{"title":"Conde De Valdemar","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"conde-de-valdemar-crianza-750ml","title":"Conde De Valdemar Crianza","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConde De Valdemar Crianza\u003c\/strong\u003e is a Tempranillo-led Rioja Crianza from Bodegas Valdemar, bottled at 13.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Scoring 90 points from both Wine Spectator and James Suckling, this estate-grown red draws from vineyards planted across three distinct Rioja sub-zones — a sourcing approach that lends the wine uncommon complexity for its classification.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 13.5%  |  Origin: Rioja, Spain (Rioja Alta \u0026amp; Rioja Alavesa)  |  Classification: Crianza  |  Producer: Bodegas Valdemar\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBodegas Valdemar produces this Crianza entirely from estate vineyards located in Oyón, Logroño, and Ausejo, spanning the three recognized sub-zones of Rioja. The 2019 vintage blend is composed of 82% Tempranillo, 11% Mazuelo, 4% Graciano, and 3% Maturana — the last a rare indigenous grape that adds depth uncommon in wines at this tier. After primary fermentation, the wine rests for approximately 13 months in American oak barrels, which impart the vanilla and coconut character that defines the house style, before further bottle aging prior to release.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Intense black fruit — plum and blackberry — leads the nose, layered with sweet baking spice and a thread of vanilla. A subtle coconut note from the American oak emerges as the wine opens in the glass.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is smooth and fresh, giving way to a mid-palate rich with ripe cherry and dark berry fruit. Well-integrated oak provides a backbone of soft, fine-grained tannins that frame the fruit without overwhelming it. The structure is medium-bodied, with enough acidity to keep everything balanced and lively.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Long and persistent, carrying lingering notes of black fruit, sweet spice, and licorice. The tannins resolve gently, leaving a clean, slightly toasted impression that invites the next sip.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Valdemar Crianza\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eServe at 16–18°C (60–64°F) for the fullest aromatic expression. A large-bowled glass allows the dark fruit and spice notes to develop. Twenty minutes of breathing time rewards patience. Beyond traditional serving, this Crianza works well in \u003cstrong\u003eSangria\u003c\/strong\u003e, where its dark berry fruit and spice create a richly flavored base; \u003cstrong\u003eTinto de Verano\u003c\/strong\u003e, the classic Spanish summer drink, where the wine's freshness pairs naturally with chilled lemon soda; and \u003cstrong\u003eKalimotxo\u003c\/strong\u003e, the Basque Country staple, where the wine's soft tannins and fruit intensity hold up against cola.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroducing a friend to aged Rioja without a steep price commitment\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeeknight dinners with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or charcuterie\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuilding a Spanish wine collection with a reliable, well-scored Crianza\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHosting a Rioja tasting flight alongside Reserva and Gran Reserva expressions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Valdemar Crianza taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e It delivers ripe blackberry and plum fruit supported by vanilla and sweet spice from American oak aging, with soft tannins and a long licorice-tinged finish. The overall impression is smooth, medium-bodied, and fruit-forward.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Valdemar Crianza compare to CUNE Rioja Crianza?\u003c\/strong\u003e CUNE Crianza has scored as high as 93 points and often retails at a slightly lower price point, making it a fierce competitor in the entry-level Rioja space. Valdemar Crianza distinguishes itself through its multi-subregion estate vineyard sourcing and the inclusion of the rare Maturana grape, giving it a broader aromatic palette.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Valdemar Crianza good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Absolutely — its balanced tannins, fresh acidity, and layered fruit make it an enjoyable wine on its own, especially with a brief rest after opening to let the oak integrate further.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Valdemar Crianza made?\u003c\/strong\u003e It is produced by Bodegas Valdemar in the Rioja denomination of origin in northern Spain, using grapes from estate vineyards in Oyón (Rioja Alavesa), Logroño (Rioja Alta), and Ausejo (Rioja Oriental).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Valdemar Crianza?\u003c\/strong\u003e Grilled lamb chops complement the wine's smoky oak and dark fruit; Manchego cheese echoes its Spanish origin and matches the soft tannins; chorizo and other cured meats mirror the spice notes; roasted red pepper dishes highlight the wine's fruit intensity; and slow-braised beef stew stands up to its medium body and persistent finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Valdemar Crianza come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard release is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Valdemar Crianza worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Positioned as an entry-level aged Rioja, Valdemar Crianza delivers well above expectations for its price tier, validated by dual 90-point scores from Wine Spectator and James Suckling — strong marks for a wine at this classification level.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Valdemar Crianza?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat separates this Crianza from the crowded Rioja field is its estate-only sourcing across all three Rioja sub-zones, a practice more common among premium Reserva and Gran Reserva bottlings. The inclusion of Maturana — a nearly forgotten indigenous variety — adds aromatic intrigue that most Crianza-level wines simply do not possess. Dual 90-point scores from Wine Spectator and James Suckling confirm this is a wine punching above its weight class. For anyone seeking a reliable, characterful Rioja that rewards both casual drinking and careful attention, this bottling consistently delivers.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Conde De Valdemar","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44836800266409,"sku":"21142","price":18.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/conde_de_valdemar_crianza__56030.jpg?v=1730470769"},{"product_id":"conde-de-valdemar-gran-reserva-750ml","title":"Conde De Valdemar Gran Reserva","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConde De Valdemar Gran Reserva\u003c\/strong\u003e is a 14% ABV Rioja Alavesa Gran Reserva red wine from Bodegas Valdemar, available in the standard 750ml bottle. Awarded 95 points by \u003cem\u003eWine Enthusiast\u003c\/em\u003e (2023) and 92 points from \u003cem\u003eWine Spectator\u003c\/em\u003e (2023), this Tempranillo-dominant blend represents one of the most critically recognized Gran Reservas from the Rioja Alavesa sub-region.