Bodegas Ramirez de la Piscina Crianza, Rioja DOCa, Spain

In the stillness of underground cellars, tradition breathes life into every barrel. 2020 Bodegas Ramirez de la Piscina Crianza captures the essence of Rioja Alta’s noble terroir in a wine that is both grounded in history and finely tuned for modern elegance. From old vines nestled in clay-limestone soils, this 100% Tempranillo speaks in a voice both spicy and refined, structured, expressive, and enduring.

Product Details:

• Varietal: 100% Tempranillo
• ABV: 14.5%
• Farming: Hand-harvested; sustainable practices
• Winemaker: Julio Ramirez de la Piscina

Sensory Description:

Deep ruby in color with a soft violet rim, the wine opens with expressive aromas of Sonsierra red fruits layered with spicy oak. On the palate, it is savory and textured, with notes of vanilla, roasted coffee bean, and subtle wood spice woven into the ripe fruit core. The structure is firm yet balanced, showcasing fine tannins and a long, satisfying finish marked by a persistent echo of dark cherry and toasted spice.

Winemaker's Background:

For generations, the Ramirez de la Piscina family has cultivated vineyards in Rioja Alta, with deep roots in the historic village of Ábalos. Officially established as a winery in 1973, the family remains devoted to classical Rioja craftsmanship: hand-harvesting old vines, fermenting with care, and aging wines slowly in subterranean cellars. The 2020 Crianza is vinified using gravity flow and traditional maceration techniques, then aged 15 months in American and French oak before further refining in tank and bottle, resulting in a wine of integrity, polish, and place.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve at 64°F in a wide-bowled red wine glass to bring forward its layered complexity. A short decant of 30 minutes will soften its youthful edge and expand the aromatic depth. Ideal with grilled lamb chops, chorizo, roasted root vegetables, or aged Manchego. Pour 5–6 oz per serving and allow room in the glass to swirl and evolve.

The 2020 Bodegas Ramirez de la Piscina Crianza offers a poised and flavorful expression of Tempranillo, skillfully crafted to bridge Rioja’s heritage and its future.