Lacrimus Rioja Crianza

Sweetness: Dry

Grapes: Tempranillo, Graciano

Grape info: A blend of 85% Tempranillo and 15% Graciano. Spain’s most planted red varietal, Tempranillo produces markedly tannic wines with notes of leather, tobacco, spice and sometimes strawberries. Graciano retains its acidity exceptionally well, adding freshness and aromatics.

About: Rodríguez y Sanzo is a family wine company with vineyards across many important Spanish D.Os. Winemaker Javier Rodríguez employs an ethos of sustainable agriculture, increasingly within the framework of biodynamic and organic viticulture to create distinctive wines, rooted in tradition, with a modern twist.

Fermentation using native yeasts. Aged for 14 months in oak and a further six months in bottle before release.

Tasting note: If cold meats and pies are on the menu this Christmas, this fruit-dominated style of Rioja is superb.

Character: Strawberry, vanilla, balsamic.