2022 Luis Canas Rioja Crianza

Bodegas Luis Cañas has been at the heart of Rioja since 1928 and has played an enormous role in shaping the Alavesa’s – and Rioja’s – modern incarnation. Comprising some of the region’s best and highest altitude vineyards, the soil in this area is thin and produces small bunches – perfect for making highly concentrated Rioja wines. The vineyards are divided into hundreds of individual plots, each planted with gnarly old bush vines on chalky-clay soils that shelter under the magnificent Sierra de Cantabria range. Juan Luis Cañas is now the powerhouse behind this highly accomplished winery, but everywhere you go there is a feeling of family.  With 350 hectares of outstanding vineyards, split across 870 different plots, the viticultural department control every aspect. Each of the plots has its own personality and is categorised and used for different wines according to its characteristics. All plots are no further than 3.1 miles around the winery and all of them within Rioja Alavesa, following rational viticulture, and in most cases following organic viticulture practices.

Grapes are de-stemmed and crushed before undergoing fermentation (with indigenous and selected yeasts) and then maceration in small stainless steel tanks for a total of 20 days at controlled temperatures, obtaining better colour extraction as well as much more complex wines, suitable for prolonged ageing. The wine is clarified and followed by amicrobic filtration. The malolactic fermentation is carried out in the deposits too. The wine is placed in American and French oak barrels for a minimum of 12 months ageing. It is then bottled an aged for a further 12 months minimum.

Tasting Note: Tempranillo 95% and Garnacha 5% - Bright cherry-red in colour and an intensely fruity bouquet, with pronounced aromas of ripe redcurrants, strawberries, and raspberries. These are complemented by subtle lactic and balsamic notes, contributing both freshness and complexity. On the palate, it delivers a smooth, enveloping entry, supported by well-integrated, mature tannins and a vibrant acidity that underscores its freshness. This finely tuned balance accentuates the roundness and harmony emblematic of our local vineyards. The finish is long and enduring, leaving a lasting impression of expressive, seductive fruit.

Food match: Roast duck with a redcurrant or berry glaze, game pie, lamb chops, Lincolnshire sausages with caramelised red onions, porcini mushroom risotto, grilled eggplant parmigiana or Spanish ratatouille.