# Rivallana Crianza (2022)

- **Producer:** Bodegas La Catedral
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Tempranillo, Mazuelo, Graciano
- **Region:** Rioja, Spain
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.5%
- **Average price:** €16
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Aromas & flavours:** blueberry, plum, blackberry, ripe fruit, vanilla, savoury

## About this wine

Rivallana Crianza is a red wine from Bodegas La Catedral, produced in the prestigious DOCa Rioja region of Spain. The 2022 vintage, rated 'Very Good', benefited from warm, dry conditions that concentrated the fruit. The wine is primarily made from Tempranillo, with contributions from Mazuelo and Graciano. It undergoes 12 months of aging in a combination of American and French oak barrels. The vineyard's unique shallow, clay-based soils with iron and chalk content encourage deep root systems, contributing to the wine's character. This Crianza represents a classic Rioja style, recognized with accolades such as a Gold Medal at the Berlin Wine Trophy and 90 points from the International Wine Challenge.

## Interesting facts

- The 2022 vintage in Rioja was rated 'Very Good' despite challenging dry and hot conditions.
- The wine is aged for 12 months in a mix of American and French oak barrels.
- The vineyard soils are shallow (30-35 cm) and clay-based with iron and chalk.
- Rivallana Crianza has earned multiple awards, including a Gold Medal at the Berlin Wine Trophy.

## Food pairing

The wine's medium+ tannins and structured profile are well-suited to complement the proteins in red meats, softening the tannins and enhancing the savory flavors. Its ripe fruit notes can stand up to richer dishes, while subtle oak and spice elements harmonize with herbs and earthy ingredients.

## Wine making process

Rivallana Crianza is produced using selected yeasts for fermentation in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures (28-30°C). Following fermentation, the wine undergoes 12 months of aging in a mix of American and French oak barrels. The grapes are sourced from vineyards with shallow, clay-based soils rich in iron and chalk. The 2022 vintage was marked by hot, dry weather, resulting in concentrated fruit. The wine is a classic Crianza, adhering to the traditional aging requirements for this designation in Rioja.