_We are rolling into grilling season, so it’s time to think rich red wines. We are going to talk about Rioja today – Spain’s most well-known wine. And it’s a fun one – its from Costco!
Yes, Costco branded wine can be awesome, and this Rioja Reserva is no exception.
Rioja is an “OLD WORLD” – wines that are made in places that have thousands of years of wine history. Typically OLD World Wine is named after the place that it is made – not the Grapes in the Bottle – This wine is no exception
RIOJA IS In Spain – one of the world’s great wine-producing countries, with nearly 3 million acres of grapevines, more than any other country in the world!
And Spain is a leader in red wine production with grapes like the one this wine is made from Tempranillo.
Rioja is located in North Central Spain, in an area surrounded by mountains, known for fine wine making. Over 600 wineries are located in the area!
Although Kirkland imports and sells this wine, its actually made by a very famous and traditional winery, Vina Eguia VIN YAH A GEY AH
This bottle is 100% Tempranillo, although, three other red grapes are prominent in Rioja:
Granacha (Grenache),
Graciano, and
Mazuelo (otherwise known as Carignane) can also be added to a Rioja wine.
Rioja has a 4 tiered ageing system:
If you are looking for a bright fruity wine – You’ll want to look for a generic or no indication of age bottle or Crianza
If you’d like an oaky or heavier wine you want to go for Reserva like this bottle or a Grand Reserva
Reserva wine – must be aged for a total of three years, including a minimum of twelve months in oak, and at least six months in the bottle.
This bottle is a 2016 vintage is aged 30 months in oak barrels and another 6 months in bottle before release.
And speaking of oak barrels, rioja has a big tradition of using American Oak instead of French Oak, which increases the flavors of wood, coconut and herbs.
Just because the region does release their wines until they are ready to drink – doesn’t mean they can not age further – just that you can enjoy the bottle right away.
Taste it
Color: Ruby
Aroma: Intense, Spicy Aroma with a hint of Anise or Licorice, also Cherries
Taste: Like it Smells, Good Acidity, Smooth Medium Tannins, A little sweet wood flavor, stays in your mouth for awhile for a good finish.
Where to Buy it, How to Serve it, Pair it and Enjoy it
Buy it -Costco for $7.99
Serve it – 58 to 60F, this is wine that also can be decanted for a couple of hours to open up the aromas
Pair it – Grill food, summer partner to burgers, chicken or pork with a red bbq sauce or a steak.
Cheese-wise try hard sheeps’ cheeses such as Manchego or an aged Asiago.
Rioja is a super partner for many types of charcuterie as well.
Conclusion
Rioja is a star in quality and value, two things to look for in a delicious weeknight wine.
Smooth tannins, a little wood and spicy cherries make for a pleasant, lingering well-balanced finish.
And this rioja from Costco has all that and more.