Bodegas Beronia Rioja Crianza 2021 (Spain)

Description

Cherry, Oak, Spice

"Already drinking well, this Spanish red shows considerable complexity. Made from tempranillo grapes, matured for at least a year in French and American oak casks, it is perfumed, with full, slightly developed colour. Mouthfilling and savoury, with generous blackcurrant, plum, spice and nut flavours, it's ready to roll" Michael Cooper, May 2025

The wine has a deep cherry-red color. It is clean and bright with a complex and attractive nose, featuring cherry and spicy notes on a balsamic and tobacco background. On the palate, it is fresh and balanced, with prominent fresh fruit and cocoa flavors, as well as lively, well-integrated tannins. It is a round, long, and harmonious wine.

The climate this year was characterized by mild temperatures in winter and spring, leading to earlier budburst, flowering, and fruit set compared to usual dates. Precipitation remained average during winter, but spring brought storms, some with hail, although only in very specific areas. Veraison occurred in the first days of August, which was a very warm month, suggesting a harvest about 15 days earlier than usual. In early September, there was a drastic change in weather with milder daytime temperatures and much cooler nights, creating a large diurnal temperature range ideal for the phenolic development and ripening of the grapes. The result was satisfactory, with very healthy grapes, good skin maturity, and sweet tannins. The harvest progressed in an orderly and staggered manner, starting on September 20 and ending on October 19. It has been rated VERY GOOD.

Beronia Crianza is made from a selection of Tempranillo and Garnacha grapes. Once the grapes arrive at the winery, they undergo cold pre-fermentation maceration for several days. This is followed by alcoholic fermentation at a controlled temperature below 26ºC, with periodic pump-overs to extract the desired color and aromas. The wine then spends twelve months in mixed barrels with American oak staves and French oak heads to achieve the unmistakable “Beronia Style.” Finally, the wine is bottled, where it rests for at least three months before being released to the market.

Food Pairing: Serve between 15º and 17ºC. Ideal for pairing with roasts, grilled lamb chops, Iberian cured meats, and aged cheeses. Recommended for consumption until 2030.