{"title":"Spanish Crianza","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe under-rated Crianza quality classification sits between the generic\/joven level and Reserva, and represents superior value for money.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"montebuenariojacrianza","title":"Montebuena Rioja Crianza","description":"\u003cp\u003eSmooth \u0026amp; rich classic Rioja.  \u003cspan\u003eMade from 100% Tempranillo, Spain's number one red grape from vineyards with an average age of 25 years in the foothills of the Sierra Cantabria mountains.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePre-fermentation maceration for colour and aroma extraction, warm fermented in steel before aging in a mix of toasted American and French oak for 12 months, unfiltered.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBeautiful aromatic with black rose petals, and an abundance of spicy red and black berries, leather, pomegranate, raisin, and balsamic.  Complex and lively wine, superb.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montebuena","offers":[{"title":"2019 \/ 750ml","offer_id":40235885101091,"sku":"AX-90102-19","price":25.5,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2705\/8786\/files\/MontebuenaRiojaCrianza2019.jpg?v=1706051714"},{"product_id":"montebuena-rioja-blanco","title":"Montebuena Rioja Blanco","description":"\u003cp\u003ePale gold, perhaps reminiscent of Pinot Grigio on the nose.  A veritable fruit salad of pear, papaya and plenty of yellow fruits. Light oily texture, fresh and tangy on the front with surprising length on the finish. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMade from Viura with a small amount of Tempranillo Blanco (a fairly new white mutation of red Tempranillo)... even though this is not disclosed on the back of the label.  grown at high altitude from old vines with an average age of 55 years. Cool fermented for 14 days at 14 degrees, with aging on fine lees for texture.  This is the key white grape of Rioja \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ethat makes up 70% of white plantings in Rioja. Outside of Rioja it is known as 'Macabeo' and is also one of the three core grapes made in Spain's sparking Cava wines. There is a also smidge grown in Southern France, but just 7% of the volumes in Spain.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eViura changes in character significantly based on how the wine is made, if picked early, fermented at cool temperatures in steel it is crisp, aromatic, and floral. Picked later and fermented in barrel results in a fat, nutty, and honeyed wine.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMontebuena is a Co-Op formed in the 1960s, bringing together the fruit from an impressive 160 hectares of vineyards in the Alavesa region of Rioja. This is the Northern-most sub-region and boasts some of the best sites in Rioja, protected by the Sierra Cantabria mountains.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montebuena","offers":[{"title":"AX-90132-22 \/ 750ml","offer_id":40235891949603,"sku":"AX-90132-22","price":18.5,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2705\/8786\/files\/MontebuenaRiojaBlanco2022.jpg?v=1706051691"},{"product_id":"cair-ribera-del-duero-sellecion-la-aguilera","title":"Cair Ribera del Duero Seleccion La Aguilera","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis is a plot selection wine of premium Tempranillo grapes from the town of 'La Aguilera' - a high quality subregion in the northern part of Ribera del Duero.  The fruit and floral touches are typical of the 'La Aguilera' area due to the altitude and the location of the vineyards between the mountains of the Castilian plateau, facilitating good ripening and providing great freshness and complexity. In the mouth it is tasty and powerful, appearing fruity, with freshness, an elegant tannin and a great final persistence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Dominio de Cair winery, a brand of Bodega Luis Cañas, produces Cair Selección La Aguilera from 40 to 50-year-old vineyards located at an altitude of 800 metres above sea level, in a pristine area surrounded by forests, in the very coveted northern part of the DO Ribera del Duero - the town of La Aguilera. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTechnically this is a 'Crianza' level of quality.  After a meticulous selection, the Tempranillo grapes of this Spanish red wine were harvested by hand and selected again in the cellar. The grapes underwent a cold-maceration in order to extract colour and aromas, and a subsequent alcoholic fermentation in stainless steel tanks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMalolactic fermentation took place in new French and American oak barrels (50% - 50%), where this wine was aged for 14 months.  Finally, Cair was bottled and aged in the for a further 12 months before its release.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHazelnut, milk chocolate, and roasted black fruits on the nose.  Gamey and very savoury on the palate with bitter dutch chocolate and anise, a touch of eucalyptus, finishing with bold firm tannins.  Generous aeration recommended and cellar aging even at 5 years old.