 Join Wine Director,
Michael Curran
for a tour of Rioja
Rioja is one the most historic and classic wine regions of Spain. The earliest written accounts of wine being made in Rioja date back to 873 AD. For many years Rioja was one of the only wines bottled in Spain and thus one of few wines that was exported out the country. The region is known for is red wines which account for about 80% of the production. They do also produce a bit of white wines and some very good rose as well. The red wines of the area are made mainly from the Tempranillo grape. A classic red Rioja wine is rather rustic in style with earthy tone and hints of tobacco and deep dark fruity tones. Some wineries are beginning to make more modern styles of Rioja with more bright fruit and more approachable tannin structure.
Tonight we will taste two more modern style Rioja, one classically styled Reserva Rioja and a white Rioja.
1. Bodega Montecillo Rioja Blanco - A white Rioja with hints of lemon tart and pears on the nose. Clean and fresh on the palate.
Normally $9.99
Tonight $8.99
2. Marques de Concordia Signa Crianza - A more modern style of Rioja with aromatic floral notes and hints of spice a vanilla.
Normally $11.99
Tonight $10.99
3. Marques de Concordia Signa Reserva - The Reserva version of the previous wine, meaning it was it was 3 years old when it was bottled, spending at least one year of that time in oak. It is also a more modern style with cherry and berry scents and a gamy texture on the palate.
Normally $15.99
Tonight $13.99
4. Marques de Riscal Rioja Reserva - A Classic styled Rioja and one of my personal favorites. It is dark ruby-colored with a lovely nose of cedar, cinnamon, tobacco, floral elements, and black currants. The wine is medium-bodied with plenty of ripe plum, black cherry and black berry flavors nicely intertwined with ripe tannins.
Normally $19.99
Tonight $17.99
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