El Meson Crianza

A classic Rioja Crianza that shows what Tempranillo can do in good hands: fruit-forward, structured, and easy to drink.

Bodega El Meson is located in the heart of the Rioja Alta, one of Spain's most renowned wine regions. Tempranillo thrives here particularly well on lime- and clay-rich soils — the grapes provide the dense red fruit for which Rioja is known.

Twelve months of aging in new American barriques clearly shape the profile: on the nose, dark cherry and ripe plum, plus vanilla and a hint of coconut from the wood. On the palate, soft, well-integrated tannins, medium body, a finish with pepper and a spicy wood note. The six months of bottle aging round everything off.

• Food: Grilled lamb, chorizo, Manchego, or lamb chops with rosemary
• Temperature: 16–18 °C