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cair","offers":[{"title":"2019 \/ 750ml","offer_id":40235887001635,"sku":"AX-90110-19","price":44.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2705\/8786\/files\/CairSeleccionLaAguilera2019.jpg?v=1706051160"},{"product_id":"altos-rioja-blanco","title":"Altos Rioja Blanco","description":"\u003cp\u003eRich and complex barrel aged white Rioja - Made from 100% Viura from 30-60 year old vines, blended parts - early picked fruit fermented in steel for aromatic profile, and later picked fully ripe fruit barrel fermented for richness. The final wine is then aged in French and American oak for 4-6 months.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAromas of ripe apricots, nectarines and sweet raisins are contrasting with bright lemon and grapefruit notes creating playful gracious nose. Oily wine texture fills up the mouth with green citrus and nutty flavours, complemented by bright acidity and layered structure. Clean long finish leaves craving for another sip.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAltos de Rioja has old vineyards that extend in the highest levels of Rioja Alavesa, on Cantabria mountain range slopes, in Laguardia, Elvillar and Kripan municipalities, at an elevation of 600-700 meters above sea level..\u003c\/p\u003e\nAbout white Rioja:\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLa Rioja\u003c\/strong\u003e is arguably the most famous wine region in Spain, in an ideal location for warm climate viticulture - tucked under the Sierra Cantabria mountains that protect it from the cool Atlantic Ocean. World famous are their red wines, that account for nearly 90% of production, lesser known are their excellent white wines.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe key white grape in Rioja is known locally as \u003cstrong\u003eViura\u003c\/strong\u003e - and in most of the rest of Spain and the world as Macabeo. While there are 2,000 hectares grown in Southern France, it's undisputed home is Northern Spain where vineyards exceed 30,000 hectares. Outside of Rioja it is one of the three core grapes that make the Spanish sparkling Cava wines.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eViura transforms in style depending on the treatment in both the vineyard and the winery- if picked early and cool fermented in steel tanks it typically produces a crisp aromatic dry white skin to a Pinot Grigio or dry Riesling with citrus and floral notes. If picked later, and barrel fermented it makes a richer, textured and waxy fat wine featuring stone fruits, more like a Chardonnay\/Viognier.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAltos \u003c\/strong\u003ewinery describes themselves as relative newcomers to the region, formed by acclaimed Spanish winemakers Roberto San Ildefonso and Bienvenido Muñoz together with young French winemaker Jean-Marc Sauboua. They combine old vines with modern winemaking facilities and techniques.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAltos vineyards are some of the highest (and therefore most sought after) in the Rioja \u003cstrong\u003eAlavesa subregion\u003c\/strong\u003e, 600-700 meters altitude. This resluts in hot days, but cooler nights during the growing season. The result are wines of finesse and complexity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"detail\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Altos de Rioja","offers":[{"title":"2019 \/ 750ml","offer_id":33012254867491,"sku":"AX-90157-19","price":25.5,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2705\/8786\/products\/altosrriojaalavesablanco_8a986426-6cee-4421-a7e6-867b135a4ebb.jpg?v=1611007266"},{"product_id":"irache-navarra-crianza","title":"Irache Navarra Crianza","description":"\u003cp\u003eNavarra is a region located immediately East of the more famous Rioja wine region in Northern Spain. The wines have their own protected 'Denominación de Origen Protegida' (appellation), grown on the lower slopes of the Pyrenees mountains towards the Ebro river. Originally most famous for their Rosé wines they have become progressively better known for their rich reds that echo Rioja in style (but at a lower price point).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Crianza is a clear step up from the Tinto in quality,  Made from Tempranillo, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Matured in a mix of French and American oak for 12 months. It offers up a superb nose of violets, hazelnut, and mochaccino, loads of dark fruits melded with chocolate and coffee on the nose and supple tannins.  Lovely stuff.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Pago de Cirsus","offers":[{"title":"2019","offer_id":40457397567523,"sku":"AX-90169-19","price":23.5,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2705\/8786\/files\/IracheCrianza2019.jpg?v=1710102664"},{"product_id":"zuazo-gaston-rioja-crianza-limited-edition","title":"Zuazo Gaston Rioja Crianza Limited Edition","description":"\u003cdiv id=\"block-views-product-block\" class=\"block block-views\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"content\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"view view-product view-id-product view-display-id-block view-dom-id-1694c0ef8e21a2ae6dde61e636868dca\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"view-content\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"views-row views-row-1 views-row-odd views-row-first views-row-last\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"views-field views-field-field-short\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"field-content\"\u003eLimited Edition 'Crianza' - produced from a careful selection of the oldest vineyards of this family vineyard.  