Rioja, SpainThis wine looks pale garnet and mellow in the glass, and the aromatic nose confirms just what you hope for: a classic, earthy, developing Rioja. Captivating aromas of violets, raspberries, strawberries plus a lovely sweet greenness, and then come interesting notes of fine Cuban cigar combined with inimitable ‘library’ associations of old books and old furniture. The fruit tastes dark, ripe (the low-yielding vintage helps) and concentrated, with a perfect layer of subtle vanilla and spice. Medium bodied tempranillo’s trademark juicy acidity and finely textured tannins frame the wine perfectly without being obtrusive. Classic Rioja Reserva but with notable elegance, finesse and lingering length. Lamb stew in winter, and herby grilled lamb chops for summer.Tasted: 23 May 2019Tasted by: Prices:
BC
$35.99
750ml
private wine shops
Producer: Compañía Vitivinícola del Norte de Espana (CVNE)Distributors: Pacific Wine & Spirits Inc. Blend: Tempranillo - Garnacha - MazueloCSPC: 489773UPC: 8410591000419
Rioja, SpainViña Real launched its first wines in 1920 Elciego, in the heart of the Rioja Alavesa province, and has continued through to today. They border the Camino Real or Royal Drive, thus the Viña Real moniker. 2012 was a drought year so the crop was lower and the intensity higher. The blend is 90/10 tempranillo with garnacha, graciano and mazuelo. Always a step up, the Reserva opens with dried cherries, leather and spice but with more weight and mid-palate presence than a crianza. It's all stainless steel fermented before spending 22 months in French and American oak barriques — a classic, older style Rioja that would work well with pork or lamb dishes.Tasted: 27 March 2019Tasted by: Prices:
BC
$35.99
750ml
private wine shops
Producer: Compañía Vitivinícola del Norte de Espana (CVNE)Distributors: Pacific Wine & Spirits Inc. Blend: Tempranillo - Garnacha - MazueloCSPC: 489773UPC: 8410591000419
Rioja, SpainThe Reserva is a solid step up from the Crianza both in quality and in price. Well worn wood, leather, fresh and dried cherry through this sinewy, spicy blend of tempranillo, garnacha and mazuelo from the Rioja Alavesa sub zone. Vanilla and oak spice sticks on the warming finish. This was stainless fermented and then aged in a mix of French and American oak cases for 22 months prior to bottling and a rest in the cellar. Bittersweet cocoa lingers on the finish. This medium-bodied, old school red is best served up with saucy pork or lamb dishes.Tasted: 21 November 2018Tasted by: Prices:
BC
$35.99
750ml
private wine shops
Producer: Compañía Vitivinícola del Norte de Espana (CVNE)Distributors: Pacific Wine & Spirits Inc. Blend: Tempranillo - Garnacha - MazueloCSPC: 489773UPC: 8410591000419
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