with flavors of dark cherry, pomegranate and juicy stone fruit. Supple, with nicely integrated tannins, well framed with juicy acidity through the medium long finish.