Conde De Valdemar Crianza

Conde De Valdemar Crianza 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.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13.5%  |  Origin: Rioja, Spain (Rioja Alta & Rioja Alavesa)  |  Classification: Crianza  |  Producer: Bodegas Valdemar

Production & Heritage

Bodegas 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.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: 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.

Taste: 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.

Finish: 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.

How to Drink Valdemar Crianza

Serve 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 Sangria, where its dark berry fruit and spice create a richly flavored base; Tinto de Verano, the classic Spanish summer drink, where the wine's freshness pairs naturally with chilled lemon soda; and Kalimotxo, the Basque Country staple, where the wine's soft tannins and fruit intensity hold up against cola.

Best For

• Introducing a friend to aged Rioja without a steep price commitment
• Weeknight dinners with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or charcuterie
• Building a Spanish wine collection with a reliable, well-scored Crianza
• Hosting a Rioja tasting flight alongside Reserva and Gran Reserva expressions

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Valdemar Crianza taste like? 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.

How does Valdemar Crianza compare to CUNE Rioja Crianza? 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.

Is Valdemar Crianza good for sipping neat? 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.

Where is Valdemar Crianza made? 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).

What foods pair well with Valdemar Crianza? 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.

What sizes does Valdemar Crianza come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format.

Is Valdemar Crianza worth the price? 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.

Why Valdemar Crianza?

What 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.