Bodegas Olarra Cerro Añon Crianza 2021

Cerro Añon Crianza has inviting aromas of blackberry, cherry and spice with vanilla hints, it is classic Rioja. It has a textured raspberry/red fruit flavours with a touch of black fruit and spice. We are impressed with the structure, freshness and appeal of this good value Rioja Crianza.

Made from grapes from 20 year old vines in the Rioja Alta and Alavesa areas, Cerro Añon Crianza is aged for 14 months in mostly American oak barriques, with 20% use of French oak. The barrel age ranges from new to 7 years. It is made by Bodegas Olarra whose innovative Y shaped Bodega is known as the Grand Cathedral of Rioja – you can read more about the Bodega below.

This Crianza always offers fantastic value and consistency. We were pleased to read the following Reviews:

Reviews

“Cola, cedar wood and tobacco mingle with blue fruit and plum skin. The palate has dried fruit and silky tannins, plus a soft, sweet American oak finish.” 93 Points, Silver Medal, 2021 Vintage – Decanter World Wine Awards 2023. Drink 2024 – 2027 with careful cellarage.

“Ripe strawberry and powdery vanilla scents. The palate is concentrated with layers of ripe strawberries and chalky tannins. Long finish.”  90 Points; Silver Medal, 2020 Vintage – Decanter World Wine Awards 2022

“Olarra Cerro Añon Crianza 2019 has mid-intensity oak, red fruit vividness and a strawberry compote character. Toothsome and appetising with a tangy finish and sandy-grained tannins. 92 Points; Silver Medal, Decanter World Wine Awards 2021”

“Olarra’s super reliable Crianza, made in impressively large quantities and always worth seeking out, pairs Tempranillo with 15% Mazuelo & Graciano. Aged in American oak and 20% French oak. It is fresh, scented and textured, with racy red cherry and raspberry fruit and a patina of vanilla spice. 90 Points; 2018 vintage; Drink 2021 – 2026.” Tim Atkin MW Rioja Special Report 2021

About the Bodega

Bodegas Olarra was established in 1973 in Logroño with an innovative Y shape design from architect Antonio Ridruejo, creating a perfectly adapted environment for wine making and barrel ageing. The most prominent feature is the roof above the vast barrel rooms with 111 hexagonal domes, designed to prevent sharp changes of temperature and ensure a perfect environment, without any need for an additional external system.

In 2023 Bodegas Olarra celebrate their 50 years of wine production which is now in the hands of the Third generation of the Ucín family. Three brothers now run the Bodega including Luis Limousin Ucín who works together with  Javier Martinez de Salvinas (one of the best winemakers in Spain); they make a perfect tandem of viticulture and wine-making. They carefully monitor and control every stage of the grape growing cycle to ensure consistent quality fruit from their growers, many of whom have plots less than a hectare and therefore focus on sustainable growing to ensure their long term contracts.

Although one of the larger producers in our portfolio, Olarra pay attention to detail from the growing of the grapes to the final production of their wines, ensuring great quality and style. We think one of the Top 100 Rioja UK Panel reports a few years ago, also sum up this great value Crianza.

“Very classic. Supple oak and tannin, juicy and fruity bramble and red berry fruit. Herbal, spicy and long.”

Sarah Jane-Evans MW & Tim Atkin MW –  Top 100 Riojas UK