Made for Tesco by Criadores from 80% Tempranillo, 15% Graciano, 5% Mazuelo. The wine was aged for 24 months in a combination of American and French oak barrels before release, then a minimum of 3 years in bottle. Bodegas Criadores de Rioja typifies twenty-first century Rioja in its careful balancing of tradition and innovation. The winery was established with a view to modernise the production of Rioja wines whilst working with the scores of small, local growers to make wines that reflect the quality and history of Rioja. Under the careful eye of young winemaker Paloma Redondo, the all-singing, all-dancing winery is a palace of stainless steel - with oak barrels being used sparingly - but the wines themselves are true to the region, and eschew the vogue for an 'international style'.
Lovely American oak and black pepper on the nose. Gently, spicy, toasty oak set appealingly against mouth-watering fresh cherry. 12.5%
(432 stores)
27/06/08

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