Sierra Cantabria, Crianza, 2020 - Magnum
Sierra Cantabria, Crianza, 2020 - Magnum
- 150cl
- 14.5%
- Red Still
- Tempranillo
- Organic
- Biodynamic
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Optimal drinking window: Now - 2034
The 2020 Sierra Cantabria Crianza is an expressive Rioja that shows just how good Tempranillo can be in the right hands. Bright cherry and red plum aromas lead the way, layered with subtle notes of vanilla, spice, and a touch of toast from its time in oak.
On the palate it’s medium-bodied, fresh, and silky, with juicy red fruit flavours balanced by gentle tannins and lively acidity. That classic Rioja elegance - polished yet easy to enjoy - makes this Crianza just as good with a weeknight roast chicken as it is alongside grilled lamb or tapas with friends.
Made by the legendary Eguren family in Rioja, it spends 14 months in American and French oak, giving it a perfect balance of fruit and spice. A total crowd-pleaser!
Right now, the 2020 is showing balanced primary fruit with well-integrated oak, making it perfect for immediate enjoyment. Over the next two to three years, the cherry and plum flavours will deepen whilst the vanilla notes from the oak become more seamless. The wine should hold its peak until 2034, with the fruit gradually giving way to more savoury, leather and tobacco complexity.
What the critics say:
"An intense Sonsierra wine with a modernist touch, the 2020 Crianza is 100% Tempranillo sourced from San Vicente de la Sonsierra and Labastida, Rioja. Aged for 14 months in oak barrels, this purple wine presents aromas of violets and cherry against a balsamic and herbal backdrop. Dry, juicy and compact on the palate, the taut, fine-grained tannins lead to a lingering, mouthwatering finish. This is a well-crafted Rioja with an enticing style."
Tasting Notes
AppearanceDeep ruby red with purple highlights, showing the wine's youthful vigour.
NoseBright cherry and red plum lead the way, backed by vanilla and sweet spice from the oak. There's a lovely herbal quality with hints of violet and a subtle balsamic edge that adds complexity without overwhelming the fruit.
PalateMedium-bodied and silky, with juicy red fruit flavours that fill the mouth beautifully. The tannins are fine-grained and well-integrated, whilst the acidity keeps everything fresh and lively. The oak provides structure and spice but never dominates the elegant fruit character.
FinishLong and mouthwatering with lingering red fruit and a gentle spicy warmth.
Overall impressionA beautifully crafted Crianza that shows modern Rioja at its most appealing.
Food Pairings
In Rioja, this style of Tempranillo is the perfect partner for the region's hearty cuisine. Think slow-roasted lamb with rosemary and garlic, grilled chorizo with peppers, or the classic Riojano stew of pochas beans with ham hock. The locals would also pair it with aged Manchego cheese, marcona almonds, and simple grilled vegetables drizzled with good olive oil. It's equally at home with the region's famous pimientos del piquillo stuffed with cod or the rustic charm of patatas a la riojana.
We think this wine would go well with
Serve at 16-17°C to let the fruit shine whilst preserving the wine's elegant structure. No need to decant this Crianza as it's designed to be approachable and smooth from the moment you open it. Use a medium-sized red wine glass to concentrate the aromatics without overwhelming them. The magnum format means this wine will stay fresh longer once opened, perfect for a dinner party.
The vineyards sit in the cooler, higher altitude areas of San Vicente de la Sonsierra and Labastida in the Rioja Alta subregion. These sites benefit from Atlantic influence and chalky-clay soils that retain moisture whilst providing excellent drainage. The elevation and northern exposure help preserve acidity whilst allowing Tempranillo to ripen slowly, developing the elegant, fresh character that defines great Rioja.
Rioja Crianza requires a minimum of two years ageing, with at least one year in oak barrels of 330 litres or less. This category represents the entry point for serious aged Rioja, sitting between the younger Joven wines and the more complex Reserva and Gran Reserva bottlings. The regulations ensure wines have enough structure and complexity to benefit from the oak ageing whilst maintaining the fresh fruit character that makes them approachable relatively young.
The 2020 vintage in Rioja arrived with all the drama of a Spanish telenovela. After a mild winter and early budbreak, spring brought welcome rains that recharged the soils, followed by a scorching summer that had growers reaching for their prayer books. The saving grace came in September's cooler nights, which allowed the grapes to retain their freshness whilst still achieving full ripeness. Harvest began earlier than usual but proceeded at a measured pace, giving producers the luxury of picking each plot at its optimal moment.
What emerged from the cellars shows Rioja at its most expressive. The Tempranillo displays gorgeous concentration without heaviness—think ripe cherry and plum wrapped in fine tannins that feel polished rather than aggressive. Garnacha from the higher sites particularly shines, bringing vibrant red fruit and spice that cuts through the vintage's natural richness. We're finding the crianzas already drinking beautifully, showing their fruit with confidence, whilst the reservas and gran reservas promise to develop into something rather special over the next decade. This is a vintage that rewards both patience and immediate pleasure.
FAQs
What does this Rioja Crianza taste like?
Bright and silky with cherry and red plum fruit, vanilla spice from oak ageing, and fresh acidity that keeps it lively and food-friendly.
When should I drink this wine?
It's ready to enjoy now and will drink beautifully until 2034. Perfect for both immediate drinking and short-term cellaring.
What food pairs well with this wine?
Brilliant with roast chicken, grilled lamb, chorizo and peppers, or aged Manchego cheese. The fresh acidity makes it versatile with both casual and formal dining.
Do I need to decant this wine?
No decanting needed - this Crianza is designed to be smooth and approachable straight from the bottle. Serve at 16-17°C for best results.
What makes this magnum special?
Magnum bottles age more slowly and gracefully than standard bottles, giving you better integration of flavours and longer drinking window once opened.
How does this compare to other Rioja styles?
Crianza sits between young Rioja and the more complex Reserva wines - you get oak influence and structure but with fresh, approachable fruit character that doesn't need years of cellaring.
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