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 14%  |  Origin: Rioja Alavesa, Spain  |  Gran Reserva  |  Producer: Bodegas Valdemar\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBodegas Valdemar sources fruit for this Gran Reserva from their own estate vineyards spread across three distinct areas within Rioja, giving them direct control over grape quality that many Rioja producers who rely on purchased fruit cannot match. The blend is 85% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano, and 5% Garnacha, aged for 36 months in 225-liter barriques split evenly between French and American oak. The dual-oak program lends structural complexity — American oak contributing coconut and vanilla sweetness, French oak adding finer-grained tannin and spice — before extended bottle aging rounds the wine into the polished expression that reaches the market.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e The nose opens with cedar and balsamic touches of eucalyptus before revealing deeper layers of tobacco leaf, leather, and forest floor. Blood orange zest and pomegranate seed add an unexpected brightness that lifts the bouquet above the darker, earthier tones.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e On entry, intense cherry and plum fruit coat the palate, building toward a rich mid-palate of coconut, vanilla, and genteel oak spice. As it develops, autumn leaf notes and hints of chocolate emerge alongside firm but well-integrated tannins, always backed by plenty of juicy, ripe fruit that keeps the wine balanced and expressive.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e The finish is long and lingering, with layers of mellow dark fruit slowly giving way to cedar and subtle cocoa. Tannins resolve smoothly, leaving a fine, persistent warmth.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Valdemar Gran Reserva\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis Gran Reserva rewards patience — pour it into a large-bowled glass and let it breathe for 20 to 30 minutes before sipping neat. Decanting for an hour opens up the more reticent cedar and tobacco notes significantly. While primarily a wine to enjoy on its own or with food, its rich fruit and structure also work in a classic \u003cstrong\u003eSangria Roja\u003c\/strong\u003e, where the oak complexity adds depth; a \u003cstrong\u003eKalimotxo\u003c\/strong\u003e riff using premium cola for a Basque-Country tradition with elevated character; or a \u003cstrong\u003eTinto de Verano\u003c\/strong\u003e with lemon soda, though many would argue a Gran Reserva of this caliber is best saved for the table.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePairing with a slow-roasted lamb shoulder or grilled aged ribeye\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a serious Rioja collector or Spanish wine enthusiast\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAnchoring a tasting flight of Rioja Crianza, Reserva, and Gran Reserva\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCelebrating a milestone dinner where the wine needs to match the occasion\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Valdemar Gran Reserva taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e It delivers intense cherry and plum fruit layered with cedar, tobacco, vanilla, and chocolate, supported by firm yet polished tannins and a long, lingering finish. The overall impression is one of richness balanced by elegance and freshness.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Valdemar Gran Reserva compare to Marqués de Cáceres Gran Reserva?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both are traditional Rioja Gran Reservas with extended oak aging, but Valdemar sources exclusively from estate vineyards and uses a 50\/50 French-American oak split, while Marqués de Cáceres historically leans more heavily on French oak influence. Valdemar tends toward a richer, fruit-forward profile, whereas Marqués de Cáceres often shows a slightly more restrained, structured style.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Valdemar Gran Reserva good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Absolutely — the extended aging in both barrel and bottle means the tannins are already well-integrated, making it immediately approachable when given 20 to 30 minutes to breathe in the glass or after decanting.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Valdemar Gran Reserva made?\u003c\/strong\u003e It is produced by Bodegas Valdemar in the Rioja Alavesa sub-region of Rioja, Spain, using fruit sourced entirely from the estate's own vineyards across three distinct vineyard areas within the appellation.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Valdemar Gran Reserva?\u003c\/strong\u003e Slow-roasted lamb with rosemary complements its cedar and herb undertones; grilled aged beef matches the wine's tannic structure; Manchego cheese aged 12 months or more echoes its nutty, savory notes; chorizo and lentil stew mirrors the smoky, earthy depth; and dark chocolate desserts harmonize with the cocoa tones on the finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Valdemar Gran Reserva come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard release is available in the 750ml format.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Valdemar Gran Reserva worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e With 95 points from \u003cem\u003eWine Enthusiast\u003c\/em\u003e, 93 points from \u003cem\u003eGuía Peñín\u003c\/em\u003e, and 92 points from \u003cem\u003eWine Spectator\u003c\/em\u003e, this wine positions comfortably in the premium tier of Rioja Gran Reserva — delivering critical acclaim and 36 months of oak aging at a price point that significantly undercuts many comparably scored Spanish reds.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Valdemar Gran Reserva?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFew Rioja Gran Reservas at this price level carry a 95-point \u003cem\u003eWine Enthusiast\u003c\/em\u003e rating alongside recognition from \u003cem\u003eWine Spectator\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eGuía Peñín\u003c\/em\u003e, and gold medals at the International Wine Challenge and Mundus Vini. The estate-vineyard sourcing gives Bodegas Valdemar a consistency advantage over producers blending from contracted growers, and the balanced 50\/50 French-American oak program creates a flavor profile that bridges traditional and modern Rioja styles. For drinkers seeking the depth and complexity that only true Gran Reserva aging delivers, this bottling stands as one of the strongest values in its class.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Conde De Valdemar","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44836800299177,"sku":"21143","price":28.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/conde_de_valdemar_gran_reserva__94640.jpg?v=1730470772"}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/conde-de-valdemar.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}