El Meson Crianza

The El Meson Crianza tastes fruit-forward, structured, and uncomplicated: a dry Tempranillo from Rioja with dark cherry, ripe plum, and fine wood spice.

On the nose, dark cherry and ripe plum meet vanilla and a hint of coconut. Both come from aging in barriques. The Tempranillo grapes grow on lime- and clay-rich soils. They provide the dense red fruit for which Rioja is known.

On the palate, the red wine has a medium body. The tannins are soft and well-integrated. The finish brings pepper and a spicy wood note. The alcohol content is 13.5% vol. Bodega El Meson bottles the wine with a natural cork.

The El Meson Crianza pairs with hearty dishes from the grill and the oven. It harmonizes particularly well with lamb, such as lamb chops and rosemary.

The dry Rioja also stands well at the table with steak, veal, and game. Braised and grilled dishes bring out its fruit and spicy wood note. As a tapas companion, it convinces with chorizo and Manchego.

Serve the El Meson Crianza at 14–16 °C. This keeps the fruit and tannins balanced. It is suitable for a social dinner with friends and for the barbecue season in summer. It fits just as well on the table on cooler days when a braised dish is on the stove.

Do you like the El Meson Crianza and are looking for more dry red wines from Rioja? These three wines made from Tempranillo fit well:

• CUNE Rioja Crianza from CVNE is a dry red wine made from Tempranillo and, like the El Meson Crianza, comes from Rioja in Spain.
• Carlos Serres Crianza from Bodegas Carlos Serres is also a dry Tempranillo from Rioja and remains in the same style.
• Carlos Serres Reserva from Bodegas Carlos Serres is a dry Rioja red wine made from Tempranillo and an option if you would like to try the same producer in a different aging stage.