Bodegas y Viñedos Zuazo Gastón is located in Oyón, in the Rioja Alavesa sub-region of Spain. It produces artisan quality, classic red and white Rioja wines primarily based on Tempranillo.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"field-content\"\u003e95% Tempranillo, 5% Graciano, aged 14 months in French oak barriques after a temperature controlled ferment, and a minimum of a further 12 months aging in the bottle before release. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"block-system-main\" class=\"block block-system\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"content\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"node-1476\" class=\"node node-product-page clearfix\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"content\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"field-items\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"field-item even\"\u003eDeep cherry red colour from core to rim. Aromas of boysenberry, blueberry, green olive, sage and damp earth. Medium body, savoury dark fruits yielding to meaty dry but fine tannins. A fresh finish and lingering minerality.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"field-item even\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"field-item even\"\u003eNote- \"Crianza\" (pronounced 'Kree-Ann-Tha') is a formal aging classification for wines in Rioja and other regions of Spain. Wines bearing this label must be aged for a minimum of 24 months before release, at least 12 months of which must be in small oak barrels.  It also has higher minimum alcohol percentages compared to regular 'Rioja'.  Considered a higher quality level, and is a middle tier of Rioja wine below 'Reserva' - an excellent balance of quality vs value.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"field-item even\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"field-item even\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Zuazo Gaston","offers":[{"title":"2022 \/ 750ml","offer_id":43501994213411,"sku":"VFV-90240-22","price":31.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2705\/8786\/files\/ZuazoGastonRiojaCrianzaEdicionLimitada2022.jpg?v=1785357845"},{"product_id":"zuazo-gaston-rioja-crianza","title":"Zuazo Gaston Rioja Crianza","description":"\u003cdiv id=\"block-views-product-block\" class=\"block block-views\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"content\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"view view-product view-id-product view-display-id-block view-dom-id-1694c0ef8e21a2ae6dde61e636868dca\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"view-content\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"views-row views-row-1 views-row-odd views-row-first views-row-last\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"views-field views-field-field-short\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"field-content\"\u003e'Crianza' quality Rioja from Bodegas y Viñedos Zuazo Gastón, located in Oyón, in the Rioja Alavesa sub-region of Spain. It produces artisan quality, classic red and white Rioja wines primarily based on Tempranillo.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"field-content\"\u003e100% Tempranillo, aged 12 months in 50% French oak and 50% American oak barriques after a temperature controlled ferment, and a minimum of a further 12 months aging in the bottle before release. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"block-system-main\" class=\"block block-system\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"content\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"node-1476\" class=\"node node-product-page clearfix\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"content\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"field-items\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"field-item even\"\u003eDeep red with a hint of purple colour. Aromas of bright cherry, portobello mushroom, cardamom and irises. Medium body, fresh and energetic featuring lively red fruits, white pepper, terra cotta and a touch of truffle. Light but persistent fine spicy tannins.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"field-item even\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"field-item even\"\u003eNote- \"Crianza\" (pronounced 'Kree-Ann-Tha') is a formal aging classification for wines in Rioja and other regions of Spain. Wines bearing this label must be aged for a minimum of 24 months before release, at least 12 months of which must be in small oak barrels.  It also has higher minimum alcohol percentages compared to regular 'Rioja'.  Considered a higher quality level, and is a middle tier of Rioja wine below 'Reserva' - an excellent balance of quality vs value.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"field-item even\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Zuazo Gaston","offers":[{"title":"2022 \/ 750ml","offer_id":43502956085283,"sku":"VFV-90239-22","price":28.