Vaquos Crianza

Essence of the wine

Around the 6th century B.C., the Vaquos were the first permanent settlers of the northern plateau of Castile. Socially and culturally advanced, they made wine a central element of their culture and celebrations. As a symbol of tradition and respect for the land, Bodegas Vaquos pays tribute to these ancestors by crafting unique wines from the Tinta Fina (Tempranillo) variety.

Variety

Tinta Fina (Tempranillo) 100%

Terroir

The vineyards are located in El Páramo, at an altitude of 800 to 1,000 meters, within the "Golden Mile" of Ribera del Duero. They benefit from a continental climate with limestone soils, which contribute minerality to the wines. The significant temperature variation between day and night promotes a slow and optimal ripening of the grapes, resulting in wines with great fruit intensity, complexity, and elegance, as well as an excellent aging potential.

Winemaking Process

Selection of the best grapes in the vineyard to quickly transport them to the winery. Once at the winery, gravity is used whenever possible to maintain the integrity of the grapes and to carefully handle the skins, which provide the aromas, texture, and color to the wine. Maceration of the grapes with the must takes place in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures for about 15 days, before extracting the free-run juice. The wine is aged for 12 months in French and American oak barrels, followed by an additional 12 months of bottle aging.

Appearance

Intense cherry red with slight bluish hues.

Aroma

Primary notes of red fruits and dried nuts blend perfectly with vanilla, spices, and cocoa, developed through aging.

Taste

Full-bodied, rich, and flavorful. Excellent balance between tannins and acidity. Smooth on the palate with a long and persistent aftertaste.

Serving temperature

18º

Food pairing and serving

Vaquos Crianza 2021, with its complexity and depth of flavors, pairs perfectly with roast meats, such as ribeye steak or beef tenderloin, where its red fruit, vanilla, and spice notes enhance the richness of the meat. It is also an excellent match for game dishes, like duck or cured ham, highlighting the savory and complex flavors of the dish. Oven-roasted chicken, with its intense flavor, pairs beautifully with this wine thanks to the elegance imparted by oak aging. Lastly, it complements aged cheeses like Manchego, where the spicy notes of the wine resonate with the cheese’s intensity.