Luis Cañas Crianza 2020

Winery Background and History: Founded in 1928, Bodegas Luis Cañas is a family-owned winery located in Villabuena de Álava, within Spain’s renowned Rioja Alavesa region. Over four generations, the Cañas family has dedicated themselves to producing high-quality wines that reflect the unique terroir of their vineyards. Emphasizing traditional viticulture practices combined with modern winemaking techniques, the winery has earned a reputation for excellence and consistency in the Spanish wine industry.

Producer and Winemaker: Juan Luis Cañas, the current head of the winery, took over from his father in 1989, bringing a renewed focus on quality and innovation. Under his leadership, Bodegas Luis Cañas has modernized its facilities and adopted sustainable practices. The winemaking team, led by experienced enologists, meticulously oversees each step of the production process, ensuring that every bottle embodies the family’s commitment to excellence.

Vineyards and Microclimate: The vineyards of Bodegas Luis Cañas span approximately 350 hectares in the Rioja Alavesa, characterized by calcareous clay soils and a continental climate with Mediterranean influences. The region’s unique microclimate, with its optimal balance of sunlight and rainfall, allows for the cultivation of high-quality grapes. The vineyards are primarily planted with Tempranillo, the flagship grape of the region, alongside other native varieties.

Grape Varietals & Percentage Used: 95% Tempranillo, 5% Garnacha

Vinification & Aging Methods: After careful hand-harvesting and selection, the grapes undergo destemming and gentle crushing. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, followed by an 8-day maceration period to extract optimal color and tannins. The wine is then aged for 12 months in oak barrels—60% French and 40% American—imparting complexity and subtle oak nuances. Prior to release, the wine rests an additional 12 months in the bottle to achieve harmony and balance.

ABV (Alcohol by Volume): 14%

Tasting Notes: The Luis Cañas Crianza 2020 presents a vibrant ruby-red color. On the nose, it offers an enticing bouquet of ripe red fruits, such as cherries and plums, intertwined with subtle hints of balsamic, cedar, and spice. The palate is well-structured and balanced, showcasing flavors of juicy red berries, vanilla, and a touch of toasted oak. Smooth tannins and a lingering finish make this wine both approachable and complex.

Food & Wine Pairing: This versatile wine pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. It complements grilled red meats, roasted poultry, and game, enhancing their rich flavors. The wine’s acidity and fruitiness also make it a great match for oily fish like salmon or mackerel. Additionally, it pairs well with semi-cured cheeses and traditional Spanish dishes such as Riojan-style lamb stew or patatas a la riojana, highlighting the regional culinary heritage.

Service Methods and Temperatures: To fully appreciate the nuances of the Luis Cañas Crianza 2020, it is recommended to serve the wine at a temperature between 16°C and 18°C (60°F to 64°F). Decanting the wine for about 30 minutes prior to serving can help aerate it, allowing the aromas and flavors to open up. Use medium-sized red wine glasses to concentrate the bouquet and direct the wine to the appropriate areas of the palate.

Storage and Aging Potential: Stored under proper conditions—away from direct sunlight, at a consistent temperature of around 12°C to 15°C (54°F to 59°F), and with controlled humidity—the Luis Cañas Crianza 2020 can develop further complexity over the next 5 to 7 years. As it ages, the wine is expected to gain additional depth, with the integration of fruit and oak flavors becoming more harmonious, offering an enhanced tasting experience.

Scores:

• Wine Enthusiast: 91 points

• Wine Spectator: 90 points

• Wine Advocate: 92 points

• Robert Parker: 92 points

• James Suckling: 91 points