Laguardia Inspiration: Marqués de Riscal Rioja Reserva 2006

If you’ve been following along it will come as no surprise that Rioja wines are my new favorite thing!  Having just returned from a four day exploration of the region (read all about it here) we developed a new appreciation for the history behind this corner of the world and the wine that has made it famous.  Like many wine producing lands, there are strict guidelines in the creation process and not just any wine can be termed a Rioja.  The qualification list is firm and to the point.  All of the details are broken down here, with the end result presenting itself in four classes: vino joven, crianza, reserva and gran reserva, the main difference hinging on the length of aging, in both the oak barrels and the bottle.  The tempranillo grape is the star of this wine and sometimes stands alone or is accompanied by small amounts of garnacha, graciano and mazuelo grapes.  We sampled a wonderful mix of all four offerings during our visit and brought home several bottles, most of which are not readily available in the states.  Do not fret though, my wine-loving friends!  Excellent bottles of Rioja are waiting patiently for you at your local wine shop.  I was ecstatic to find this 2006 Marqués de Riscal Rioja Reserva at The Wine Rack on Frankfort Ave in Louisville.  I adore the wide but not at all overwhelming collection that this shop boasts and they are always more than happy to offer a recommendation or help guide you to the bottle that best suits your tastes.  I previously posted about a 2008 Zuazo Gaston Crianza, another favorite that is available at The Wine Rack.  Both bottles are very reasonably priced and you will taste the value, particularly in this Marqués de Riscal Reserva.  Notes of plum and blackberries present themselves in this smooth and supple wine.  There is a hint of spice that offers and low and smooth kick in the finish.  It is a perfect pair for beef, lamb or simply a relaxing night in.  So whether it is this bottle or another, I encourage you to bring Rioja into your life.  It will brighten it, one sip at a time.

 

Zuazo Gaston Crianza 2008

Ninety-four: the number of days that must pass until Z and I will be tasting our way through the Rioja wine region of Spain.  I can hardly wait!  The Mayan Cafe must have known, and you can imagine our delight when we discovered they were hosting a Spanish wine dinner.  The Mayan Cafe is one of our favorite restaurants in Louisville (their burger, made with Foxhollow Farm beef, is beyond perfect) and we have happily attended their wine dinners in the past.  Featuring both a local farmer and a selection of wines perfectly paired with each course, these evenings are not to be missed.  On this particular night, our Four Hills Farm lamb was accompanied by Zuazo Gaston wines from Rioja and the 2008 Crianza received unanimous #1 votes from our table.  Incredibly smooth and balanced it was such a pleasure to drink and the vanilla and oak notes became more apparent with every sip.  We brought a few bottles home and you can find this delicious and reasonably priced bottle at The Wine Rack on Frankfort Ave.  I am very excited to learn about the Rioja region of Spain and have only begun to scratch the surface, but I am highly encouraged by what I am finding.  If this bottle is a sign of what’s in store for us during our Spanish adventure then we are in for a treat!  Now if June would just get here already…