Aster Crianza Tempranillo Ribera del Duero DO La Rioja Alta

Aster Crianza is the Ribera del Duero offshoot of La Rioja Alta – one of the most traditional houses in the Spanish wine world. Anyone who wants to get to know Tempranillo in its dense, serious form will find it here.

La Rioja Alta was founded in Haro in 1890 and is still family-owned today. With the Aster winery in Ribera del Duero, the house is opening up one of Spain's tightest red wine appellations: limestone-clay soils at nearly 900 meters altitude, extreme temperature differences between day and night, Tempranillo as the sole grape variety. The Crianza matures for at least twelve months in American and French oak before it is bottled.

In the glass, it shows a deep ruby red with a violet rim. On the nose, blackberry, sour cherry, and plum, underscored by cinnamon, a hint of star anise, and the typical vanilla note of American oak. On the palate, medium-bodied with juicy fruit, well-integrated tannins, and a spicy, lingering finish.

• Temperature: 16–18 °C
• Food: Leg of lamb with rosemary potatoes, grilled chorizo, mature Manchego