Bodegas Valdemar Conde Valdemar Rioja Crianza 2017

Bodegas Valdemar Conde Valdemar Rioja Crianza is a classic and expressive Rioja, showcasing the elegance and balance of the region’s traditional Tempranillo grape. Aged for 12 months in American and French oak barrels, this Crianza has developed beautiful layers of ripe red fruit, sweet spices, and subtle vanilla notes. On the nose, it offers aromas of cherries, plums, and dried herbs, with underlying hints of tobacco and leather. On the palate, it is medium-bodied with velvety tannins and balanced acidity, delivering flavors of red currants, dark cherries, and a touch of clove. The finish is long and smooth, with a pleasant blend of fruit and oak.

Wine Details:
Type: Red Wine
Style: Medium-bodied, Balanced Red
Grape Varietal: Tempranillo
Taste Like: Like Merlot, but with more red fruit and a distinctive earthy, spicy character.
Alcohol Percentage: 13.5%
Closure: Cork
Size: 750mL
Appellation: Rioja Crianza DOCa
Region: Rioja
Region Location: Northern Spain
Country: Spain
Terroir: The vineyards are located on limestone and clay soils in the Rioja region, benefiting from the warm Mediterranean climate and cool Atlantic breezes that provide structure and freshness to the wine.
Aging: Aged for 12 months in a mix of American and French oak barrels, followed by further aging in the bottle. This adds complexity, with layers of spice, vanilla, and a soft oak finish.
Farming: Sustainable farming practices are used, focusing on maintaining the health of the vines and promoting biodiversity in the vineyard.

Serving Temperature:
16-18°C - Serve slightly below room temperature to bring out the wine’s fruit and spice.

Winery:
Bodegas Valdemar is one of the most well-regarded wineries in the Rioja region, known for producing wines that reflect the region’s rich winemaking traditions while incorporating modern techniques. The Conde Valdemar Crianza is a testament to the winery’s dedication to producing high-quality Rioja wines that are elegant, approachable, and versatile.

Dishes this wine pairs with:
Grilled Lamb: Perfect with grilled lamb chops or lamb kebabs.
Roast Pork: Ideal with roast pork loin or pork tenderloin with herbs.
Paella: Pairs wonderfully with traditional paella, especially with rabbit or pork.
Mushroom Risotto: Complements the earthy flavors of mushroom-based dishes.
Asian Cuisine: Pairs well with Peking duck or soy-marinated grilled meats.
Australian BBQ: Great with BBQ sausages or slow-cooked beef ribs.
Cheeses this wine pairs with:
Manchego (Spain): A classic pairing with Rioja, Manchego’s nutty and firm texture complements the wine’s fruit and spice.
L’Artisan Fermier Brie (Australia): This organic, soft cheese from Victoria adds a creamy contrast to the wine's earthiness.
Maffra Cloth-Aged Cheddar (Australia): A crumbly and flavorful cheddar that enhances the wine’s fruit and oak notes.
Mahon (Spain): A semi-hard Spanish cheese with a sharp, tangy flavor that pairs well with the wine’s bright acidity.
Tomme de Savoie (France): Its mild, nutty flavors provide a great balance to the wine’s fruit-forward character.
These pairings will bring out the vibrant fruit, earthy undertones, and smooth tannins of the Conde Valdemar Rioja Crianza, making it an excellent choice for both traditional Spanish dishes and international cuisine.