Rioja Crianza 2019, Bodega Sonsierra

Cherry-red in colour with a vibrant maroon edge. The barrel-aging process provides a bouquet with aromas of cocoa, vanilla and coffee, against a lively, fragrant background of ripe fruits and liquorice. In the mouth it is well-rounded and harmonious, with an excellent blend of spices and other flavours typical of the grape variety.

Named Cooperative of the Year by Tim Atkin MW in his 2019and2021 Rioja Special Reports, Bodegas Sonsierra has136 grower members, and with over 1,500 vineyards ranging from400–750metres above sea level, the winery either directly owns or manages over 30% of all vineyards in Rioja Alta’s Sonsierra area. All members are highly supportive to the management’s forward-thinking, innovative strategies, and impressively under the new “Viñedos Singulares”(Single Vineyard) classification, they boast 9 of these special designation vineyards, more than any other Rioja producer. Today, Bodegas Sonsierra is the second largest bottling cooperative in Rioja, and is an exemplar of coordination and collaboration between their expert vine growers and their570hectares of vineyards. They are at the forefront of a genuine revolution in winemaking, and their unmatched commitment to quality as a collective has positioned them as one the most visionary winemakers in the Rioja region.

Maceration for 24 hours before fermentation. Alcoholic fermentation with regular pumping over in stainless steel vats for 8 days at a temperature controlled 24ºC to retain and extract the maximum amount of fruity flavors. Maceration for 24-48 hours after fermentation. Malolactic fermentation in concrete vats. 12 months in large American barrels. Minimum 3 months ageing in the bottle.