Name: Sierra Cantabria Rioja Crianza 2021 750ml
Brand: Sierra Cantabria
SKU: 1011524
Price: 18.94 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 91.2 (5 reviews)

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Winery

Sierra Cantabria

Shop all from Sierra Cantabria

Varietal

Tempranillo

There are plenty of notable native Spanish grapes which have made a big impression on the wine world at large, but none are as renowned or as widely loved as the Tempranillo varietal. This black skinned grape has been used for wine making for centuries, with several ancient civilizations noticing the fact that it is highly versatile and holds some delicious flavors and aromas, perfect for those looking for a powerful yet elegant grape for their wines. Tempranillo often causes winemakers some trouble, however, as it is highly susceptible to many diseases. Despite this, plenty continue to persevere with this varietal, as it is perfect for producing delicious and complex single variety and blended wines, packed full of classic Spanish flavors and plenty of aromatic and intense surprises.

Country

Spain

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.

JD 93pts

Jeb Dunnuck

A village wine sourced from estate sites in San Vicente de la Sonsierra and Labastida, the 2021 Crianza is all Tempranillo grown in an extreme diversity of soils. Freshness and finesse are the markers of the area, and both are well represented here. Medium-bodied power supports generous, velvety layers of ripe raspberry complemented by an undercurrent of chocolate and wood spice. Pretty, there’s a hint of saline and leather that lead to a lengthy finish. This should drink well over the next decade.

WA 92pts

Wine Advocate

The pure Tempranillo 2021 Crianza, a modern classical red from a great year, shows the power, elegance and freshness of the year, with pristine fruit and very integrated oak after it spent 14 years in barrel, some of them American. It has tension and the elegant tannins from the year. It's approachable and will also be long lived. This is one of the finest years for this red that represents very good value. 400,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in November 2024.

JS 91pts

James Suckling

Spiced plums, cherries and berries with some licorice. Good acidity makes this medium-bodied Rioja a very drinkable and enjoyable wine. Juicy, medium-long finish with fine-boned tannins. Drink now.

WS 90pts

Wine Spectator

Fresh and fruit-driven, this balanced red offers flavors of wild strawberry, ripe cherry, peach skin, sage and milled white pepper framed by light, crisp tannins. Drink now through 2030. 20,000 cases made, 7,000 cases imported.

VM 90pts

Vinous Media

The 2021 Crianza Sierra Cantabria from San Vicente de la Sonsierra was aged for 14 months in French and American oak. The fruit-driven nose presents sour cherry, plum and subtle freshness. It's creamy and full-bodied on the generous, nuanced palate enhanced by the cool vintage.