Gomez Cruzado : Honorable 2015

An emblematic Spanish wine from La Rioja with a very beautiful structure and good ageing potential

The estate

Bodega Gómez Cruzado, an emblematic producer that ranks as one of the oldest in La Rioja, was founded in 1886. Located near the train station in Haro, capital of La Rioja Alta, Bodega Gómez Cruzado illustrates all of the know-how of a winegrowing region that has become one of the most influential and dynamic in Spain. Driven by the spirit and commitment of its young team, Bodegq Gómez Cruzado has been placed under the management of duo, David Gonzálea and Juan Antonio Leza, two talented oenologists who reveal all of the richness and typicality of the La Rioja terroir in sublime Spanish wines. All the way from the vine to the cellar, the wines by Bodega Gómez Cruzado reflect this will to reveal the typicality of each grape variety and the authenticity of the terroirs in La Rioja.

The vineyard

Located at between 500 and 750 metres above sea level, the 3 vineyards at Bodega Gomez Cruzado are located in prime spots at the heart of a mosaic of terroirs divided into 100 plots. Bathed by the influence of the Atlantic climate, Sierra Cantabria spearheads wines which stand out for their freshness and elegance. A temple of Tempranillo, the Mediterranean influence of Bajo Najerilla gives rise to red wines with ripe fruit and excellent ageing potential. With old vines that are more than 80 years old, Alto Najerilla reveals all of the purity of the fruity character of Grenache.

Honorable 2015 is a Rioja wine produced from the oldest vines at the estate, located on the south- and southeast-facing slops of Sierra Cantabria. There, the soil is white clay-limestone.

The vintage

The 2015 vintage was marked by a very rainy winter, with heavy snowfall in the highest areas in the appellation. The beginning of the crop cycle took place under high temperatures, leading to quick plant growth. Berry development began during one of the warmest months on record in recent years. August was dry and cool, with thermal contrasts between day and night. The result of this was a very early harvest (12 days in advance), producing wines with good structure and ageing potential.

Winemaking and ageing

After the manual harvests, the grapes are taken to the cellar to begin a precise vinification process. To begin with, the grapes undergo a cold prefermentation maceration for 4 days. Daily pump-overs and rack and return are carried out during the fermentation at controlled temperatures. Malolactic fermentation is carried out in new French oak barrels for 18 months.

Blend

Honorable 2015 is made of Tempranillo, Graciano and Grenache.