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SKU 1021161
$35.34/case
$5.89/bottle
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A total departure from the norm, the 2023 El Predilecto is 65% Garnacha, the rest Tempranillo blended from old vines found at the foot of the mountains. Blended together after separate fermentation and given six months in concrete tank, it has an intensity of spice and a generous mouthfeel of full-bodied warmth while remaining elegant through the lengthy, supple finish. Age 12-15 years.
Ever since the Phoenicians and Romans brought their knowledge of vine cultivation to Spanish soils, the country's culture has grown alongside wine production, with wine being a vital part of Spanish identity and Spanish traditions. Each region of Spain has a wine quite distinct from the others, and it is produced by smallholders and families as much as it is by large companies and established wineries. From the relatively mild and lush regions of La Rioja to the arid plateaus that surround Madrid, grapes are grown in abundance for the now booming Spanish wine industry, and new laws and regulations have recently been put in place to keep the country's standards high. By combining traditional practices with modern technology, Spanish wineries are continuing to produce distinctive wines of great character, flavor and aroma, with the focus shifting in recent decades to quality over quantity.
Region
La Rioja
La Rioja is by far the most famous wine region of Spain, and remains one of the world's great wine producing regions, consistently offering deep, complex red wines of character and distinction, partly due to the fact that La Rioja benefits from excellent soils, rich in minerals and nutrients, and plenty of sunshine. The climatic conditions allow the fine grape varietals to reach full ripeness and express plenty of the best features of their terroir, making La Rioja wines some of the most interesting to have ever come out of Europe. The Cantabrian mountains to the north provide the perfect shelter from the colder, wetter influences of the Atlantic oceans, and in the beloved vineyards of La Rioja, wineries have been cultivating exceedingly flavorful Tempranillo grapes for generations for the inclusion in their fine single variety and blended wines.
Appellation
Rioja
Rioja, a renowned wine appellation in Spain, stands as an emblem of the country's winemaking heritage and innovation. What makes Rioja unique is its commitment to blending traditional and modern winemaking methods. Primarily crafted from Tempranillo, with Garnacha, Graciano, and Mazuelo as supporting players, Rioja wines showcase a remarkable balance of fruit, oak, and complex aging.
Rioja's classification system, featuring Crianza, Reserva, and Gran Reserva, delineates the aging periods, highlighting the region's dedication to quality. The use of American oak barrels imparts distinctive vanilla and coconut notes, contributing to Rioja's recognizable profile. The diverse terroir, from the high-altitude vineyards of Rioja Alta to the warmer Rioja Baja, adds depth and complexity to the wines.
Exploring Rioja allows enthusiasts to savor the rich tapestry of Spanish winemaking, where historic bodegas coexist with modern practices, resulting in wines that seamlessly marry tradition and innovation, offering a glimpse into the soul of Spanish viticulture.
JD95pts
Jeb Dunnuck
A total departure from the norm, the 2023 El Predilecto is 65% Garnacha, the rest Tempranillo blended from old vines found at the foot of the mountains. Blended together after separate fermentation and given six months in concrete tank, it has an intensity of spice and a generous mouthfeel of full-bodied warmth while remaining elegant through the lengthy, supple finish. Age 12-15 years.
VM93pts
Vinous Media
The 2023 El Predilecto (65% Garnacha, 35% Tempranillo; Alto Najerilla and Rioja Alavesa) bridges two origins. On the nose, red and black fruit intertwine, with cherry and blackberry layered with licorice and a faint balsamic nuance. The palate is juicy and poised, its tannins sitting between chalky and plush as freshness carries the wine forward. A precise, modern Rioja that shows two landscapes in one gesture.
WA
This wine revives Predilecto, another historic brand of Gomez Cruzado. It offers a unique opportunity to savor the essence of the Sonsierra and Najerilla vineyards without the influence of oak. The aim is to reclaim the traditional Rioja style predating the introduction of oak by French winemakers. Unlike carbonic maceration, this wine embodies pure, clean fruit flavors with a refreshing quality. Despite its youth, it remains elegant and intriguing.
