What is a Crianza wine?

¿Qué es un vino crianza?

A Crianza wine combines time, tradition, and craftsmanship. This type of wine undergoes controlled aging, first in oak barrels and then in bottles . When you choose a Crianza from Vinícola Real - 200 Monges , you enjoy a blend of freshness and complexity, perfect for those seeking quality.

Main characteristics of a crianza wine

A Crianza wine stands out for its balance. Some of its main characteristics are:

  • Aging time : at least two years, with six months in oak barrels.

  • Aromas and flavors : fruit notes with spicy aromas.

  • Texture : soft tannins that envelop your palate.

  • Structure : balanced acidity and well-defined body.

Aged wine: its meaning

An aged wine spends time in barrels and bottles , which enhances its aromas and flavors.

At Vinícola Real - 200 Monges, aging reflects respect for time and commitment to quality.

Classification of wines according to their aging

Knowing the parenting categories helps you choose according to your preference:

  • Young Wines : fresh and fruity, not aged in barrels.

  • Crianza wines : aged for two years, with a period in barrels.

  • Reserve Wines : aged for three years, including one year in barrels.

  • Gran Reserva wines : aged for five years, two in the barrel and three in the bottle.

*This isn't entirely true. The Rioja DOC does set minimum time requirements, but the winery can decide to extend them. It also depends on the quality of the grapes obtained.

A Crianza wine balances freshness and complexity, ideal for many occasions.

How to identify a good crianza wine?

To find a good crianza, pay attention to:

  • Label : look for clear information about breeding and designation of origin.

  • Color : A Crianza shows reddish tones with brown hues.

  • Aromas : combines ripe fruit and spicy notes.

  • Taste : soft tannins with a long, balanced finish.

At Vinícola Real - 200 Monges, you'll find crianza wines that meet the highest standards.

Crianza winemaking process

Crianza wine is made following a detailed process:

  1. Harvest : the grapes are collected at their optimum point of ripeness.

  2. Alcoholic fermentation : yeasts convert sugar into alcohol.

  3. Malolactic fermentation : this step softens any acidic notes , improving the wine's mouthfeel.

  4. Barrel aging : the wine acquires complexity with spicy notes.

  5. Bottle aging : integrates aromas and flavors to achieve a perfect balance.

Each stage ensures that you enjoy a high-quality Crianza wine.

Benefits of consuming crianza wines

Choosing a Crianza wine offers you several advantages:

  • Quality guaranteed : Aging ensures a complex and careful product.

  • Versatility : Combines well with different dishes: meats, cheeses and elaborate dishes.

  • Cultural connection : Each glass brings you closer to the region's winemaking tradition.

At Vinícola Real – 200 Monges we produce wine giving great importance to long aging.

Our wines reflect the concept of long aging. That's why Cueva del Monge Red and Cueva del Monge White are our youngest wines. These are 2019 wines, so they're more than just a Crianza.

The wines in the 200 Monges line are an excellent choice for those seeking quality. Each bottle combines tradition, craftsmanship, and respect for time, offering you a unique experience.