Luis Alegre Rioja Crianza 2021

Rioja’s Luis Alegre bodega was founded in 1968, just west of the village of Laguardia. It now boasts 52 hectares of vineyards in some prime spots of Rioja Alavesa, many of those ancient bush vines. Planted largely on limestone soils on sites protected from the cold northerly winds by the Cantabrian mountains, the vines produce ripe, intensely flavoured grapes with great freshness. They also pride themselves on promoting biodiversity and sustainability, as you may guess when looking at the wine’s label. This is their fine Crianza from vines over 50 years old. All Tempranillo, the wine was aged for 14 months in a mix of French and American oak barrels. With silky, bright fruit, this red is tasty with tapas, a rice pilaf or grilled meats.