A Rioja

By Tameek|Tempranillo|Be the first to comment!

Ciao.

Being the creature of habit I am (and if you’ve been browsing this blog occasionally) you know that I gravitate to the same varitals often.  And as any wine professional will reinforce ”We drink what we like!” Aye, aye!  We do drink what we like.  I prefer my Chianti, my good friend Matt prefers his Cabs (he’s forgiven for this), and my dear sweet cousin Carol and her Prosecco.  Occasional though you  should step outside your palate-zone and try something new.  Believe me I know this is harder to do then me typing it BUT you may just find something you like; which brings me to this delicious Rioja I reluctantly purchased at the recommendation of the store owner at wineexchange.com in Lower Manhattan.

This is my first (or maybe second) forray into Rioja – a wine native to Spain with a history dating back to 10463 AD.  Rioja characteristics historically include oak and vanilla.   As far as this particular Rioja, let’s check how it stacks up:

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Name: Crianza

Producer: Bodegas Lan

Vintage: 2006

Country: Spain

Region:  La Rioja

Where Purchased: WineExchange.com

Price: $20.00

Recommendations:  I wasn’t apprehensive about this wine as I uncorked it and took my first sniff.  Everything about Rioja reminded me of Chianti and Tempranillo.  The deep ruby red color, the plum, citrus, and thyme spoke to me in my native sangiovese, and the leather, orange peel and tobacco palate screamed Temprenillo…and that would be because this wine is made with 100% Tempranillo grape.  Bodegas Lan’s Rioja Crianza is a balanced red wine with notable tannins and best enjoyed with food.  I paired mine with some left over pizza, and a spinach patty.  Overrall I’d say this wine falls somewhere between Chianti and Pinot Noir.  If you love either of those varietals you should ejoy Crianza.  Let me know of any Rioja wines you tasted (or hated).

Until next time.  Cheers!