Castillo de Epifanía Crianza Rioja Alta 2021

Fine, silky Rioja Crianza with five years’ age, from the premium Alta region
First vintage of this fine Crianza Rioja. It’s from Juan Antonio Leza’s bodega in the premium, elevated subregion of Rioja Alta. Made exclusively from high-grown Tempranillo grapes and aged in oak barriques, it’s brimming with ripe berry fruit.

In the most northwesterly corner of Rioja, the flatter land starts rising up into soaring mountains. It's here you'll find the start of the Rioja Alta vineyards – a fine enclave of Spain’s most famous red wine region. The extra altitude freshens as well as ripens grapes slowly to full flavoured perfection.

Since most Riojas blend grapes from across the region, and the most famous bodegas like to blend Alta grapes into their finest wines, you almost never see Rioja Alta on labels. In fact, there are only two villages permitted to add it. In one you'll find Juan Antonio Leza’s family winery, the cellar behind Castillo de Epifanía Crianza. Every grape comes from their sleepy Rioja Alta village.

This is Juan’s first Castillo de Epifanía Crianza – made from high-grown handpicked Tempranillo grapes grown in Alta’s cool Najerilla Valley. Aged in French and American oak barriques for a full 12 months, and with five years of maturity, the superb 2021 vintage is drinking beautifully. With a perfect balance of red berry fruit, spice, subtle vanilla oak and a delightful juicy freshness, this is lovely on its own and delicious with grilled meats or tasty tapas.