El bosque finca Rioja

Teaser

Rioja Tempranillo at its finest: Sierra Cantabria El Bosque. Handpicked grapes from the vineyard of the same name, with vines over 40 years old. Aged for 18 months in new French oak, this wine reveals expressive notes of ripe dark fruits, pleasant spiciness, and silky tannins. It has received high praise from critics and collectors alike. El Bosque is authentic Rioja in every sip.

Tasting Notes

The wine has an energetic character with a clean aroma of ripe black fruits, blackberries, juicy herbs, flowers, violets, pastry spices, and dark chocolate. In the mouth, it is very intense, elegant, balanced, with subtle tannins and a rounded, fresh aftertaste. The wine is medium-bodied and can be enjoyed now or aged for 3-4 years.

Background

Bodegas Sierra Cantabria is a traditional family enterprise established in the 1870s and now in its fifth generation of ownership by the Eguren family. However, this winery has its own unique story. For decades, the family cultivated grapes and sold them to various businesses. In the 1950s, Guillermo Eguren saw the potential in the grapes on their land and established the winery. Their vineyards are primarily located in the towns of San Vicente de la Sonsierra, Laguardia, and Labastida, mainly planted with Tempranillo, and in small quantities, Graciano and Garnacha. The age of the vineyards ranges from 35 to 70 years.

Almost no one in the wine world knows their vineyards as well as the Eguren family. They consider themselves primarily grape growers and then winemakers. This is their distinctive feature — grapes are harvested only when they reach optimal ripeness, and wines are produced in limited batches to highlight the unique microclimate, soil composition, and terroir of each vineyard. Finca El Bosque uses Tempranillo vineyards planted in iron-rich and nutrient-rich soils with excellent drainage. The high drainage reduces yields, and the concentration of nutrients and minerals gives the wine a deep, intense, and structured character. The Eguren family believes that El Bosque represents the highest expression of the structure and intensity available to the Tempranillo variety.

Production Process

The grapes for Finca El Bosque are produced using an integrated method with minimal intervention and careful consideration for the terroir, following the natural rhythms of the earth. The grapes are handpicked. Malolactic fermentation occurs in new French oak barrels. The wine is aged for about 18 months in French oak barrels (95%) and oak barrels from Central Europe (5%).

Pairing Suggestions

Pairs perfectly with expressive dishes of red meat, stews, or aged cheeses.

Serving Temperature

Recommended serving temperature is 16-18 degrees Celsius.