Once all the Tempranillo grapes have reached full ripeness, they are harvested entirely by hand. Each bunch is visually inspected to ensure only the finest are selected. These bunches are collected in small crates and transported to the Cruz de Alba press. Upon arrival, they are inspected again and gently crushed. This Cruz de Alba Crianza is vinified traditionally, maturing in new oak barrels for fifteen months. This gives it its full, powerful aroma and flavor, characterized by pure purity.
After fifteen months in the finest wooden barrels, winemaker Sergio Avila still doesn't think it's good enough. He allows this red wine to mature in the bottle for at least another ten months in the beautiful cellars of Cruz de Alba. This tranquil setting transforms into a royal wine, with aromas of red fruit, wood, and tobacco on the nose, and a soft, supple character. The palate is fantastic, highly aromatic with hints of ripe black fruit, light spices, a beautiful presence of wood and vanilla, and a touch of chocolate and cocoa. Soft tannins and well-balanced with a long finish, ending with notes of licorice, cherries, and other black fruits.
