{"title":"9\/28: Spain","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"la-vizcaina-by-raul-perez-la-vtoriana-tinto-bierzo-spain-2019","title":"La Vizcaína by Raul Perez, \"La Vitoriana\" Tinto, Bierzo, Spain, 2019","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLa Vizcaina is a relatively new project from Raul Purez that explores the hillside crus around his hometown of Vatuille de Abajo. Four reds and one white are produced under the name, all from vines with over fifty years of average age. Though all the red wines Raul produces in the Bierzo D.O. are labelled as 100% Mencía, they all in fact contain significant quantities of other local grapes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe rich varietal diversity found in Galicia is due in large part to the famous Camino de Santiago, a pilgrimage to the tomb of Saint James in the town of Santiago de Compostela, the earliest references to which date back to the 9th century. The monks who made the journey would often carry vine cuttings from their home regions in their packs to offer as gifts to the Spanish monasteries that would put them up along the way. This is certainly the explanation for the preponderance of Trousseau found throughout northwestern Spain.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOrganic. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWinemaker\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eRaul Perez\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMencía and other varietals\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eCastilla y León, Bierzo, Spain\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLa Vizcaina La Vitoriana offers aromas of reinette apple, ripe blackberries, light touches of pilonga chestnut, and a background of autumn earth, with points of black licorice and a balsamic finish. On the palate it is a very penetrating wine, structured, with subtle nuances of wood and a sweet and appetising finish. It is a wine with a long finish.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e94 Points - Vinous\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFull ruby. Spice- and smoke-accented cherry and dark berry scents show very good energy and focus. Blackberry, bitter cherry and candied licorice on the palate, along with suggestions of dark chocolate and succulent herbs. Opens up slowly with air and finishes very long and spicy, with smooth, even tannins and lingering florality. Drinking window: 2025 - 2034.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Skurnik","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39548584394794,"sku":"","price":47.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/products\/La-Vizcaina-by-Raul-Perez-La-Vitoriana-Tinto-Bierzo-Spain-2019.jpg?v=1762527965"},{"product_id":"dominio-de-pingus-psi-ribera-del-duero-spain-2022","title":"Dominio de Pingus, 'PSI', Ribera del Duero, Spain, 2022","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLike those other esteemed names, Pingus has a quality that is often lacking in today's \"modern\" wines-a sense of utter individuality. There is no other wine in the world, let alone Spain, that is quite like Pingus, and that singularity is one of the fundamental requirements for great wine.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePingus is produced by the visionary Danish winemaker Peter Sisseck. Peter arrived in Spain in 1993 to manage a new project, Hacienda Monasterio. While planting and developing Monasterio, he began to dream about the old vines he saw dotted around the Ribera del Duero landscape. By the 1995 vintage, Peter had found several ancient vineyards that inspired him to make his own wine. He called it \"Pingus,\" after his childhood nickname.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePeter's winery work has been widely imitated, and many wines can mimic the exotic textures that Pingus possesses. Yet, while they might approach Pingus' style, none of these newcomers has the substance that defines Pingus.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOrganic and Sustainable.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePeter Sisseck\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e90% Tempranillo and 10% Garnacha\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRibera del Duero, Spain\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePSI is the 23rd letter in the Greek alphabet and is the name of Peter Sisseck's (of the coveted Pingus and Flor de Pingus) utopian wine from Ribera del Duero. Peter has sought out the best independent vineyard growers in Ribera and is incentivizing them to improve viticultural practices and shun chemicals, lower yields and practice biodynamics by paying them increasingly for the fruit as they improve. The result is a \"give back\" to the region wine that also expresses the \"soul\" of Ribera.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFresh and classy nose of cherries, currants and raspberries with hints of pepper. Full body, beautiful and fine-grained tannins and a long, flavorful finish.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 2022 PSI is clean, expressive and open, much more approachable than the more reductive 2021 that I tasted next to it. It's primary, fruit-driven and precise. \"The fruit selection was better in 2022,\" explained Sisseck. It has contained ripeness and a polished texture and is sleek and elegant, with fine tannins. It feels like a step up from 2021. This was also the final blend waiting to be bottled—clarified, sulfur added and everything, so pretty much the wine that is going to be bottled.