# Dehesas del Rey Crianza (2023)

- **Producer:** Bodegas Viña Mayor
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Tempranillo
- **Region:** Castilla y León, Spain
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.0%
- **Average price:** €7
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** cherry, plum, raspberry, blackberry, vanilla, toast, smoke, cedar, leather, forest floor, tobacco

## About this wine

Dehesas del Rey Crianza is a high-value private label produced exclusively for the multinational retailer Carrefour. Crafted by the esteemed Bodegas Viña Mayor, which is part of the Entrecanales Domecq e Hijos wine group, this wine is born in the prestigious 'Golden Mile' of Spain's Ribera del Duero region. Because it is bottled as a supermarket exclusive, it does not appear on the official estate portfolio, making it a hidden gem that offers consumers access to top-tier regional winemaking pedigree at an exceptionally approachable price point.

## Interesting facts

- This wine is a 'phantom' label, crafted exclusively for Carrefour and not listed on the official winery website.
- It is produced in the prestigious 'Golden Mile' of Ribera del Duero, home to some of Spain's most legendary estates.
- The winemaking team has historically been led by Almudena Alberca MW, the first Spanish woman to achieve the Master of Wine title.

## Food pairing

The structured tannins and medium-plus intensity of this Tempranillo require rich, savory proteins and earthy components to soften the wine's grip. The moderate acidity cuts through the fat of grilled meats and traditional stews, while the oak-derived notes complement charred, barbecued, or roasted flavors.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process follows traditional methods under the technical direction of Bodegas Viña Mayor. Grapes are harvested from vineyards situated at elevations between 750 and 850 meters along the Duero River valley. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, followed by malolactic fermentation. In compliance with D.O. Ribera del Duero Crianza regulations, the wine undergoes a minimum of 24 months of total aging, including at least 12 months in oak barrels, with the remaining time completed in the bottle to ensure integration and stability before release.