Azabache Rioja Crianza

The region of La Rioja lends its name to Spain`s most widely recognised wines. Much Rioja is blended from three districts; Alta and Alavesa to the north and the hot dry Oriental district to the south (previously known as Rioja Baja) and uses Tempranillo, Garnacha, Graciano and Mazuelo red grape varieties and the diminishing influence of extended ageing in oak barrels.

Fincas de Azabache is a state of the art cooperative, founded in December 1956. The Bodegas now owns 2600 hectares of vineyards at the foot of Mount Yerga, in the dry region of the Rioja Oriental. With limited risk of rot, it is an area conducive to the principles of organic viticulture, to which the Bodegas is firmly and successfully committed. The cooperative have recently invested heavily in a new winery, the fruits of which we are now seeing.

This excellent Rioja is well balanced with a soft seductive character typical of the Tempranillo, Garnacha and Mazuelo grapes. It is made to emphasise the fruit characteristics with a subtle hint of oak gained from one year in cask and allowed to mature in bottle before release. It exhibits intense plum and cherry flavours with elements of vanilla and spice and a soft rounded palate.

Excellent by the glass or to accompany tapas, chorizo or braised meats.