CAMPO VIEJO CRIANZA 2012
VENDIMIA SELECCIONADA
Available at Mas y Mas Supermarkets priced at 5·95€
I thought that Spain’s most comprehensive wine guide, Guía Peñín’s 90 points out of 100 was a good starting point for this, the first Telitec Wine of the Month of 2016. When I then looked at the price – well, it simply had to be tasted!
Campo Viejo is one of the large Rioja brand names. I used to stock their Reserva in my restaurants in the UK 20 years ago and they’ve been in business for a lot longer than that! I’ve always had a soft spot for them – provided they continue to deliver quality at a good price. The Crianza 2012 Vendimia Seleccionada is an example of how they remain on track.
It’s a mono-varietal wine, made with just the one variety, the famous Tempranillo. After fermentation the wine is aged for 18 months in both French and American oak, which adds vanilla aroma and a little extra smoky flavour. You should also find some red and dark fruit on the palate with the vanilla coming back on the finish.
This wine has the advantage of being easy to simply drink with friends as well being a pleasant complement to food, where it really comes into its own. Try it with light and dark meats as well as meat based rice dishes!
Enjoy!
Colin Harkness
International Wine Judge,
Writer, Broadcaster & Critic.
