Gomez Cruzado : Montes Obarenes 2017

An emblematic Spanish wine from La Rioja which combines a fragranced expression and a balanced structure

The estate

Bodega Gómez Cruzado, an emblematic producer that ranks as one of the oldest in La Rioja, was founded in 1886. Located near the train station in Haro, capital of La Rioja Alta, Bodega Gómez Cruzado illustrates all of the know-how of a winegrowing region that has become one of the most influential and dynamic in Spain. Driven by the spirit and commitment of its young team, Bodegq Gómez Cruzado has been placed under the management of duo, David Gonzálea and Juan Antonio Leza, two talented oenologists who reveal all of the richness and typicality of the La Rioja terroir in sublime Spanish wines. All the way from the vine to the cellar, the wines by Bodega Gómez Cruzado reflect this will to reveal the typicality of each grape variety and the authenticity of the terroirs in La Rioja.

The vineyard

Located at between 500 and 750 metres above sea level, the 3 vineyards at Bodega Gomez Cruzado are located in prime spots at the heart of a mosaic of terroirs divided into 100 plots. Bathed by the influence of the Atlantic climate, Sierra Cantabria spearheads wines which stand out for their freshness and elegance. A temple of Tempranillo, the Mediterranean influence of Bajo Najerilla gives rise to red wines with ripe fruit and excellent ageing potential. With old vines that are more than 80 years old, Alto Najerilla reveals all of the purity of the fruity character of Grenache.

Montes Obarenes 2017 is made from vineyards located around Haro. There, the soils are clay-limestone, with a high quantity of silt.

The vintage

The 2017 vintage will go down in history as the "year of frost". At the end of April, temperatures went below zero in most of the vineyards. This event played a decisive role in the approach to work at the vineyard throughout the crop cycle. Due to the low yields and summertime drought, all of th ework in the vineyard focused on preventing the loss of freshness in the different varieties. The vintage was the earliest in the history of La Rioja, and the end result was quite exceptional: very fragrant and balanced wines thanks, among other things, to the coolness of the location of the estate’s vineyards.

Winemaking and ageing

After the manual harvests, the grapes are taken to the cellar to begin a precise vinification processes. The wine was fermented and aged on its lees, 80% in new French oak barrels and 20% in concrete vats.

Blend

Montes Obarenes 2017 is made up of Tempranillo, Viura, Malvasia, Grenache and Calagrano.