Five opinions about Muriel Crianza

DECEMBER 2020.? We have asked five consumers from different parts of the world about their wine and food preferences and their experience with Muriel Fincas de la Villa Crianza. Representing the open character of Rioja Alavesa, the 2017 vintage is now on release, the first to have a new bottle with Muriel's coat of arms embossed on the glass.

Hugh Bennett

Coventry (UK)

I usually switch between Muriel Crianza and Reserva based on what there is to eat. We are English, but we love cooking :-)). We watch a lot of TV shows and are great fans of the tutorials of celebrity chefs.

In general, we prefer the Reserva for stewed meats. With beef stews, for example. We tend to have grilled meats with the Crianza style, which is juicier and feels more refreshing, perfect for smoked and roasted flavours. Personally, my favourite dish is chicken wings marinated in aromatic herbs or with barbecue sauce, to which I add Worcester sauce. Muriel Crianza is a flavour bomb. 

 

Rosa de la Fuente

Burgos (Spain)

I'm more into white wine but when there's red on the table, I like Muriel Crianza for its smoothness. I find it fruity and aromatic and it has a delicious, very pleasant flavour. It is not overpowering. I usually order it in the bars that stock it too. It's very good value for money. It is perfect with pinchos. I am thinking for example of the typical cojonudos and cojonudas that are served in many bars in my city: it is a pincho topped with a portion of chorizo or black pudding, a quail's egg and a slice of spicy red pepper.

Emma Bauwens

Antwerp (Belgium)

Spanish wines are our favourites, they are always good, they taste great, there are no surprises, and they also go very well with Spanish food, of course. In Belgium there are quite a few restaurants serving tapas and Spanish cuisine ?it is very fashionable. I particularly enjoy charcuterie, such as Iberico ham and chorizo. My husband and I also love paella. Any dish made with olive oil has that Spanish touch, and a wine like Muriel Crianza softens the intensity and I think it helps to digest the food.

 

Jill Huang

Seattle (USA)

A glass of wine when I get home after a day's work is a little pleasure that I love. I usually try many different wines, particularly reds, from all over the world. I'm not an expert but, who knows, I'd like to continue improving my wine knowledge ?Wine Folly was born in Seattle!

As for Muriel Crianza, it is one of the "regulars". It's harmonious, fruity and has hints of spice and vanilla. I would say that it is a classic style, very European. It's unpretentious, in the sense that it's not too demanding, but it is also serious, genuine, it smells good and it's easy to drink. It's also very convenient: if I have guests at home, I've noticed that it's one of the wines that best suits all tastes and preferences. I recommend a cabernet-type glass to serve it and placing it in the fridge a little earlier. Chilled is much better.

 

 

Juan Ramis

Valencia (Spain)

I think Muriel Crianza stands out for its versatility, which makes it ideal with pasta, salads and grilled vegetable starters, for example, and with main courses such as sirloin or lamb. On Sundays we usually order a roast chicken and often pair it with this wine. There are no mistakes, it is round and delicious. And very well priced, which is also important.

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