Origin: Rioja region, Spain
Grape: 100% Tempranillo
Body: Medium
Year: 2011
Alcohol: 5%
Price point: $13.00
Year Reviewed: 2017
Ruby color and pepper, nutmeg, vanilla and currant smells after this wine opens up a bit. A smooth, well-balanced wine with a bit of a unique finish of spice and a nice tartness. Upon tasting, a get hints of smoke and tobacco, cherry and light minerality. Try with some light cheeses, pork or ham, lighter beef dishes.
So what is a Crianza?
A crianza is wine aged for at least two years, at least one of which was in oak. Rioja Reserva is aged for at least three years, of which at least one year is in oak. Finally, Rioja Gran Reserva wines have been aged at least two years in oak and three years in bottle.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rioja_(wine)
This particular wine was aged 14 months in barrels and 8 months in the bottle.
More about this winery and the wines they carry:
https://www.bodegasramonbilbao.es/en/wines/