Breton Lorinon Crianza Rioja 1998

Bodegas Breton was founded in 1983, their state-of-the-art winemaking facility completed in 1985 just prior to that year's harvest. Although of relatively recent origin, Breton takes a decidedly traditional approach. The philosophical objective is preservation of the elegant, concentrated "Rioja Alta" style and the longevity for which traditional Riojas are famous. Modern tendencies result in Rioja wines of accelerated evolution (lower acidity) for earlier consumption.

The Breton partnership includes a 100-acre estate called Vina Lorinon just outside of Lorgrono along the south bank of the Ebro River, with 45 acres of mature vines. Breton properties also include the fabulous Dominio de Conte, a textbook 55acre vineyard on a protected horseshoe bend of the Ebro near Briones, in the very heart of Rioja Alta. Overall average vineyard age is 27 years - the highest of any major Rioja producer - grape varieties consisting mainly of Tempranillo, with Mazuelo, Graciano, Garnacha, Viura, and Malvasia. The Logrono and Briones vineyards together provide an ideal balance of ripe fruit and acidity.