Luis Canas, Crianza, Rioja, Spain

Incredibly in the 1970’s it was extremely unusual for winemakers in Rioja Alavesa, a cooler, damper subregion of the Rioja area, up by the Sierra Cantabria, to bottle wines themselves rather than sell in bulk to other producers or merchants. Luis Canas was one of the first to do so and used to distribute himself too, heading up to Bilbao to sell direct to bars and restaurants. This innovative spirit has continued and the bodega is now recognised as one of Rioja’s premium producers. Luis Canas senior himself is now in his eighties but still rocks up for a glass and a few olives every lunchtime while his son, Juan Luis, focuses on producing fantastic quality fruit and not whacking it with excess oak ageing.

Aged in 60% French and 40% American oak for a minimum of 12 months, it is then bottled aged for a further 12 months minimum.

Packed with deep plummy and balsamic notes, finishing with clean oak. Vivid layers of spice, lapped up with cherry fruit and hints of liquorice. Uber rich, with smooth rounded tannins. Serves up nicely alongside roasted meats and Spanish influenced dishes. Great with chorizo!

Producer - Luis Canas
Country - Spain
Region - Rioja    
Appellation - Rioja Alavesa
Variety / Blend - Tempranillo, Garnacha
Wine Style - Red Wine
Farming - Organic
Vegan