VALDUERO CRIANZA
TEMPRANILLO 2016
RIBERA DEL DUERO • BODEGAS VALDUERO • SPAIN
"The vibrant essence of Ribera: a Tempranillo that combines the power of the terroir with a patient and aristocratic aging."
Character and Distinction
The Valduero Crianza 2016 is a wine that redefines its category. Made exclusively from the vines of Bodegas Valduero estate in one of the highest areas of Ribera del Duero (840m), this wine benefits from a slow maturation that preserves the freshness of the black fruit. Its 2016 vintage stands out for exceptional harmony; it is a wine with "muscle" but with an elegance that makes it silky and enveloping in every sip.
1. Identity Profile
Winery: Bodegas Valduero.
Origin: Gumiel de Mercado, Ribera del Duero (D.O.), Spain.
Vintage: 2016.
Volume: 750 ml.
Aging: 15 months in oak barrels and 12 months in bottle.
Varietal: 100% Tempranillo (Tinto Fino).
2. Sommelier's Notes
Appearance: High-intensity garnet red, very bright and deep, with a glyceric tear slowly sliding down the glass.
Nose: A display of forest fruits (blackberry and cranberry) coexisting with elegant notes of toffee, exotic spices, and a subtle background of clean leather and noble woods.
Palate: Broad and structured entry. The tannins are firm but perfectly polished by the time in the bottle. It presents a masterful balance between power and finesse, with a persistent and very aromatic finish.
3. Wine Architecture
4. Pairing and Suggested Moments
Gastronomy: A wine of great gourmet versatility. It is the ideal companion for grilled red meats, roasted lamb, legume stews with Iberian cured meats, and aged sheep cheeses. It also harmonizes surprisingly well with small game dishes and pastas with intense meat sauces.
Suggested Moments:
- Business: A wine with presence and prestige that guarantees an excellent impression at corporate meals.
- Family Meal: Perfect for elevating Sunday dinner with a high-quality classic.
- Barbecue: Its Tempranillo structure is the ideal match for premium charcoal-grilled cuts.
- Romantic Dinner: Sophistication and character for a special evening.
- Gift: A safe bet for any lover of great Spanish red wines.
- Special Celebration: To toast personal successes with a wine from a world-renowned winery.
frequently asked questions (FAQS)
Is it necessary to decant Valduero Crianza 2016?
Given its structure and the time it has spent in the bottle, it is recommended to open it about 20 or 30 minutes before serving, or to decant it gently so that the fruit aromas are fully released.
What type of barrel is used for its aging?
Bodegas Valduero uses a selection of oak barrels from various origins to provide complex nuances without the wood overpowering the personality of the Tempranillo grape.
How does it differ from a common Crianza from other wineries?
The difference lies in the low-yield vineyard (little grape per plant) and a resting time in the winery that almost doubles that of many standard Crianzas on the market.
