The Manzanos family have been making wine in Rioja since the 1890s, giving them access to old vineyards throughout the region. This particularly succulent blend is a blend of 80% Tempranillo and 20% Garnacha, and to qualify as a Crianza as defined by the region’s regulations, it has spent 18 months maturing in new and seasoned French oak and then at least a further six months coming together in the bottle. This time in the bottle further refines the tannins to a soft grip. 

The perfumed aroma of fresh berry fruit has more than a pinch of dried herbs, and a creamy vanilla and cinnamon base.  It is a fuller bodied red, that looks quite youthful for a 2014 and not just in its purple highlights. The tannins are ripe and shape the mouth while the fruit fills the mouth leaving a lasting impression of bright youthfulness. It certainly does not need food, but it would be a great match for some roast game or venison sausages, with some wasabi scented mash.

 Quickie review «Generous to the core! With its youthfulness shining through, this is succulent and shapely.»

Country of Origin: Rioja DOCa, Spain
Tasting Date: September 2018
Price:    UK £17  | € 12
Drink: now – 7+ years
Needs food: no
Source: tasting

This wine was featured on a winemusing.tv ‘Quickie Review’: