El Coto Rioja Crianza 2022
This wine is a vibrant ruby red colour with a garnet rim. Aromas of red fruits, vanilla and toast define the nose. On the palate, the wine's silky texture is tempered by concentrated, red berry fruit and notes of sweet spice from the oak, complementing a juicy and persistent finish.
The grapes for this wine were sourced mainly from old vine vineyards in Rioja Alavesa with some from Rioja Alta and Rioja Oriental. The vineyards are divided into small parcels planted on limestone and clay soils.
Fermentation took place in the Oyón winery, using stainless steel, temperature-controlled tanks. Once fermentation was complete, malolactic fermentation occurred. The wine was then aged for a minimum of 12 months in 225L American oak barrels and a further six months in bottle before release. This extra six months in bottle isn't required by law, however, El Coto feels it enhances both the flavours and style of the wine.
El Coto was founded in 1970 in Rioja Alavesa and has grown from humble beginnings to become one of the best-known producers in Rioja. Now the largest vineyard owner in the region, El Coto has more than 730 hectares of vineyards across the three Rioja DOCa sub-zones of Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa and Rioja Oriental, allowing them to represent the vast diversity found within the area. In 2023, El Coto was certified under the Sustainable Wineries for Climate Protection organisation (SWfCP), in recognition of their improved sustainability practices, which include the installation of solar panels, reducing bottle weights and packaging improvements.
Head winemaker César Fernández oversees production at El Coto, starting with hand-picking into 350-kilogram crates to ensure the grapes arrive at the winery in pristine condition. Modern and intelligently designed, the emphasis in the winery is on temperature control and gentle handling of the grapes. The Blanco is fermented at 14–16°C to preserve aromas and to retain freshness. The Rosado, a scented blend of 90% Tempranillo and 10% Garnacha, is bursting with fresh strawberry aromas. All the red wines are fresh and juicy with nicely balanced oak. The Crianza, made solely from Tempranillo, is aged in American oak for 12 months followed by a further six months in bottle before release. The resulting wine is clean, vibrant and supple. The Organic Crianza is made from organically grown Tempranillo and vinified in a separate winery. It is aged in 225-litre American oak barrels for 12 months, and the materials used for the both the label and packaging have been designed to be as environmentally friendly as possible.