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2705\/8786\/files\/ZuazoGastonRiojaCrianza2022.jpg?v=1785358474"},{"product_id":"demara-crianza-la-mancha","title":"Demara Crianza La Mancha","description":"\u003cdiv id=\"block-system-main\" class=\"block block-system\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"content\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"node-1476\" class=\"node node-product-page clearfix\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"content\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"field-items\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"field-item even\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eVega Demara is part of the Mateos de la Higuera Family group. These vineyards cover 86 hectares within the La Mancha DO, in a unique Mediterranean microclimate at the foot of the Sierra de Alhambra mountains.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThe 'Crianza' is a blend of Tempranillo and Merlot, planted in 1976 in Stony-Calcareous soils\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eHand-harvested and transported in crates to avoid damaging the bunches. Subsequently, a meticulous selection of the fruit is carried out and transported to the fermentation tanks where it is vinified at a controlled temperature and with the most advanced oenological techniques. The wine is placed in French oak barrels. After six months of aging in new barrels, it is bottled and stored in our cellars until it reaches its full balance and harmony.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eDeep garnet colour, bright berries, strawberry jam, milk chocolate and black pepper. Medium body, juicy fruit core with baked berry pie, a savoury finish with soft tannins.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Illana","offers":[{"title":"750ml \/ 2021","offer_id":43506907021347,"sku":"VFV-90250-21","price":22.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2705\/8786\/files\/VegaDemaraCrianza_733fc7e1-45a3-45ac-963d-6d4d18fe382f.jpg?v=1785363586"},{"product_id":"labastida-rioja-crianza","title":"Labastida Rioja Crianza","description":"\u003cp\u003eSmooth \u0026amp; rich classic Rioja.  \u003cspan\u003eMade from 95% Tempranillo, 5% Garnacha from vineyards with an average age of 25 years in the foothills of the Sierra Cantabria mountains. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePre-fermentation maceration for colour and aroma extraction, warm fermented in steel before aging in a mix of lightly toasted American and French oak for 12 months, bottled unfiltered, then aged in bottle a minimum of 12 months before release,\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"Ruby tone at the centre with a dark deep colour and lively edge. Cherry and blackberry jam. The wood, although noticeable, complements the openly fruity character of the wine, adding some cinnamon and toasted vanilla notes to the aroma’s finish. Full body with a potent impression, which supports the balance between good acidity and a velvety feel. On the finish, it shows a mix of dairy and marinated fruit. It shows body, good complexity, strength\u003cbr\u003eand richness of nuances on the palate.\" \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Montebuena","offers":[{"title":"2022 \/ 750ml","offer_id":43507121291299,"sku":"AX-90231-22","price":28.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2705\/8786\/files\/LabastidaRiojaCrianza.jpg?v=1785375861"},{"product_id":"crianza-mixed-6-case","title":"Crianza Red Mixed 6 Case","description":"\u003cp\u003eCrianza (\"Cree-Ann-Tha\") is a formal aging and quality classification for Spanish wine. It sits between the youthful Joven and the more prestigious Reserva.  The wines are a balance of fruit, freshness, oak, texture and complexity, with a minimum of 2 years aging before release and are ready to drink. It hits a fantastic sweet spot of value vs quality and underappreciated wines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 6-pack includes different Crianza reds from across Spain including four Rioja wines:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2 x Labastida Crianza from Rioja\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1 x Zuazo Gaston Crianza from Rioja\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1 x Zuazo Gaston Crianza Limited Edition from Rioja\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1 x Irache Crianza from Navarra \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1 x Demara Crianza from La Mancha\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt an average of $25 per bottle they represent exceptional value for money.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"eWine","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43827544490019,"sku":null,"price":151.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2705\/8786\/files\/Crianzalabelhologram.png?v=1787786047"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2705\/8786\/collections\/Crianza_label_hologram.png?v=1787785403","url":"https:\/\/ewine.co.nz\/collections\/spanish-crianza.oembed","provider":"eWine","version":"1.0","type":"link"}