This crianza from Ribera del Duero comes from a parcel called Finca La Colorada, it is composed almost entirely from Tinta del Pais (local Tempranillo) with 5% merlot. 12 months in oak (70% French and 30% American). Everything is done by hands, the vines a bush or Gobelet so they cannot be machine harvested. A full-bodied red, with great complexity on the nose and palate. smooth tannins with some sweet spices on the finish. No need to be kept...

Lopez Cristobal is family owned, and produces some fantastic and affordable wines from Ribera del Duero. As a general rule, they do not need to age once the wine are released and are very regular vintage after vintage. the Reserva is no exception, although just like the Crianza the grapes are sourced from a single parcel, called : Finca Valera. Aged 16 months in french oak and 40% in American oak, this wine offers texture, smooth tannins and complexity that has been acquired throught extended oak and bottle aging. Sweet spices, prunes, smokiness, great texture (glyceric) and stunning finish.