I’ve been meaning to write about wine here for a while now, because my favorite part of my job at Bloomberg Markets magazine was editing Elin McCoy’s Drinks column. I learned so much about wine from Elin, who is still writing about drinks, especially wine, for Bloomberg.
Today I’m going to share my love for Riojas, Spanish wines made mostly from Tempranillo that are often sold at a bargain price. Riojas are typically released when they’re at their best or almost at their best to drink, so you don’t need to have a wine cellar or huge wine fridge to enjoy them at or near their peak. Because they tend to be good values at retail, they’re also typically one of your best bets on an extensive wine list at a restaurant. If the food we’re eating calls for a red, we’ll often choose the Rioja.
Here’s wine educator Mark Oldman, in Oldman’s Guide to Outsmarting Wine, on pairing Riojas with food: “Like lighter styles of Pinot Noir and Chianti, Rioja’s lighter body and refreshing tartness make it one of the most versatile red wines for food, perfect for when your table is divided between red and white fans.”
Riojas carry one of three designations: crianza, reserva, and gran reserva. Crianzas are the least expensive. Reservas are more expensive but are likely to be of higher quality. And gran reservas are the most expensive (though rarely exorbitant) and of the highest quality; they’re made only in select years.
I’ve been buying the 2019 Herederos del Marqués de Riscal Reserva Rioja regularly at Whole Foods of late. It usually costs $22.49, but it was on sale the other day for $20.29. I also always get a 10% discount because I buy at least six bottles. (After doing a little research, I see I should be buying it from Total Wine instead.)
Tony and I get notes of vanilla and rose, with some peppery spice and a hint of citrus. This wine may not be for you if you love big, juicy fruit bombs, but it’s a steal if you enjoy elegant wines that will complement your meal.