El Coto Crianza, Rioja, Spain, 2016
Overview of the Wine
El Coto de Rioja, located in Oyón, was founded in 1970 by a group of winemakers committed to creating a new type of Rioja. Its first bottling was released in 1975. Today, El Coto is the leading brand in Spain and among the top-selling Spanish wines in Europe.
Five hundred hectares of estate vineyards are located in La Rioja Alta's village of Cenicero, near the east bank of the Najerilla River, a tributary of the Ebro. Facing northwest, vineyard soils are mostly ferric clay, sand and limestone, which contribute structure, power and elegant minerality, respectively, to the wines. The recently incorporated Los Almendros estate, shared with Barón de Ley, adds an additional 300 hectares of vineyards to the impressive estate holdings. Additional grapes are sourced from 2,000 hectares in Rioja Alavesa. Here, limestone, clay and stony soils make aromatic, expressive wines with great finesse.
With the exception of "Coto Real" Reserva and "Coto de Imaz" Gran Reserva, all reds are aged in new American oak barrels, the classic Rioja marriage of wine and wood. Their seductive cigar box, spice and herbal aromas and silky red fruit flavors are the essence of fine traditional Rioja.
Fermented and aged in oak for at least 12 months with an additional six months resting in bottle, prior to release.
Grape / Blend
100% Tempranillo
Origin
Rioja, Spain
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
In the wine glass it presents a clean, bright cherry color with a garnet edge. On
the nose it maintains the freshness of the fruit, with notes of vanilla and the
most emblematic aromas of toasted oak. On the palate it is silky and persistent
presenting a taste of well blended spice.
Ian Blackburn - 90 Points
Classic Rioja character from a top producer - made with value in mind. Spiced plum skin fruits, charred oak character, all done in balance and style that is satisfying and leads you want another glass. Great for summer cuisine, but also great for holiday gatherings especially Thanksgiving. I would lay a case down, its always great to have a bottle of Rioja available and at this price - its hard to beat. Reviewed as Color 13/15 Aromas 22.5/25 Body/Structure 22.5/25 Overall impression 31-32/35
Product size: 750ml
