Marques de Tomares Rioja Crianza is a Tempranillo-dominant red wine from Rioja DOCa, Spain, bottled at 13.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Sourced from family-owned vineyards—many over a century old—in Rioja Alta, this Crianza earned 90 points from Vinous on its 2020 vintage and a Gold Medal at the 2017 Mundus Vini competition.Quick Facts: ABV: 13.5% | Origin: Rioja Alta, Rioja DOCa, Spain | Crianza (12 months oak-aged) | Winery: Marqués de TomaresProduction & HeritageDon Román Montaña founded Marqués de Tomares in 1910, building on a family grape-growing tradition dating to 1886. The winery remains family-operated by his grandchildren and draws fruit from nearly 106 hectares of estate vineyards scattered across Haro, Fuenmayor, and surrounding Rioja Alta villages—a significant portion planted with vines exceeding 100 years of age. The Crianza bottling blends approximately 90% Tempranillo with small proportions of Mazuelo and Viura (blend composition may shift slightly by vintage), then spends 12 months maturing in a combination of French and American oak barrels before release.Tasting NotesAroma: Dark cherry and saddle leather emerge first, followed by threads of licorice and dried tobacco. Purple flowers and a subtle earthiness round out the nose, signaling the wine's old-vine origins.Taste: The entry is dry and rich, immediately revealing concentrated black fruit that spreads across the mid-palate with a clingy, velvety texture. There is enough structure and taut acidity to keep the ripe fruit in check, while a rustic, slightly funky character adds complexity that rewards attention.Finish: Medium-to-long, with juicy dark fruit and tobacco lingering well after the last sip. The oak influence surfaces as a gentle spice that slowly fades into a savory, earthy close.How to Drink Marques de Tomares CrianzaThis Crianza drinks well at cellar temperature (60–65°F) with no decanting necessary, though 20 minutes of air can open the darker fruit tones. It also works in wine-forward cocktails and classic red-wine serves: Kalimotxo — The wine's ripe fruit and tannic backbone hold up against cola without losing identity, a nod to its Basque-adjacent roots. Sangria — Dark cherry and licorice notes amplify citrus and stone-fruit additions for a layered punch. Tempranillo Spritz — Topped with sparkling water and an orange twist, the wine's juicy acidity and floral lift translate into an easy warm-weather pour. Best For Introducing a friend to traditional Rioja without overwhelming tannin Weeknight lamb chops or grilled chorizo dinners Building a Spanish wine collection at the Crianza tier Gifting someone who appreciates old-world reds with genuine vineyard heritage Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does Marques de Tomares Crianza taste like? It delivers concentrated dark cherry, licorice, and tobacco wrapped in a velvety, medium-bodied frame with enough acidity to stay fresh. The overall impression is of a classically styled Rioja with an undercurrent of old-vine richness.How does Marques de Tomares Crianza compare to El Coto Rioja Crianza? Both are widely available Rioja Crianza wines, but Marques de Tomares draws from century-old estate vineyards in Rioja Alta, which contributes more depth and complexity. The Vinous 90-point score for the 2020 Marques de Tomares vintage places it a step above the typical entry-level Crianza tier where El Coto competes.Is Marques de Tomares Crianza good for sipping neat? Absolutely—its balanced acidity, soft tannins, and layered dark fruit make it an enjoyable standalone glass, especially served slightly below room temperature. A brief rest in the glass after pouring helps the floral and tobacco nuances emerge.Where is Marques de Tomares Crianza made? It is produced by Marqués de Tomares in the Rioja Alta sub-region of Rioja DOCa, Spain, with estate vineyards concentrated around the towns of Haro and Fuenmayor. The winery was founded in 1910 and remains family-owned.What foods pair well with Marques de Tomares Crianza? Grilled lamb chops benefit from the wine's tobacco and dark fruit echo. Manchego cheese mirrors its earthy, savory side. Chorizo and roasted red pepper tapas bridge beautifully with the licorice and spice character. Braised short ribs match the wine's velvety texture, while roasted eggplant with romesco sauce highlights its underlying acidity.What sizes does Marques de Tomares Crianza come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely distributed format.Is Marques de Tomares Crianza worth the price? It positions as a mid-range Crianza that over-delivers relative to its tier, largely because of its century-old vine sources and dual-oak aging program. For drinkers seeking genuine Rioja character without stepping up to Reserva pricing, it represents strong value.Why Marques de Tomares Crianza?The defining advantage here is vineyard age. With vines exceeding 100 years across Rioja Alta's most respected villages, this Crianza taps into a depth of fruit concentration that most wines at its level simply cannot access. The 12-month split between French and American oak adds spice without masking the Tempranillo's inherent dark-fruit and floral character. A 90-point Vinous score on the 2020 vintage and a Mundus Vini Gold Medal confirm that this is not a generic Crianza—it is a wine rooted in over a century of family viticulture, and the glass reflects it.
