Viniou Reviews
Condado de Haza Crianza 2022 is an expressive red wine from the well-regarded Ribera del Duero appellation in Spain's Castille and León region. Crafted exclusively with Tempranillo, locally known as Tinto Fino, this vintage showcases the power and finesse typical of the estate. The 2022 vintage benefited from a hot and dry growing season, leading to ripe, concentrated fruit. The vinification adheres to traditional methods, with the wine aged for approximately 15 to 18 months in American oak barrels, followed by further bottle maturation. This process imparts structure and complexity, resulting in a nose redolent of blackberries, black cherry, sweet spice, vanilla, and a touch of tobacco and cocoa, while the palate is rich, velvety, and well-knit, with fine tannins and a persistent, elegant finish.
Ribera del Duero is one of Spain’s most celebrated wine regions, renowned for its high-altitude vineyards along the Duero River. The climate combines cold winters and hot summers with significant diurnal temperature variation, which helps preserve acidity and ensures the grapes achieve excellent ripeness and aromatic development. The region’s soils are predominantly alluvial and chalky clay, with gravel and limestone, providing mineral depth and superb drainage. Ribera del Duero's winemaking tradition stretches back to Roman times, but it was in the late 20th century that its quality revolution took hold, with estates such as Condado de Haza playing a pivotal role.
This Crianza pairs beautifully with a range of flavoursome dishes. Its structure and fruit concentration are perfect alongside roasted lamb, grilled beef or ibérico pork, as well as traditional Spanish fare like lechazo asado (roast suckling lamb) or morcilla (blood sausage). Hard sheep’s cheeses like Manchego make for an excellent match too, while the wine’s oak notes complement grilled mushrooms or spicy chorizo.
For ideal enjoyment, serve Condado de Haza Crianza 2022 at 16-18°C. Allowing the wine a brief decantation of 30 minutes will open up its aromatic complexity and soften the tannic structure, enhancing the wine's expressive character and balance.
