Montecillo Crianza is a Rioja DOCa red wine blending 90% Tempranillo with 10% Garnacha, bottled at 13.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Scoring 91 points from James Suckling on its 2015 vintage and earning Gold medals at the Sakura Awards for the 2019 and 2020 vintages, this Crianza demonstrates consistent quality across multiple releases from one of Rioja's oldest operating bodegas.Quick Facts: ABV: 13.5% | Origin: Rioja DOCa, Spain | Crianza Classification | Producer: Bodegas MontecilloProduction & HeritageBodegas Montecillo was founded in 1874 in Fuenmayor, Rioja Alta, making it one of the five oldest wineries in the region. Now part of the Osborne Group, the bodega has maintained a classically structured approach to Rioja winemaking for over a century. The Crianza undergoes cold maceration for two to three days before primary fermentation at a controlled 24°C, followed by a distinctive second fermentation in underground vats — a technique that contributes to the wine's rounded texture. It then ages for 18 months in semi-new American oak barrels and rests an additional six months in bottle before release, exceeding the minimum 12 months of oak aging required by Rioja DOCa Crianza regulations.Tasting NotesAroma: The nose opens with ripe red cherry and fresh raspberry before revealing cooked red fruit and a faint blackberry undercurrent. Sweet patisserie notes emerge alongside hints of cappuccino, clove, and toffee as the wine breathes.Taste: The entry is soft and juicy, led by plum and red cherry fruit characteristic of Tempranillo. Mid-palate, the American oak influence arrives with vanilla sweetness and cedar-lined tannins, while punchy acidity keeps the fruit focused and lively. A touch of dark chocolate rounds out the core flavors, giving the wine depth without heaviness.Finish: Medium in length with a smooth, round texture and lingering notes of toasted oak, sweet spice, and dried red fruit. The tannins resolve gently, leaving a clean, appetizing close.How to Drink Montecillo CrianzaThis Crianza drinks well at cellar temperature (16–18°C) and benefits from 15 to 20 minutes of breathing after opening, whether poured into a glass or briefly decanted. It is built for the table but works in several classic wine-based drinks. A Kalimotxo — the Basque Country's simple red wine and cola combination — pairs naturally with a Rioja Crianza's fruit-forward profile. A Red Wine Sangria gains complexity from Montecillo's oak spice and cherry backbone. For cooler months, a classic Mulled Wine built on this Crianza amplifies its existing cinnamon and clove character beautifully.Best For Weeknight dinners where you want genuine Rioja character without opening a Reserva Introducing someone to Spanish Tempranillo in a soft, approachable style Pairing with grilled lamb, chorizo, or roasted vegetables at a casual gathering Building a starter collection of Rioja wines across the Crianza, Reserva, and Gran Reserva tiers Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does Montecillo Crianza taste like? Montecillo Crianza is a medium-bodied, fruit-forward Rioja dominated by red cherry, plum, and raspberry flavors with secondary notes of vanilla, clove, and dark chocolate from 18 months in American oak. It finishes smooth with balanced acidity and gentle tannins.How does Montecillo Crianza compare to CUNE Crianza? Both are Tempranillo-dominant Rioja DOCa Crianzas aged in American oak, but Montecillo's blend includes 10% Garnacha and undergoes a second fermentation in underground vats, which tends to produce a rounder, softer texture. CUNE Crianza is often described as slightly more structured and herbaceous, while Montecillo leans toward ripe red fruit sweetness.Is Montecillo Crianza good for beginners? Yes — its soft tannins, bright fruit, and approachable medium body make it an excellent entry point into Rioja. James Suckling described it as "soft and round-textured" with a "delicious finish," which aligns with what newer wine drinkers typically enjoy.Where is Montecillo Crianza made? Montecillo Crianza is produced by Bodegas Montecillo, located in Fuenmayor in the Rioja Alta sub-region of Spain's Rioja DOCa. The winery was founded in 1874 and is currently owned by the Osborne Group.What foods pair well with Montecillo Crianza? Grilled lamb chops complement the wine's smoky oak and red fruit. Manchego cheese echoes its Spanish origins and matches its acidity. Chorizo and cured Ibérico ham amplify the spice notes. Roasted red peppers mirror the wine's fruit character, and slow-braised pork shoulder stands up to its tannin structure without overpowering it.What sizes does Montecillo Crianza come in? Montecillo Crianza is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle format.Is Montecillo Crianza worth the price? Montecillo Crianza positions as an entry-level Rioja with above-average pedigree — a 91-point score from James Suckling and multiple Sakura Gold medals place it among the stronger performers in a competitive value tier. Wine Enthusiast has specifically called it "value-priced," making it a smart buy for everyday drinking.Why Montecillo Crianza?What separates Montecillo Crianza from the crowded Rioja Crianza field starts in the cellar: the second fermentation in underground vats is an uncommon step at this classification level and contributes directly to the wine's notably round mouthfeel. The 18 months in semi-new American oak exceeds the DOCa minimum by six months, adding genuine depth without overwhelming Tempranillo's fruit. With 150 years of continuous production behind it, Bodegas Montecillo brings an institutional knowledge of Rioja Alta terroir that translates into vintage-to-vintage consistency — evidenced by strong critical scores across multiple years. For drinkers exploring Rioja or seeking a reliable, food-friendly red, this Crianza delivers classical Spanish character with real substance behind the label.
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