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Elevage Wine Co","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50365118808369,"sku":null,"price":42.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/DominiodePingus_PSI_RiberadelDuero_Spain_2022.jpg?v=1732465300"},{"product_id":"la-rioja-alta-vina-ardanza-reserva-rioja-spain-2017","title":"La Rioja Alta S.A., Viña Ardanza Reserva, Rioja, Spain, 2017","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eFew dispute that La Rioja Alta S.A. is the leading quality orientated producer in the Rioja. With more than 50,000 casks and 6.4 million bottles stored at any one time, the equivalent of about 8 years sales, La Rioja Alta S.A. is unique in its ability to supply large quantities of fully mature wines of world class quality.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe company owns 300 hectares of vineyards in different parts of the best zones of the Rioja Alta region. La Rioja Alta S.A. is specialized in red wines. The leading grape variety is the Tempranillo with small doses of Mazuelo and Graciano. The Vina Ardanza differs from the other wines with some 25% Garnacha in the blend. After vinification in the new ultra modern vinification plant near Haro, aging is in traditional Bordeaux casks, all made from American oak. Racking is by hand every 6 months with 8 teams working full time racking the 51,000 casks. There is no filtration prior to bottling and further long aging in bottle before release.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn short the wines are made in the traditional Rioja manner. The company is adamant about not using French oak, keeping the unique Rioja style which has been developed since the end of the 19th century. In spite of the varying amount of time in cask and bottle the wines all display a wonderful rich ruby colour, gorgeous aromas of oak, spices and fruit followed by a sensational feel on the palate, with a wonderful smooth texture, clean rich oaky\/fruity flavours and a long lingering finish. All the wines are ready for consumption on release but will keep for many more years in bottle. This situation is almost unique in the world of wine and is the reason why so many restaurants list La Rioja Alta’s outstanding range of truly classic Rioja wines.\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eStéphane Desmarquest\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e80% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacha\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRioja, Spain\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eColor is outstandingly bright, lively and intense garnet red, with an incipient cherry red rim. The first nose is very intense, with spicy, balsamic and ripe fruit notes. After swirling, aromas of black pepper, sweet liquorice, nutmeg, coffee, vanilla and cinnamon make their appearance. Mouth full of flavours, with a pleasant acidity and balance, and very polished tannins that enhance the harmonious structure. Complex and elegant aftertaste with spicy and balsamic hints. To enjoy right now, but with a long life ahead.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95 Points - James Suckling\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA more vibrant and fruitier expression of Ardanza this year with strawberries, mussels, warm spices and berries. Round and silky on the palate with lovely spices and a long, nicely saline finish. A nice touch of creaminess works really well here and further extends the finish.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e94 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e \u003cspan\u003e2017 was not an easy harvest, but it produced some beautiful and classical wines, like the 2017 Viña Ardanza Reserva, which shows a little more advancement and polish and is ready to drink. It was produced with 80% Tempranillo and 20% Garnacha from their vineyard La Pedriza in Tudelilla. It fermented in stainless steel with indigenous yeasts and matured in American oak barrels, 36 months for the Tempranillo and 30 for the Garnacha (that was harvested 15 days later), with six rackings. It's ripe and aromatic, tertiary, with 14.5% alcohol and mellow acidity, a medium-bodied palate and sleek tannins. It has a pungent note of clove and pepper, some licorice and ink and the cherries in liqueur from the Garnacha. An updated classical Ardanza.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e94 Points - Tim Atkin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMade, as many wines were in the past, with a combination of Tempranillo from the Rioja Alta sub-region and 20% Garnacha from Tudelilla in the Rioja Oriental, this is a delicious release of Ardanza that shows no sign of the heat of the 2017 growing season. Aged for three years in American oak, it's tangy, savoury, layered and complex, with leather and tobacco leaf aromas, wild strawberry and red cherry fruit and appealing vanilla sweetness. 2024-30\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/merchantofwine.com\/pages\/zoom-into-wine-archive-july-18th-spanish-reds-w-john-bauccio-feat-r-lopez-de-heredia\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Golden State","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50443871256881,"sku":"","price":44.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/LaRiojaAltaSA_VinaArdanzaReserva_Rioja_Spain_2017.jpg?v=1745330247"},{"product_id":"los-loros-listan-blanco-valle-de-guimar-spain-2022","title":"Los Loros, Listan Blanco, Valle de Guimar, Spain, 2022","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eJuan Francisco Fariña Peréz (known as JuanFra to his friends) is a progressive winemaker in the Valle de Güímar, a small DO along the eastern coast of Tenerife. JuanFra has been making wine in the area since the early 2000s, and has some of the most respectful views on farming and winemaking in the area. