Gonzalez Byass is a fifth generation, family owned business which has a collection of wineries spread across Spain’s heralded wine regions. These include Rioja, Ribera del Duero, Rueda and many others. They also represent a group of international wineries. We’ve got examples of both in for review, so let’s see what’s in the bottle.
2018 Domane Wachau Grüner Vetliner Federspiel – from Austria, this wine is a very pale
straw color, and shows a nose of pear and stonefruit, with a little peach at opening. There is more going on here, as anise and white pepper also show. The wine is very bright, and crisp, with good length and nice acid. This is a quality wine, and very reasonably priced at $15.
2019 Beronia Rose – a light pink in color, this wine has a more complex nose than your average rose. It’s a blend of 70% Tempranillo and 30% Garnacha, and as such is a Rioja Rosé. The nose has pear and delicious apple, herbal notes and some citrus. On the palate it also shines, with a smooth entry and refreshing acidity. This has some tannin near the end. Refreshingly different, $13 and a really good value there. If you like Rosé, or even if you don’t, you should try this wine.
2015 Beronia Reserva – a blend of 95% Tempranillo, 4% Graciano and 1% Mazuelo, the wine is a deep, ruby red. A nose of mixed berries is accented with caramel and a touch of menthol. It is rich on the palate, and quite tannic at opening. I
would decant this wine. It is a good wine and a good value at $19.
All of these are well made, quality wines. The Rosé is exceptional. If you like white Rioja then this is your Rosé, and it is is made for summer afternoon. The Reserva will go great with dinner, either the Manchego and olive appetizer or the marinated steak main course. Maybe you can mix in a glass of the Grüner as well.
A votre santé!
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