Abeica Carronillo 2021 | La Sonsierra | Rioja

Wine Identification
The Abeica Carronillo is a red wine from the renowned Abeica winery, located in La Rioja, Spain. This specific bottle is the 2021 vintage, produced under the DOCa Rioja appellation. It comes from a single vineyard.

Origin and Winemaking
The grapes are sourced from a single vineyard established 54 years ago, situated at an altitude of 630 meters. The site features clay-limestone soil with a shallow depth and sandy surface layers. The vines are trained in the traditional gobelet (bush vine) system. The blend consists of 85% Tempranillo, 10% Garnacha Tinta, and 5% Viura.

Vinification begins with a joint manual harvest. The winemaking process involves destemming followed by the co-fermentation of all three varieties for 18 days. After fermentation, the wine is racked without pressing and transferred directly into French oak barrels for aging. These barrels have a capacity of 500 liters. Malolactic fermentation occurs within these same French oak casks. The wine undergoes a 12-month crianza period in this wood. Finally, the wine is naturally stabilized without clarification, preserving its natural character.

Tasting Profile
As a red wine from Rioja, the Abeica Carronillo exhibits the classic structure derived from its high-altitude, clay-limestone terroir. The co-fermentation of Tempranillo, Garnacha, and Viura suggests a complex aromatic profile where the primary fruit of Tempranillo is complemented by the freshness of Viura and the body of Garnacha. The 12-month aging in French oak imparts subtle woody notes and integrates tannins, while the lack of clarification ensures a natural texture.

Critical Reception
This vintage has received strong critical acclaim:
James Suckling awarded it 95 points.
The Wine Advocate (Parker) scored it 93 points.

• Tim Atkin also rated it 93 points.

Overall Character
The Abeica Carronillo 2021 is a serious, traditional Rioja that emphasizes its specific vineyard origin. By limiting production to a single, old-vine plot and employing minimal intervention techniques such as natural stabilization and co-fermentation, the winery produces a wine that reflects its high-altitude environment with clarity and precision.