Marques De Caceres Tinto Crianza 2021

Marques De Caceres Tinto Crianza is a polished, modern Rioja Crianza built around Tempranillo, with black fruit, balsamic freshness, gentle spice, liquorice and neatly integrated oak. The 2021 has a rounded palate with silky tannins and a savoury, mint-flecked finish, giving it enough structure for dinner without turning heavy. Marqués de Cáceres was founded in Rioja in 1970 by Enrique Forner, whose Bordeaux experience helped shape the house's fresher approach to the region. A very handy bottle when roast lamb, grilled meats or a generous spread of tapas is on the table.

What the winery says:

The 2021 is made from Tempranillo and other varieties, sourced from small, low-yielding plots of old vines in Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa, largely on clay-limestone soils. The grapes are hand-picked, then fermented in stainless steel with skin maceration lasting up to 20 days. Malolactic fermentation takes place in new barrels and stainless steel tanks. The wine spends 12 months in oak, split between 60% French and 40% American barrels, followed by at least one year in bottle before release. It is 14% alcohol and suitable for vegans.