Gomez Cruzado : Cerro Las Cuevas 2017

A delicate and structured great red wine from Rioja

The estate

Founded in 1886, Bodega Gómez Cruzado is one of the oldest winegrowing estates in La Rioja. Located near Haro, the capital of La Rioja Alta, this family produces wines that are renowned for their great finesse. Produced by a pair of oenologists, David González and Juan Antonio Leza, the wines by Bodega Gómez Cruzado reveal all of the typicality of the grape varieties and the authenticity of the terroirs of this winegrowing region producing iconic Spanish wines.

The vineyard

Bodega Gómez Cruzado overlooks 3 vineyards located at between 500 and 750 metres above sea level. Although the influence of the Atlantic climate confers freshness and elegance when tasting, Mediterranean influence is expressed through the wines through flavourful notes of ripe fruit and an excellent ageing potential.

The wine

The Cerro Las Cuevas 2017 cuvée by Bodega Gómez Cruzado is produced from a selection of plots located near the village of Ollauri, in the region of La Rioja Alavesa. These 90-year-old vines are planted on limstone soil that are stony on the surface.

The vintage

A mild and dry winter encouraged early vine development. The frost on 28 April affected a large part of the vineyard, leading to a significant reduction in yields. These difficult conditions were rounded off by a particularly dry summer season. The teams’ rigorous work to conserve freshness turned out to be the deciding factor. Despite low yields, the grapes harvested were of a high quality and produce fragranced, balanced wines.

Winemaking and ageing

The manually harvested grapes are subject to a rigorous selection at the cellar before vinification in stainless steel vats. Gentle extraction, alcoholic fermentation followed by malolactic fermentation. Ageing in French oak barrel.

Blend

Cerro Las Cuevas 2017 by Bodega Gómez Cruzado is made from a blend of Tempranillo (80%), Graciano (12%), Mazuelo (3%) and Grenache (5%).

Tasting

Cerro Las Cuevas 2017 by Bodega Gómez Cruzado is the perfect expression of its terroir, with poor, limestone soils that confer a unique body and tannic structure.