For our September/October 2023 challenge, wine author Shana Clarke took a visit by way of time in northern Spain’s La Rioja. She tasted wines from way back to 1862 as she explored what traits make for age-worthy Tempranillo wines. In the case of coveted vintages, collectors nonetheless usually look towards anticipated areas like Bordeaux. “Might Tempranillo be one of many world’s most missed age-worthy grapes?” Clarke asks. Right here she recommends 5 bottles that seize the standard, and historical past, coming from the area.
La Rioja Alta Gran Reserva 890
Based in 1890 by 5 households, La Rioja Alta has since consolidated underneath a single household, working 4 wineries in three areas all through Spain. “The Gran Reserva 890, their most prestigious wine, is barely produced throughout perfect classic years,” says Clarke. “And like all wine labeled ‘Gran Reserva’ in Rioja, it’s aged at the very least 5 years, between time in barrel and bottle, earlier than launch.” The vineyard is at present touting its 2010 classic as “Probably the greatest of the twenty first century.” $199.99, nyc.flatiron-wines.com
Marqués de Riscal Gran Reserva
“Marqués de Riscal is a traditionally essential property within the Rioja area,” notes Clarke. “It was instrumental in introducing French winemaking strategies to the world.” These practices date all the way in which again to the mid-1800s, and the vineyard maintains an impressively intact cellar with almost each classic since, documenting the supreme ageability of Tempranillo. Full bodied but clean, their traditional Gran Reserva makes a really perfect entry level for the class. $39.95, wineexpress.com
R. López de Heredia Viña Tondonia Pink Gran Reserva
4 generations of the López de Heredia household have been making wine in Rioja for almost a century and half, and their Tondonia label stays their most globally famend. Vintages relationship again to the ’80s, ’70s and even past (in case you’re able to drop a thousand bucks) can nonetheless be discovered available on the market, relying in your stage of endurance for getting old. Or just seize just a few bottles of a extra present classic and experiment your self. $49.99, astorwines.com
Contino Gran Reserva
The household behind Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España has been making wine since 1879 and now operates eight wineries all through Spain. Viñedos del Contino was based in 1973 in Rioja alongside the Ebro River and focuses on single winery property wines. The Contino Gran Reserva is a Tempranillo ahead mix (70 p.c, together with Graciano, Mazuelo, and Garnacha) and presents a sublime illustration of the property. $68.99, wine.com
Vega Sicilia Unico
When the property that’s now Vega Sicilia was bought in 1982 by Pablo Álvarez, there have been solely 14 wineries within the Ribero del Duero area. Immediately, there are greater than 300. “Many level to Vega Sicilia because the catalyst for this development,” Clarke says. For good purpose, because the vineyard has been producing wines which have positioned the area as one of many world greats. “Vega Sicilia’s flagship wine, Unico, usually instructions costs on par with Burgundy and Bordeaux,” says Clarke. It’s a splurge bottle to make sure, however price it for a style of what well-crafted, age-worthy Tempranillo could be. $549.99, wine.com
