Miguel Merino Rioja Vinas Jovenes 2021 750ml
Vinas Jovenes is a young vine bottling produced by Miguel Merino. The grapes are sourced from several vineyards around the village of Briones, where replanting has taken place over the past 25 years. This blend primarily consists of Tempranillo, with small amounts of Graciano and Garnacha.
The wine undergoes fermentation in stainless steel tanks and is then aged in used barrels for one year. These barrels, featuring staves made from American oak and heads from French oak, were previously used for their Reserva wine. After aging, the wine is bottled and left to mature for an additional year before release.
Although this wine easily qualifies as a Crianza, it is not labeled as such. Its focus is on the region and varietals rather than the aging process. It presents a young and fresh style of Rioja, boasting bright fruit flavors subtly complemented by oak and herbal, spicy, and earthy accents.
"Two main vineyards, planted in 2001 and 2010, are the principal components of this "young vine" cuvée of Tempranillo and 8% Graciano. Forward and fruity, with very little wood, supple, caressing tannins, graceful raspberry and wild strawberry fruit, and balancing acidity. A Rioja for Pinot Noir lovers. 92 points" Robert Parker's Wine Advocate