Rioja Crianza, Bodega Montecillo 2017

This historic Rioja producer, whose original winery was first established in Fuenmayor in 1874 by the Navajas family, was recently completely rejuvenated and is now owned by the Osborne family (best known for their sherries and massive black bull hoardings by the Spanish roadside). Winemaker Mercedes Garcia Ruperez has made huge improvements in both vineyard and cellar and these are now textbook examples of traditional style Rioja made with modern techniques. The Crianza is aged 18 months in new and old lightly toasted American oak barrels then a further six months in bottle: juicy, dark fruit, soft and earthy with a hint of licorice and vanilla and very supple tannins.

85% Tempranillo, 10% Garnacha & 5% Graciano

Rioja Alta, Spain

 13.5% ABV