Get to know: Muriel Rioja Crianza Tinto

Tasting Note

A textbook example of what good Rioja Crianza should be. This Spanish red wine is made from 100% Tempranillo and aged in American oak for a year before mellowing further in bottle. It has classic Crianza character with soft tannins, juicy red fruit, and a gentle lick of vanilla spice.

Youll get bright cherry and red plum on the nose, backed by subtle notes of toast, coconut, and cedar. Its medium-bodied and silky, with just enough structure to hold its own with food or just enjoy it on its own if youre in the mood for something smooth and warming.

Food Pairing Tips

• Roast chicken, lamb cutlets, or pan-fried chorizo
• Aubergine parmigiana (vegan), grilled portobello mushrooms, mature cheddar or Manchego
• When to drink it: Cosy midweek suppers, slow Sunday roasts, or when you want a red with just the right balance of fruit and oak

Kate Says

“This is Rioja done right not flashy or overworked, just really well made. The oaks subtle, the fruit is vibrant, and it all comes together so easily. Perfect for those who want a proper Rioja without spending a fortune. Its one of those reds youll want to keep a few bottles of around the house.”

Producer Info

Muriel Rioja is a family-run winery in the heart of Rioja Alavesa, where Tempranillo is king. Founded in 1926 and now in the hands of the third generation, the Mura family blend tradition and modern winemaking techniques to create wines that honour the regions style while remaining approachable and consistent.

The grapes for this MurielCrianza Rioja Tintoare sourced from limestone-rich soils around Elciego, hand-picked and fermented in temperature-controlled tanks for purity and precision. After fermentation, the wine is aged for 12 months in American oak barrels adding soft spice, vanilla, and toasty notes followed by at least six months in bottle before release. That extra ageing softens the wine beautifully, giving it that signature Crianza smoothness.

This is a wine that showcases both the charm of classic Rioja and the Muriel familys commitment to quality and tradition.