Gomez Cruzado : Montes Obarenes 2017

An iconic Spanish wine from La Rioja combining a fragrant expression with a balanced structure 

The estate

An emblematic producer and one of the oldest in La Rioja, Bodega Gómez Cruzado was founded in 1886. Located near the railway station of Haro, the capital of La Rioja Alta, Bodega Gómez Cruzado showcases all the expertise of a wine region that has become one of the most influential and dynamic in Spain. Driven by the spirit and commitment of a young team, Bodega Gómez Cruzado is headed by the duo of David González and Juan Antonio Leza, two talented winemakers who have succeeded in expressing the full richness and typicity of La Rioja's terroir in sublime Spanish wines. From vineyard to cellar, the wines of Bodega Gómez Cruzado reflect this commitment to revealing the typicity of the grape varieties and the authenticity of La Rioja's terroirs.

The vineyard

Lying at altitudes of between 500 and 750 metres, the 3 vineyards of Bodega Gomez Cruzado occupy prime locations at the heart of a mosaic of terroirs divided into 100 plots. Shaped by the influence of the Atlantic climate, Sierra Cantabria produces wines distinguished by their freshness and elegance. A temple of Tempranillo, Bajo Najerilla, with its Mediterranean influence, gives rise to red wines with ripe fruit and excellent ageing potential. With old vines over 80 years old, Alto Najerilla reveals the pure fruity character of Grenache.

Montes Obarenes 2017 comes from vineyards located around Haro. The soil there is clay-limestone with a high proportion of silt.

The vintage

The 2017 vintage will go down in history as "the year of the frost". At the end of April, temperatures dropped below zero in most vineyards. This event played a decisive role in the approach to vineyard work throughout the growing cycle. Owing to low yields and the summer drought, all work in the vineyard focused on preventing the different varieties from losing their freshness. This was the earliest vintage in the history of Rioja, and the end result is truly exceptional: highly fragrant, balanced wines, thanks among other things to the cool location of the estate's vineyards.

Winemaking and ageing

After hand harvesting, the grapes are taken to the winery to begin a precision winemaking process.  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 from Tempranillo, Viura, Malvasia, Grenache and Calagrano.