Constantia Crianza 2006

what’s this?

Name wine: Constantia Crianza 2006

Type: oak-aged red wine

Winery: Viñedos La Madroñera, D.O. Utiel-Requena

AVIN: 2791212812847

Used on event: Vino Valencia Wine Night at Tahine, January 20, 2010

Sold in these shops:
• Damajuana – €
• Vinostrum – 9,80€

I don’t know whether it’s because Viñedos La Madroñera is run by women, and I hate to run the risk of falling into gender stereotypes, but this wine does have a delicate fragrance, subtlety and smooth finesse that some people see as female qualities, and which do characterize the whole Constantia range (described as “vinos con carácter femenino”).

I am, of course, a died-in-the-wool feminist, who considers women to be as capable of being rough and tough as any hardbitten hombre. Nevertheless, this wine has a delicate allure that you might not automatically expect from its blend of Tempranillo, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Bobal.

The winemaker, Cristina Berbegal Brodín, has done wonders to achieve this velvet smoothness without sacrificing character and presence, and coming in at a solid 14% ABV. Those of you lucky enough to talk to Cristina at the Vino Valencia event will have had the opportunity of finding out what the secret is.

Vino Valencia Tasting Notes

Appearance: Dark, intense red.
Nose: Initial floral overtones (roses), followed by beguiling hints of strawberry, and a delicate oak presence.
Palate: Kicks off with slightly sharp berry flavours, then follows up with sweeter tannins and a more unctuous, balsamic fullness, with a cool, fresh, lingering aniseed presence underlying the wine.
Tahine food thoughts: Something to play with the sweetness in the wine – caramel-based savoury.