Gomez Cruzado 'El Predilecto' 2022

Producer: Gomez Cruzado
Region: Rioja, Spain
Varietals: 35% Tempranillo, 65% Garnacha
Viticulture: Sustainable
Category: Red Wine
Size: 750ml

Gomez Cruzado was founded in 1886.  At the turn of the century, the Banos Family took over the vineyard to carry on the 130 year tradition.  El Predilecto, "the favorite", comes from high-elevation vineyards at the edges of Rioja – 65% Garnacha from the ferrous clay soils of Alto Najerilla in the south of Rioja Alta and 35% Tempranillo from vineyards at the foot of the Sierra de Cantabria near Samaniego. In an attempt to recreate the style of Rioja before the French arrived with all their barrels, El Predilecto is aged entirely in concrete.

The Tempranillo and Garnacha are vinified separately. 100% of the grapes are destemmed, but not crushed. Cold fermentation takes place at controlled temperatures with native yeasts. Short maceration follows. The two wines are then blended and aged in concrete for approximately six months.