Rioja Wines

Rioja Wine
If one had to pick a single subregion in Spain that would represent the country in its brightest viticultural light, it would undoubtedly be Rioja. It’s a breathtaking valley, where the soft breeze carries the playful sounds of local birds, and where one of the world’s most underrated and potent varietals thrives. Tempranillo is a vivacious, vibrant varietal, sometimes seen as a more fruit-forward version of Cabernet Sauvignon, and winemakers from Rioja seem to understand it on a spiritual level because drinking a fine red Rioja can be a near-religious experience. They’re as powerful and impactful as a charging bull, and as smooth and playful as the cloth that agitates it. As a result, these wines play an important part in Spanish culture and cuisine, and one can’t help but notice a historical, nostalgic sentiment as the wine unfolds in the glass.
Perhaps the most surprising thing about fine Rioja wines is how affordable they can be. While they’re no less impactful than their French competitors, they tend to fly under the radar, which results in lower prices than one would expect. This makes them a great starting point if you are just setting out on your wine adventure, and a reliable source of party-starting excitement if you’re looking to socialize.
However you want to frame it, Rioja deserves a spot in the annals of wine history, and its sheer quality mesmerizes countless people on a daily basis. Get immersed, and experience a level of satisfaction and serenity like never before.
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2003 Benjamin Romeo La Vina de Andres Romeo95RPA real blockbuster, the 2003 La Vina de Andres Romeo (100% Tempranillo) is exquisite, but, again, a mere 200 bottles will make it to America. Lucky readers who run across a bottle,..." Learn MoreFormats Available:As low as $125.00
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2007 R. Lopez Heredia Vina Tondonia Reserva96RPFollowing the appreciation of the 2007 vintage from María José López de Heredia, the red 2007 Viña Tondonia Reserva is showing great, revealing unusual ..." Learn MoreFormats Available:As low as $99.99
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2008 R. Lopez Heredia Vina Tondonia Reserva95JSLots of dried fruit with plum, light raisin, chocolate and toasted oak. Some balsamic undertones. White truffles and dried flowers. Medium body, creamy tannins and savory, balsamic..." Learn MoreFormats Available:As low as $49.95
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2008 R. Lopez Heredia Vina Bosconia Reserva94JSTaking on a balsamic and high-toned wood character to the ripe fruit on the nose. Some dried cheese and ripe fruit, too. Medium-bodied with integrated tannins that are polished and..." Learn MoreFormats Available:As low as $33.99
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2012 R. Lopez Heredia Rioja Vina Cubillo Crianza95JSWonderful aromas of mushrooms, bark, cigar tobacco and plums with just a hint of citrus. Full-bodied with incredible softness and complexity. Subtle chocolate, fruit and walnut in ..." Learn MoreFormats Available:As low as $25.99
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2016 Sierra Cantabria Reserva Unica94JDThe 2016 Reserva Unica comes from a single vineyard located in the alluvial soils beside the Ebro river. Made from 97% Tempranillo and 3% Graciano that was all destemmed and aged 2..." Learn MoreFormats Available:As low as $24.99
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2016 Izadi Rioja Reserva94JSSweet berries and walnuts with dried flowers and blueberries on the nose. Full-bodied with very tight, refined tannins that are focused and impressive. I like the texture and defin..." Learn MoreFormats Available:As low as $16.95
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2016 Marques de Murrieta Reserva94JSThis is very structured and powerful with a dense and rich palate of ripe fruit and hints of toasted oak. Full and layered. Structured. Released February 2020. Needs a few years of..." Learn MoreFormats Available:As low as $24.95
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2018 Sierra de Tolono Rioja La Dula Garnacha de Altura93RPThere is a new 2018 La Dula Garnachas de Altura produced with grapes from high-altitude vineyards in the village of Rivas de Tereso, small plots of old vines at 650 meters in altit..." Learn MoreFormats Available:As low as $25.99