Finca Mónica Crianza 2009

SWIC score: 89 (IFS)

Tasting notes: Blackberries, vanilla, liquorice, mineral, fresh.

Available: ON (VINTAGES 313965 - $ 15.95)

Winery: Ramón Bilbao for Long Wines

Region: D.O.Ca. Rioja

Varieties: 100% Tempranillo

Ageing: 14 months in American oak

Alcohol level: 13.5% alc./vol.

Finca Mónica Crianza 2009 is an expressive 100% Tempranillo wine produced by the well known and appreciated winery Ramón Bilbao especially for the Long Wines portfolio. So it is a wine made in the Rioja Alta sub region, the main kingdom for Tempranillo grapes. It’s worth keeping in mind that the Tempranillo grapes used in Finca Mónica Crianza correspond to a very rare clone called Tempranillo Peludo (hairy). As it is tradition there, the wine ferments in American oak barrels, and the result is a good example of a quite balanced Rioja under the quality seal of the Spanish wines expert William Long. It matches very well with cold meats and cheeses.

Vintage tasted: 2009 (January 2013)