Catavino: Tell us What You Know about Rioja Wine?!
Ryan
· 1 year ago
I can't remember my first Rioja, though I'm sure it was sometime while I was working at the Cellars. Most likely a Marques de Murrietta or something similar, could have been a Caceras...hmmm
Not sure yet, some of my favorites so far have been Trasnocho, some of the Chivite wines, though I really haven't explored them enough as of yet. I feel bad about this, and am REALLY looking forward to the coming month!
I have lot's of questions for the DO, and I really hope we get a chance to talk to them...As to the winemakers, teh number one question for me is how they define "traditional" and "modern" and what it is about both styles that a good/bad...
Gabriella
· 1 year ago
I'm with Ryan in my regret that we haven't explored the region more extensively since our arrival to the Peninsula, but when looking at the number of Rioja wines we've collected over the past few weeks alone, I think we're about to have an eye-opening experience.
Although I can't remember the very first Rioja wine I've ever tried, I can remember my first in Spain: 2004 El Coto Crianza.
As for my favorite, I couldn't tell you simply because my experience has been so limited. So, you'll just have to wait until our newsletter is published ;-)
In regards to questions I have for the DOCa, I'm interested to know what prompted their acceptance of both Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc as permitted white varietals, what the tradition is behind wrapping a bottle in gold netting, and what their vision is for the region now that they have been voted as the "best wine region in the world" by Wine Spectator?
Wine Scamp
· 1 year ago
I can't quite remember what my first Rioja was, but it was probably a simple Marques de Caceres or something like that. I came away thinking "Oh, cherries and cream, nice!"
I'd have to say my top, most revered Rioja would have to be Ramirez de Ganuza, because it's just awesome.
I guess I'd like to know from Rioja producers... what, if they could make their perfect wine, it would taste like?
RichardA
· 1 year ago
I do remember my first Rioja, though not the vintage. It was the Marques de Riscal Rioja Reserva. It may actually have been the first Spanish wine I ever drank, or at least the first that was memorable. Maybe it was the gold "wire" surrounding the bottle that intrigued me. But I very much enjoyed the wine, and it seemed different from the other types of wine I was drinking at the time. It led me to start checking out other Spanish wines.
My favorite Rioja comes from Bodegas Fernando Remirez de Ganuza, which I had the great pleasure to visit this past fall. I love their Reserva, Gran Reserva and Trasnocho. I love their complexity, the melange of flavors that tantalize your palate. I feel these are exceptional wines that can stand up to the best of any country.
Marco
· 1 year ago
My first Rioja was probably a Faustino Reserva or a CUNE. Rioja was the red wine that began my love affair for pairing wine and food, especially charcoal grilled lamb. My favorite Rioja would have to be either the Ganuza or the 2001 Muga Seleccion Especial. What I love about a well made Rioja is the robust rounded balance and silky vanilla-tinged tannins. It is without doubt one of my red favorite wines in the world. Viva La Rioja!
Ryan Opaz
· 1 year ago
I can't remember my first Rioja, though I'm sure it was sometime while I was working at the Cellars. Most likely a Marques de Murrietta or something similar, could have been a Caceras...hmmm
Not sure yet, some of my favorites so far have been Trasnocho, some of the Chivite wines, though I really haven't explored them enough as of yet. I feel bad about this, and am REALLY looking forward to the coming month!
I have lot's of questions for the DO, and I really hope we get a chance to talk to them...As to the winemakers, teh number one question for me is how they define "traditional" and "modern" and what it is about both styles that a good/bad...
Gabriella
· 1 year ago
I'm with Ryan in my regret that we haven't explored the region more extensively since our arrival to the Peninsula, but when looking at the number of Rioja wines we've collected over the past few weeks alone, I think we're about to have an eye-opening experience.
Although I can't remember the very first Rioja wine I've ever tried, I can remember my first in Spain: 2004 El Coto Crianza.
As for my favorite, I couldn't tell you simply because my experience has been so limited. So, you'll just have to wait until our newsletter is published ;-)
In regards to questions I have for the DOCa, I'm interested to know what prompted their acceptance of both Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc as permitted white varietals, what the tradition is behind wrapping a bottle in gold netting, and what their vision is for the region now that they have been voted as the "best wine region in the world" by Wine Spectator?
Wine Scamp
· 1 year ago
I can't quite remember what my first Rioja was, but it was probably a simple Marques de Caceres or something like that. I came away thinking "Oh, cherries and cream, nice!"
I'd have to say my top, most revered Rioja would have to be Ramirez de Ganuza, because it's just awesome.
I guess I'd like to know from Rioja producers... what, if they could make their perfect wine, it would taste like?