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJuan Francisco studied winemaking in Tenerife before taking over the vineyards from his father in 1998. He grows Listán Blanco and Albillo Criollo outside his winery in Arafo. In addition to these two plots, he is also working on recuperating old and abandoned vineyards higher up the mountainside in an area called Las Dehesas. At 1400m elevation, these centenarian Listán Blanco vines are only reachable by a special tractor. These vines are very low yielding and go into one of JuanFra’s most interesting wines, a solera method blanco named “La Bota de Mateo,” aged in an old sherry cask. \u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eJuanfra calls his project Los Loros, after the laurel shrubs that proliferate the upper parts of the Valle de Güímar. Conventional farming is typical in this area of the island, however Juanfra believes in a more holistic style of farming. Favoring a sustainable philosophy, he enjoys showcasing traditional Canarian varietals such as Listán Blanco (Palomino), Vijariego Blanco, Marmajuelo, Albillo Criollo ( He owns most of his own vines, and also works with small farmers in the area, promoting sustainable practices among them. The Los Loros bodega is no bigger than a one car garage, yet Juan Francisco is doing great things in this little-known territory of Tenerife.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWinemaker\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eJuan Francisco Fariña Peréz \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e100% Listán Blanco\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eRueda, Spain\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThis wine is made with young vine Listán Blanco (Palomino). Hand harvested and aged on its lees for about 6 months in stainless steel tanks under flor blanket. The wine is bottled with a light fining and just a touch of added SO2. It is textured, mineral, salty, with notes of tropical citrus.  I say think dry sherry with fortification....  its wild, cool, and for those that enjoy a large sense of adventure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e92 Points - Wine Advocate\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe 2022 Los Loros Listán Blanco de Canarias was produced partly with their own grapes and the rest with others that were purchased from a local grower who works traditionally and organically but is not certified. It's fresh and easy to drink with a moderate 11.5% alcohol and good freshness. It fermented with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel, where it matured with lees that were not stirred. The wine was bottled early, unfined and unfiltered. It's expressive, varietal with a tasty palate, dry and with a salty twist in the finish. 4,200 bottles produced. It was bottled in April 2023.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Grapex","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51755973312817,"sku":null,"price":34.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Los_Loros_Listan_Blanco_Valle_de_Guimar_Spain_2022.jpg?v=1755718026"},{"product_id":"lustau-almacenista-amontillado-del-puerto-sherry-jerez-spain-nv-1","title":"Lustau, Almacenista Amontillado del Puerto Sherry, Jerez, Spain, NV","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThe origins of The House of Lustau date back to 1896, when Mr. José Ruiz-Berdejo, started cultivating the vines of the family’s estate in his spare time. In these humble beginnings he made wines which were then sold to larger sherry producers. This activity was known as being an almacenista. Lustau is nowadays considered a world-class benchmark for top – quality wines. Lustau has repeatedly been awarded with multiple awards and trophies from around the world. These accolades have been achieved by our products and our team, both considered best of the industry. The day-to-day work and the wisdom transmitted from generation to generation of craftsmen, come together in the care of our casks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMore than 125 years of history and expertise combined with our team’s passion and dedication shape the character and personality of our wines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e100% Palomino\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eJerez, Spain\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eTawny gold colour. Complex and elegant, this classic Amontillado is pungent and aromatic, with fine notes of oak. Nutty on the palate with a hint of sweetness and a lingering, dry finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Solera of this Amontillado consists of 10 casks which are aged in José Luis González Obregón’s bodegas in El Puerto de Santa María.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIdeal to accompany dishes such as consommés, foie-gras, cold and smoked meats, a cheeseboard, and even rich flavoured fish or seafood dishes. It is a wine that pairs perfectly with spicy Asian cuisine. Serve between 13-14°C, (55-57ºF)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95 Points - Decanter\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eAn enchanting complexity of caramel, toasted nuts and soy glides across the nose and palate. Beautifully silky and sumptuous with a gorgeous salty, umami length. (Gold) - DWWA 2025\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e93 Points - Wine Enthusiast\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFlawless on the nose, this amontillado purchased from the solera of Señor González Obregón is full of lift, power and toffee on the nose. There's zero excess weight to the palate, which features flavors of nuts, salt, caramel and dried apricot. On the finish, a hint of buttered toast offers an umami offset to acid-driven raciness. