We are big fans of Rioja, loving the elegance and complexity that the traditional representations bring to the nose and palate. Old style Rioja generally means aromas of subdued red fruit, leather, tobacco and oak. American oak was always used, although recently there has been some movement toward French barrels. A good Rioja can age for decades. Top end wines can be expensive, but you don’t have to spend a lot to experience some of what a good Rioja can deliver. Here is an example:
Wine: 2010 Bodegas Olarra Cerro Anon Rioja Reserva
Winery Location: Rioja, Spain
Tasted By: Neil & Cheri Date: January 2016
Tasting Notes: – this is dark ruby, with a complex nose featuring red fruit, leather and tobacco. On the palate you get the same, along with vanilla notes. Cheri picked up unsweetened cocoa. This is very complex, medium bodied and long. Overall this is a quality wine, and delivers hints of what a classic example of Rioja is all about. You don’t have to spend the big bucks on a famous name Gran Reserva to get the idea. The fruit is more front and center here, and the other characteristics are less prominent than in a great, older Gran Reserva, but they are there. This is very good wine.
Price Point – under $20, we paid around $15 on sale.
Would We Buy It? – we have frequently bought Cerro Anon Rioja, and this particular Reserva vintage is a steal at the price available. We highly recommend you try it.
Classic, old school Rioja is about complexity, elegance and much more than fruit. This gives you a look at those qualities for very little money. An excellent value here, and on to our Value List it goes.
A votre santé!
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