RichardA
· 1 year ago
I do remember my first Rioja, though not the vintage. It was the Marques de Riscal Rioja Reserva. It may actually have been the first Spanish wine I ever drank, or at least the first that was memorable. Maybe it was the gold "wire" surrounding the bottle that intrigued me. But I very much enjoyed the wine, and it seemed different from the other types of wine I was drinking at the time. It led me to start checking out other Spanish wines.
My favorite Rioja comes from Bodegas Fernando Remirez de Ganuza, which I had the great pleasure to visit this past fall. I love their Reserva, Gran Reserva and Trasnocho. I love their complexity, the melange of flavors that tantalize your palate. I feel these are exceptional wines that can stand up to the best of any country.
Marco
· 1 year ago
My first Rioja was probably a Faustino Reserva or a CUNE. Rioja was the red wine that began my love affair for pairing wine and food, especially charcoal grilled lamb. My favorite Rioja would have to be either the Ganuza or the 2001 Muga Seleccion Especial. What I love about a well made Rioja is the robust rounded balance and silky vanilla-tinged tannins. It is without doubt one of my red favorite wines in the world. Viva La Rioja!
Jeff Cleveland
· 1 year ago
My very first Rioja was actually the best wine I have ever had. It was the 1999 Bodegas Valdemar Rioja Conde de Valdemar Reserva. It was in 2005 that I drank it and at the time, it was the oldest wine I had ever tasted. I couldn't believe how rich and layered with flavor it was. The finish seemed to never end. I opened the bottle late one night and enjoyed a glass that night and the next three nights. It seemed to get better each night. It was with that wine that I became a wine lover!
Jeff Cleveland
· 1 year ago
My very first Rioja was actually the best wine I have ever had. It was the 1999 Bodegas Valdemar Rioja Conde de Valdemar Reserva. It was in 2005 that I drank it and at the time, it was the oldest wine I had ever tasted. I couldn't believe how rich and layered with flavor it was. The finish seemed to never end. I opened the bottle late one night and enjoyed a glass that night and the next three nights. It seemed to get better each night. It was with that wine that I became a wine lover!
All Comments
Not sure yet, some of my favorites so far have been Trasnocho, some of the Chivite wines, though I really haven't explored them enough as of yet. I feel bad about this, and am REALLY looking forward to the coming month!
I have lot's of questions for the DO, and I really hope we get a chance to talk to them...As to the winemakers, teh number one question for me is how they define "traditional" and "modern" and what it is about both styles that a good/bad...
Although I can't remember the very first Rioja wine I've ever tried, I can remember my first in Spain: 2004 El Coto Crianza.
As for my favorite, I couldn't tell you simply because my experience has been so limited. So, you'll just have to wait until our newsletter is published ;-)
In regards to questions I have for the DOCa, I'm interested to know what prompted their acceptance of both Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc as permitted white varietals, what the tradition is behind wrapping a bottle in gold netting, and what their vision is for the region now that they have been voted as the "best wine region in the world" by Wine Spectator?
I'd have to say my top, most revered Rioja would have to be Ramirez de Ganuza, because it's just awesome.
I guess I'd like to know from Rioja producers... what, if they could make their perfect wine, it would taste like?
My favorite Rioja comes from Bodegas Fernando Remirez de Ganuza, which I had the great pleasure to visit this past fall. I love their Reserva, Gran Reserva and Trasnocho. I love their complexity, the melange of flavors that tantalize your palate. I feel these are exceptional wines that can stand up to the best of any country.
Not sure yet, some of my favorites so far have been Trasnocho, some of the Chivite wines, though I really haven't explored them enough as of yet. I feel bad about this, and am REALLY looking forward to the coming month!
I have lot's of questions for the DO, and I really hope we get a chance to talk to them...As to the winemakers, teh number one question for me is how they define "traditional" and "modern" and what it is about both styles that a good/bad...
Although I can't remember the very first Rioja wine I've ever tried, I can remember my first in Spain: 2004 El Coto Crianza.
As for my favorite, I couldn't tell you simply because my experience has been so limited. So, you'll just have to wait until our newsletter is published ;-)
In regards to questions I have for the DOCa, I'm interested to know what prompted their acceptance of both Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc as permitted white varietals, what the tradition is behind wrapping a bottle in gold netting, and what their vision is for the region now that they have been voted as the "best wine region in the world" by Wine Spectator?
I'd have to say my top, most revered Rioja would have to be Ramirez de Ganuza, because it's just awesome.
I guess I'd like to know from Rioja producers... what, if they could make their perfect wine, it would taste like?
My favorite Rioja comes from Bodegas Fernando Remirez de Ganuza, which I had the great pleasure to visit this past fall. I love their Reserva, Gran Reserva and Trasnocho. I love their complexity, the melange of flavors that tantalize your palate. I feel these are exceptional wines that can stand up to the best of any country.