Bodegas Franco-Espanolas Valparaiso Crianza 2022

Decanter 91 points - Black cherry aromas with wild herbs, coffee and baking spices on the nose. Textured with ripe and creamy tannins.

Concours Mondial de Bruxelles 2025 Silver Medal

VINEYARD AND CLIMATE

These grapes come from our own vineyards with an average age of over thirty years, planted in loamy-clay soils at an altitude of 900 meters above sea level. Located in Finca Sotillo de la Ribera (Burgos), the 16-hectare vineyard lies on a mid-slope in the upper area with a distinctive soil vein. After veraison, the conditions allow for a more agile ripening process while maintaining acidity. The characteristics of these soils give our wines body and structure. The pronounced continental climate (long and very cold winters, short and very hot summers) significantly influences the ripening levels of the fruit, especially the synthesis of color, as well as the varietal expression of the Tempranillo grape.

PREPARATION

Red wine made from 100% Tempranillo (Tinta del País) grapes, hand-harvested. The grapes are destemmed and fermented in contact with the skins at an average temperature of 24–26°C. Once fermentation is complete, the wine remains in contact with the skins for 7 days. Malolactic fermentation takes place in new and semi-new French oak barrels with medium toasting. 

AGEING

The wine continues its aging in the same French oak barrels for 14 months, with rackings every 4 months. Subsequently, the wine undergoes further aging and final blending in the bottle for a minimum of 9 months before being released to the market.

Alcohol content: 14.5% vol.

TASTING

Appearance: Deep cherry red with violet hues. 
Nose: Complex and intense, with a mineral character, notes of red fruit compote (raspberry), licorice, toasted aromas, clove, and cigar box.
Palate: Powerful and fresh, with excellent concentration and elegance. Fresh, with ripe tannins, a fleshy texture on the palate, and an intense, long-lasting retronasal finish.

PAIRING

Perfect with grilled red meats and oven-roasted dishes such as lamb or suckling pig, a specialty of the Burgos region where the winery is located. Serving temperature: 18°C (64°F).