A medium-bodied red, offering hints of spiced orange peel and mocha that accent baked cherry, tobacco and loamy earth, with light tannins. Tempranillo and Graciano. Drink now. 10,000 cases imported.??–AN??Region: Spain / Rioja Select to Add

The 2013 Arienzo de Marqués de Riscal Crianza is a blend of Tempranillo with some 5% Graciano; it fermented in stainless steel and matured in American oak barrels for some 18 months. They had over 700 liters of water when the average is 450, so to say the least, 2013 was a challenging vintage--and you can feel it in the wine. It is quite simple, fruit-driven, fresh and straightforward. The palate is not very concentrated, with moderate acidity and fruit in the foreground. 1.5 million bottles.

Since Riscal purchased part of the Arienzo estate they have a new wine, the 2012 Arienzo de Marqués de Riscal, which is an entry-level Crianza made mostly of Tempranillo with 5% each of Graciano and Mazuelo. It has a classical nose with notes of orange peel and cherries, and the clean signature of the American oak. The palate is polished, has fine tannins and very good freshness. This is accessible and easy to drink. They produce no less than one million bottles of this wine, which is remarkable.

This polished red is balanced and graceful, with cherry, licorice, leafy and light vanilla flavors that glide across the smooth palate. Harmonious, with enough acidity to remain lively. Drink now through 2018. 73,000 cases made, 3,500 cases imported.??–TM??Region: Spain / Rioja Select to Add