Since Rioja is one of our favorite wine producing areas, we’re fortunate that we have two Rioja wines to review here. These are from Vina Eguia, a winery established back in 1973 in the town of Elciego, right on the border of the Spanish Basque region. The winery was purchased by Bodegas Muriel in 2010.
Vinas Eguia produces a basic Tempranillo, Crianza, Reserva, Gran Reserva and a rosé. Here are the two wines we have:
Wine: 2018 Vina Eguia Tempranillo
Winery Location: Rioja Alavesa, Spain
Tasted By: Neil & Cheri Date: August 2020
Tasting Notes: from vines averaging 15-20 years old, this wine spends 6 months in used American oak barrels. It is cherry red in color, with a nose of red fruits, some spice, smoky ham and a touch of balsamic. On the palate it is full bodied, with mild tannins and smooth profile. The 2018 vintage was declared as ‘good’ in Rioja. This wine certainly justifies that at the very least.
Price Point – SRP of $14.99
Would We Buy It? – Absolutely. This is a solid wine, with a complex profile and no hard edges anywhere. Recommended.
And now the Reserva:
Wine: 2015 Vina Equia Reserva
Winery Location: Rioja Alavesa, Spain
Tasted By: Neil & Cheri Date: August 2020
Tasting Notes: as a Reserva level wine, this spends more time in barrel, 24 months to be exact. 30% of the American oak barrels were new. The result is a ruby red wine that is quite jammy, with red fruits, spice and some floral notes. It has medium tannins on the palate, which frame a full bodied wine with a smooth entry and long finish. This is an excellent food wine.
Price Point – SRP of $18.99
Would We Buy It? – Yes, as it is a solid Rioja at an appropriate price level.
You get a lot for your money in Rioja. These are both solid wines, and the Tempranillo is exceptional for the price.
A votre santé!
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