
EL COTO GARNACHA CRIANZA
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 Baja and Rioja Alavesa. 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 kg 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.
All the grapes for this wine are sourced from the Finca Los Almendros Estate on stony and clay based soils. The vines are spur-pruned and trained in the vertical shoot position. Cover crops are planted to promote biodiversity in the vineyard and control vine growth.
After careful sorting of the grapes, alcoholic fermentation took place at 25ºC in stainless steel tanks. The wine then underwent micro-oxygenation and malolactic fermentation. The wine was then aged for 12 months in second and third use lightly-toasted American oak.
Ruby red in colour, this vibrant Garnacha displays aromas of fresh red cherry, plum and blackberry with hints of mocha and sweet spice. Juicy and well balanced with a long finish.