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The climate of Spain is an essential element in the creation of some stunning wines. Everyone has heard of Rioja the quintessential Spanish nectar and it well deserves the world wide accolades it has received over the years. If you are a wine enthusiast like me you will certainly savour the powerful fruitiness and the wonderful aromas of these tasty red wines. Here is a selection from some well known producers:- |
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Campo Viejo has an enormous winery near Logrono and is the largest Rioja producer. The company claims to have 50,000 oak barrels for ageing the wines. It is a blend of predominantly Tempranillo with 20% Garnacha and 10% Mazuelo. Following a year in barrel it is aged for 6 months in the bottle before it is available for sale.Price guide £6.99
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Raimat Abadia
One of Spain`s most forward looking wineries in the Costers del Segre region, Raimat have invested heavily in research and plant to produce the finest expressions of their fruit. This Cabernet blend is: 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 25% Tempranillo & 5% Syrah. Hints of plums, stewed fruits and tobacco on the nose. The palate shows pepper, coconut and toast notes, with a long finish. After fermentation, the wine spent 12 months in American oak barrels (half of which were new) and a further six months in French oak barrels.
Price guide£5.99 |
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Rioja Crianza 2004, Marqués de la Concordia
This dark ruby-coloured Crianza is 100% Tempranillo and shows ripe berry fruit aromas, especially strawberries, well-balanced on the palate by the vanilla and spice flavours coming from the 18 months spent ageing in new French and American oak. A perfect match with red meat and other full-flavoured dishes.
Price guide for one bottle £7.99, but good offers on multi-buys |
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Rioja Crianza 2003, Marqués de Cáceres
Located in Cenicero in the Rioja Alta, this wine benefits from a fresh microclimate which yields good concentration and colour. It has a distinct taste with a combination of fruitiness and velvet smooth tannins. First tried this on holiday in Cantabria and it provided the warmth needed on a cool summer`s evening.
Price guide£7.99, but good offers on multi-buys. |
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San Cristóbal NV
Here`s a silky red from Rioja`s top quality Alavesa enclave that`s deliciously soft and subtly oaked.
Strict rules govern yields in Spain`s most famous wine region and in bountiful vintages like 2004 it`s traditional a portion is labelled simply as Vino de Mesa, hence the low price.
Juicy and vibrant in style, brimming with soft, deliciously ripe redcurrant and forest berries. San Cristóbal is five-star vintage Rioja in the bottle and a genuine bargain.
Price guide£5.50 |
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Tempranillo La Serrana 2005, Vino de la Tierra Castilla y León
Bodegas Cooperatives began producing red wines 10 years ago, under the guidance of their chief winemaker María José Sordo, many of which have already won several awards. This particular Tempranillo is made using modern techniques, which give it an intense purple colour. Classic Tempranillo notes of dark cherry and blackcurrant are prevalent on the nose, lifted by a hint of dried flowers and sweet spice. The palate is superbly balanced, the fruits of the forest flavours being perfectly complemented by soft tannins. |
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Tres Picos, Garnacha, Campo de Borja
If you would like a wine for a very special occasion and you like the garnacha grape, then this Borsao is well worth trying. Originating from Aragon the mother country of Garnacha, the Campo de Borja vineyard has contributed an absolute gem of a wine. The fruity flavours combine with a complexity and concentration to compete with much more expensive wines.
Price guide £9.00
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