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e93 Points - Wine Spectator\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis has lots of range, with ginger, date, toasted almond, blood orange, singed sandalwood and green tea notes all allied to finely beaded acidity, letting everything drape beautifully on the finish. Alluring on its own, but this really begs for some Cabrales. Drink now.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e91 Points - Wine Advocate\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThe NV Almacenista Jose Luis Gonzalez Obregon Oloroso del Puerto produced from Palomino grapes and aged in Puerto de Santa Maria by the sea, has a chestnut color with a green-amber edge, clean sweet notes of roasted nuts, cake and oranges, a medium- to full-bodied palate with a smoky character and great length. Drink 2013-2015.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct size: 500ml\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Chambers","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51769435423025,"sku":null,"price":37.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Lustau_Almacenista_Amontillado_del_Puerto_Sherry_Jerez_Spain_NV.jpg?v=1756145468"},{"product_id":"la-rioja-alta-ardanza-reserva-rioja-spain-2019","title":"La Rioja Alta, \"Ardanza\" Reserva, Rioja, Spain 2019","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eFew dispute that La Rioja Alta S.A. is the leading quality orientated producer in the Rioja. With more than 50,000 casks and 6.4 million bottles stored at any one time, the equivalent of about 8 years sales, La Rioja Alta S.A. is unique in its ability to supply large quantities of fully mature wines of world class quality.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe company owns 300 hectares of vineyards in different parts of the best zones of the Rioja Alta region. La Rioja Alta S.A. is specialized in red wines. The leading grape variety is the Tempranillo with small doses of Mazuelo and Graciano. The Vina Ardanza differs from the other wines with some 25% Garnacha in the blend. After vinification in the new ultra modern vinification plant near Haro, aging is in traditional Bordeaux casks, all made from American oak. Racking is by hand every 6 months with 8 teams working full time racking the 51,000 casks. There is no filtration prior to bottling and further long aging in bottle before release.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn short the wines are made in the traditional Rioja manner. The company is adamant about not using French oak, keeping the unique Rioja style which has been developed since the end of the 19th century. In spite of the varying amount of time in cask and bottle the wines all display a wonderful rich ruby colour, gorgeous aromas of oak, spices and fruit followed by a sensational feel on the palate, with a wonderful smooth texture, clean rich oaky\/fruity flavours and a long lingering finish. All the wines are ready for consumption on release but will keep for many more years in bottle. This situation is almost unique in the world of wine and is the reason why so many restaurants list La Rioja Alta’s outstanding range of truly classic Rioja wines.\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eStéphane Desmarquest\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e80% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacha\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRioja, Spain\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eBright and vivid cherry red, medium-high intensity, garnet rim. Aromas of redcurrant, plum, and cherry, complemented by balsamic and spicy notes of black pepper, licorice, vanilla, clove, and nutmeg. Fresh and balanced on the palate, with sweet, elegant tannins and a long, lively finish, reflecting the wine’s distinctive balsamic and spicy character.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95 Points - James Suckling\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis has classic Rioja aromas of cherries, dried flowers, earth, spices and orange peel. The palate is medium- to full-bodied with firm, fine-grained tannins. Juicy, with opulent fruit. Drink or hold.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e94 - Decanter\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eA super-classic and great interpretation of Rioja reserva, this offers all the appealing sweet red berry fruit and American oak with serious struture and balance. Soft and inviting, this is surely a reference for reserva wines in the region. A blend of 80%Tempranillo – from two vineyards in Fuenmayor and Cenicero, northern Rioja Alta – and 20% Garnacha from Tudelilla in Rioja Oriental, a 17-day fermentation was followed by ageing in American oak barrels from the producer's own cooperage: 36 months for the Tempranillo and 30 months (in 20% new) for the Garnacha. \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/merchantofwine.com\/pages\/zoom-into-wine-archive-july-18th-spanish-reds-w-john-bauccio-feat-r-lopez-de-heredia\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Skurnik","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54056008450353,"sku":null,"price":49.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/LaRiojaAltaS.A._VinaArdanzaReserva_Rioja_Spain_2019.jpg?v=1777503784"}],"url":"https:\/\/merchantofwine.com\/collections\/9-28-spain.oembed","provider":"Merchant of Wine","version":"1.0","type":"link"}