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Bodegas Larchago Rioja Crianza, 2020
$16.99/bottle – $183.49/case 

Wine of the Month – Oct. 2025

Rioja is Spain’s second smallest wine region, but its reputation is second to none. Its subregions are Rioja Alta (to the west), the small Rioja Alavesa (north), and Rioja Oriental (east). Alta and Alavesa have a continental climate, influenced by the Atlantic Ocean to the north (known here as the Cantabrian Sea), while Oriental’s warmer climate is considered Mediterranean. Fun fact #1: Rioja is one of the largest mushroom-growing regions in Europe. Fun fact #2: Tempranillo, the predominant grape, takes its name from the Spanish word for early, temprano, due to its propensity to ripen sooner than other varieties.

Dating to 1882, Bodegas Larchago is the oldest winery in Rioja Alavesa, which is technically in the Basque Country. It has vineyards located in the municipalities of Laguardia, Elciego, and Lapuebla de Labarca, the most emblematic areas of Rioja Alavesa.

The Crianza is 100% Tempranillo grapes grown in Laguardia, the core of Rioja Alavesa, at 1970 feet on limestone-clay. The clusters are destemmed and fermented in stainless steel with a 15-day maceration for color extraction. The wine is then aged 14 months in American oak barrels & 6 months in bottle before release. Expressive with surprisingly deep color and flavor. The recommended serving temperature is 63ºF.

We also carry Larchago’s 2016 Reserva ($20.99), a great value with exceptional aromatics. Also 100% Tempranillo, but from older vineyards, and it spent 18 months in French oak barrels. Excellent!