El Coto Crianza Rioja Magnum - 1500ml
El Coto was founded in 1970 in Rioja Alavesa and has grown from modest beginnings into one of the best known Rioja producers. Today El Coto has over 700 hectares of vineyard in production across the three Rioja DOCa sub-zones of Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa and Rioja Oriental. They also source grapes from all three areas, but mostly from Rioja Alavesa. Head winemaker César Fernandez oversees production, starting with hand-picking into 350-kilogram crates to ensure the grapes arrive at the winery in pristine condition. Modern and intelligently designed, the emphasis in the winery is on temperature control and gentle handling of the grapes.
The grapes for this wine are sourced mainly from Rioja Alavesa (65%) with some from Rioja Alta (25%) and Rioja Baja (10%). The vineyards are mostly old and divided into small parcels, on limestone and clay soils.
2018 was marked by unpredictable weather conditions that caused uncertainty in the vineyards and the occasional threat of mildew. Diligence in the vineyard and winery, however, meant that the quality of the vintage was not affected. The Regulatory Board of the DOCa Rioja awarded the official valuation of 'Good' to the vintage, with the report highlighting the refined quality, harmonious palate and intense, vivid colours of the red wines in particular.
The Tempranillo grapes were fermented in the winery at Oyón, in stainless-steel, temperature-controlled tanks at 20-26ºC over a period of 20-25 days. Once fermentation was complete, malolactic fermentation occurred. The wine was then aged for a minimum of 12 months in 225L American oak barrels and a further six months in bottle before release. This extra six months in bottle isn't required by law, however El Coto feel it enhances both the flavours and style of the wine.
This wine is a vibrant ruby red in colour with a garnet rim. Aromas of red fruits, vanilla and toast entice the nose. On the palate, the wine's silky texture is tempered by concentrated, red berry fruit and notes of sweet spice from the oak, which culminates in a juicy and persistent finish.
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