Bodegas Amaren El Cristo de Samaniego Organic Rioja 2018

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Producer	Bodegas Amaren
Vintage	2018
Style	Red
Region	Rioja

About this wine

Jon Cañas, grandson of Luis Cañas, is the imaginative winemaker behind Bodegas Amaren, given free rein to explore the character of Rioja Alavesa’s vineyards. He aims to create a raw, modern interpretation of the region, using native yeasts, concrete vessels, and lees ageing to craft expressive wines that respect ancient grape varieties. The Amaren range emphasizes ‘Rioja Alavesa’ over traditional classifications, highlighting the importance of place. Viticulture Sourced from a singular vineyard in Samaniego at the foothills of the Sierra Cantabria, 625 m above sea level. Soils are a blend of sand and limestone. Winemaking Bunches are carefully selected, de-stemmed, and individual berries sorted by weight. Grapes undergo pre-maceration at 8ºC for five days. Only the best grapes go to French oak vats for fermentation lasting seven days. The wine is racked to new French oak barrels for malolactic fermentation with regular lees stirring. Clarified with egg white, the wine spends 12–14 months in oak (French and American) and 32% in concrete vats, producing excellent oak integration and a well-rounded structure. Tasting Note Cherry red in colour with an elegant, complex nose. Concentrated black fruit aromas combine with creamy oak, subtle roasted coffee, and mineral hints. The palate is full-bodied, fleshy, and elegant, with impressive complexity and power. Food Matching Pairs beautifully with red meats, stews, game, cured cheeses, and richer fish dishes. Awards SWA 2024 SILVER Technical Details Varieties: Tempranillo 90%, Garnacha 8%, Others 2%