Rioja Vega 2009

 

This Rioja has complimented everything that I have eaten today:  a Mushroom rissotto (which I am cooking as I write this post), salt and peppery snacks, cheddar cheese, turkey slices, ha! Almost everything. There's a reason why this wine is known to pair with all forms of tapas.

Established in 1882, Rioja Vega is one of the oldest wineries in the Rioja region. Located in the Rioja Alta sub-region, the wine is predominantly Tempranillo (90 percent) blended with 10 percent Garnacha grapes to add color and weight.  Minimal aging in French and American oak maintains a youthful wine while imparting structure and texture. 

Tasting notes mainly comprise of characteristics notes of cherry, plum and tomato. Surprisingly the wine opened with a refreshing acidity and nose which I wasn't expecting from this vintage.  Common synonyms for the varietal are: Tinto del Toro, Tinto Fino & Tinto del Pais (Spain), Tinta Roriz & Aragonez (Portugal).  I have tasted the 2011 vintage of this wine and wasn't as pleased.  Even though the 2009 could be slightly past it's cellering age it was still drinking extremely well.  With it's elegant gentleness and brave acidity it made me realise that I don't indulge in Rioja's as much as I ought to.

Price: $ 12.50

Varietals: 90% Tempranillo,  10% Garnache

Origin: Spain