# El Somo Crianza (2022)

- **Producer:** Bodegas El Somo
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Tempranillo
- **Region:** Rioja, Spain
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.0%
- **Average price:** €10
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 15–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** cherry, plum, strawberry, black pepper, liquorice, vanilla, coconut, toast, cedar, leather, tobacco

## About this wine

Bodegas El Somo is situated in the historic winemaking village of Elciego, within the prestigious Rioja Alavesa sub-region. This area is celebrated for its unique microclimate, where vineyards are sheltered from harsh northern winds by the Sierra de Cantabria mountains. The estate focuses on traditional viticulture, utilizing the region's characteristic clay-limestone soils to craft wines that express the classic elegance and longevity of Rioja Alavesa terroir.

## Interesting facts

- Elciego is often called the 'town of wine' in Rioja Alavesa, boasting a winemaking history that dates back to the Middle Ages.
- The 'Crianza' classification requires a minimum of two years of aging, with at least one full year spent in oak barrels.
- The vineyards of El Somo benefit from a unique microclimate, shielded from cold northern winds by the Sierra de Cantabria.

## Food pairing

The moderate tannins and vibrant acidity of this Rioja Crianza cut beautifully through the fat of roasted meats and cured cheeses, while the subtle oak integration complements grilled and smoky flavors without overwhelming the dish.

## Wine making process

The grapes are harvested by hand and destemmed before undergoing fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to preserve fresh fruit character. Following fermentation, the wine is aged for a minimum of 12 months in a combination of American and French oak barrels, allowing the tannins to soften and integrating subtle oak characteristics. It then undergoes further refinement in the bottle before release to meet the strict aging standards of the Rioja Crianza classification.