Cune - Rioja Crianza 2017
Price: $14.40
| Producer | Cune |
| Country | Spain |
| Region | Rioja |
| Varietal | Tempranillo |
| Vintage | 2017 |
| Sku | 53268 |
A warm and welcoming red. Smooth layers of cherry, vanilla, and gentle spice make this Rioja a classic. Perfect with a charcuterie board loaded with cured meats and aged cheeses, pork tenderloin, or a slow-cooked chicken stew.
Cune Description
Winemaking: The alcoholic fermentation of the grapes from our vineyards in Rioja Alta takes place in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures. The malolactic fermentation is carried out in tanks and then the wine is aged in American oak barrels for one year. During this time, the wine acquires the aromatic balance, finesse and expression that characterizes it..
Tasting Notes: Medium intensity of maroon colour. In nose, we can find aromas of wild fruits, liquorice together withvanillas, toffees and cocoa from the American oak barrels. Soft entrance in mouth with rounded tanins and a slightly acidic end which leads to a long and fruity aftertaste. This wine is easy to drink, fresh and perfect for pairing with every type of dishes of the Mediterranean diet.
James Suckling: 93 Points
Polished and transparent with blueberries and hints of mushrooms and dried flowers. Medium-to full-bodied, tight and focused. One for now or later. Always excellent. Drink or hold.
Wine Spectator: 91 Points
This lively red combines depth with energy. Bright berry and cherry flavors mingle with notes of fresh herb, cocoa and toast, supported by light tannins and crisp acidity. Focused and harmonious. Tempranillo, Garnacha and Mazuelo. Drink now through 2025. 375,000 cases made, 15,000 cases imported. — TM
Wine Advocate: 89 Points
The red 2017 Cune Crianza is a wine they have always produced (though it used to be sold as Tercer Año [third year], as it was sold the third year after the harvest). It has the classical blend of Tempranillo with around 15% Garnacha and Mazuelo from the Rioja Alta zone and was fermented in 20,000-liter stainless steel tanks at 25–27 degrees Celsius to keep the fruit character in the wine. It matured in used American oak barrels for one year. They produce three million bottles of this throughout the year. It's classical but has some juicy sapidity, clean with very fine tannins and defined flavors. A triumph over the conditions of the vintage. Production was lower than the previous vintage because of the frost, but that also meant all grapes for this wine were handpicked, as nobody harvested with machines.
Wine Enthusiast: 86 Points
Reedy berry and dusty earth aromas are pretty basic, while this feels raw and grainy. Oaky flavors of clove and berry fruits are muddled, while this tastes woody and slightly green and lacking on the finish. Michael Schachner
