# Eguren Ugarte Crianza (2023)

- **Producer:** Bodegas Eguren Ugarte
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Tempranillo
- **Region:** Rioja, Spain
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.5%
- **Average price:** €11
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** cherry, plum, blackberry, strawberry, vanilla, toast, coconut, cloves, leather, tobacco, cedar

## About this wine

Bodegas Eguren Ugarte is a historic family-owned estate located in Laguardia, within the prestigious Rioja Alavesa sub-region of Spain. Founded in 1870 by Anastasio Eguren, the winery represents over 150 years and six generations of dedicated family winemaking. The estate is famous for its extraordinary underground labyrinth of over 2,000 meters of hand-carved caves, which provide a natural, temperature-controlled environment ideal for barrel maturation. The 2023 vintage showcases the resilience and potential of Rioja Alavesa's terroir, benefiting from the protective influence of the Sierra de Cantabria mountains and the region's classic clay-limestone soils.

## Interesting facts

- The winery features over 2,000 meters of hand-carved underground caves where the barrels are aged in a naturally controlled climate.
- Founded in 1870, Bodegas Eguren Ugarte represents over 150 years and six generations of family winemaking tradition in Rioja.
- The vineyards are strictly dry-farmed on clay-limestone soils, forcing the vines to dig deep roots for water and nutrients.

## Food pairing

The medium-plus body, structured tannins, and vibrant acidity of this Tempranillo Crianza make it an exceptional partner for rich, savory meats and earthy flavors. The wine's oak-derived vanilla and toast notes complement roasted and grilled preparations, while its acidity cuts through the fat of lamb, duck, and marbled beef. The robust structure also stands up beautifully to game and aged cheeses without overpowering them.

## Wine making process

The grapes for this Crianza are sourced from family-owned, dry-farmed vineyards in Labastida, Páganos, and Elciego. The 2023 harvest was conducted in a staggered, patient manner to ensure optimal phenolic ripeness. Upon arrival at the winery, the Tempranillo grapes were destemmed and crushed, followed by a controlled fermentation for 10 days at temperatures between 25°C and 28°C. The wine was then aged for 15 months in American oak barrels, followed by a minimum of 6 months of bottle refinement before commercial release.