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Buying Wine in Lincolnshire
Written by Ben Straw on 11th January 2011
If you're buying wine in Lincolnshire — read on, as Steep Hill Wines’s resident expert Ben Straw is this month stuck between rioja and a hard place as he explores one of Spain’s best wine growing regions...
La Rioja is one of the smallest regions of mainland Spain and one of the most important wine growing areas of Europe.
It has a reputation bigger than its land area; extending along the Ebro River, the region is practically split into two.
Rioja Alta which has a great deal of rainfall and has a mild climate is the most important region. Further to the east are Rioja Alavesa and Rioja Baja which are hotter and more arid areas. The province capital, Logroño links the two areas.
1 Muga Barrel Fermented White Rioja - £9.95
A slow fermentation of Viura (90%) and Malvasía (10%) in new French oak and three months on fine lees are the secrets of this careful production process. A very bright, clear white wine packed with aromas.
2 Beronia Tempranillo Elaboración Especial - £9.75
Bodegas Beronia is a relative newcomer to the Rioja scene. The winery was founded in the 1970's by a group of businessmen who thought the idea of their own wine rather attractive. This is a single varietal, rather than the usual blend and is fermented in American oak then matured in cask for a further nine months. The wine has a particular aroma of black fruits, bitter chocolate and fresh ground coffee and a delightfully vigorous and rounded mouthful of rich fruit with a vanilla edge.
3 Ondarre Graciano Rioja - £10.25
Bodegas Ondarre, whose winery is 10km from Logrono, the Riojas capital is, without doubt, one of the most modern bodegas in the Rioja. Prepare to be enchanted: this stunning red is rich, velvety and utterly seductive. A very rare example of a single varietal Graciano, this unique and ageworthy red has an elegant structure and tantalising flavours of blue fruit, cream and layered spices. Fuller than a Tempranillo-based Rioja but silky smooth — a wise choice for those buying wine in Lincolnshire.
4 Viña Real Gran Reserva Rioja - £20.75
Made by the old guard of Rioja at Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España, more commonly known as CVNE. Founded in 1879 by two brothers, Eusebio and Raimundo Real de Asúa, the firm has remained in the hands of their descendants, currently in the fifth generation. A very gentle nose, stylish and reserved, with soft meaty fruit. Good weight and no shortage of style on the palate.
5 Muga Prado Enea Gran Reserva - £38.50
Bodegas Muga is located in the historical Barrio de La Estación in Haro. The facilities are two centuries old, built mainly of stone and oak. In fact, oak is paramount in the winery. Made from 80% Tempranillo and 20% Garnacha, Mazuelo and Graciano. Has aromas of spices and chocolate, wrapped up in fruit which is almost like a liqueur. A powerful attack, balanced and yet syrupy smooth. Very long aftertaste. There is a finesse and balance here, framed with a structure and sufficient substance to age beautifully.
If you're buying wine in Lincolnshire, find our regular wine column in the latest edition of Lincolnshire Pride Magazine.