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Spain (Rioja)
Our Wines > Browse by region > Spain (Rioja)
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This stunning landscape of rocky vineyards and fortified medieval villages is protected by the Sierra de Cantabria mountains to the north and enjoys a unique microclimate. Rioja is on top of its game with a new generation of winemakers investing in better equipment. Larger bodegas are reinventing their image with brand new buildings designed by world famous contemporary architects.
The overall quality of wines from my trip was impressive, but these three winemakers really stood out. Rioja lovers are in for a treat!
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Rioja Don Peduz 2009, Hermanos Frias del Val |
 £7.99 per bottle £95.88 per case
GOLD MEDAL
A young full bodied and fruity Joven
(unoaked young wine) with lovely classic
raspberry Rioja flavours and a good
finish. 100% Tempranillo.
Drink: Now to 2011
Drink with: BBQs, tapas, cured meats,
cheeses.
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Rioja Crianza 2006, Hermanos Frias del Val |
 Was £11.49 £8.99 per bottle £107.88 per case
SAVE £30 A CASE
Full bodied wine with blackberry and cherry notes and a good structure. 100% Tempranillo from hand picked grapes matured in new oak barrels for 13 months. Bring on the jamon and cheese!
Drink: Now to 2014
Drink with: Cured meats, red meats, cheeses.
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Rioja Gontes Crianza 2006, Bodegas Gonzalez Teso |
 Was £11.49 £8.99 per bottle £107.88 per case
SAVE £30 A CASE
JONNY'S FAVOURITE
Fruit led, modern style of Rioja with hints of dark cherry, coffee and caramel. 12 months in oak barrel. Very well crafted smooth red with oodles of flavour.
Drink: Now to 2015
Drink with: Red meats, cured meats, cheeses.
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Rioja Riserva 1999, Casado Morales |
 £15.99 per bottle £191.88 per case
Classic blend of 95% Tempranillo and 5% Viura. 2 years in oak barrels and 2 years in bottle. Lovely aged nose of tobacco and leather. Long length. The best Riserva from my trip.
Drink: Now to 2012
Drink with: Red meats, cured meats, cheeses.
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Rioja Gran Riserva 1998, Casado Morales |
 £22.99 per bottle £275.88 per case
Made from 60 year old vines on sunny slopes. 30 months in oak barrels + 5 years in bottle. Deeper colour and more complex. Great Rioja vintage. Wonderful stuff!
Drink: Now to 2020
Drink with: Red meats, cured meats, cheeses.
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Rioja Gontes Alta Expression 2004, Bodegas Gonzalez Teso |
 £29.99 per bottle £359.88 per case
Old vine Tempranillo only made in the best years. Long slow fermentation over the winter adds complexity then matured for 16 months in oak barrel. Dense, big red with hints of banana and papaya, then red fruits and toffee.
Very complex and a true ‘high expression’ of the best family vineyards. Excellent.
Drink: Now to 2020
Drink with: Red meats, cured meats, cheeses.
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Meet the winemaker
Francis and his daughter Laurence Deche run Chateau de Millet deep in Armagnac country more >> |
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