Rioja
Rioja, one of Spain's most esteemed wine regions, is renowned for its exceptional fine wines. With a winemaking tradition that spans centuries, Rioja is celebrated for its unique terroir, diverse grape varieties, and the artistry of its winemakers. Situated in northern Spain, Rioja produces wines that embody the rich history and passion of Spanish winemaking.
One of the most famous vineyards in Rioja is Bodegas Marqués de Riscal, a historic winery that has been producing wines since 1858. Their wines, including the iconic Marqués de Riscal Reserva and Marqués de Riscal Gran Reserva, are renowned for their elegance, complexity, and age-worthiness.
Another esteemed vineyard is Bodegas López de Heredia Viña Tondonia, known for its traditional winemaking practices and long-aged wines. Their Viña Tondonia Reserva and Viña Tondonia Gran Reserva are highly sought-after by wine enthusiasts seeking the classic Rioja style.
Rioja is primarily known for its red wines, which are crafted predominantly from the Tempranillo grape variety. Notable vineyards such as Bodegas Muga, Bodegas Roda, and Bodegas CVNE (Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España) produce exceptional red wines that showcase the region's unique characteristics. These wines display flavours of ripe red fruit, subtle oak influence, well-integrated tannins, and a remarkable balance.
Rioja also offers notable white wines, mainly made from the Viura grape variety. Bodegas Riojanas, Bodegas Ontañón, and Bodegas Valdemar are among the renowned vineyards that produce exquisite white wines with vibrant acidity, citrus flavours, and a refreshing crispness.
The region's wines are often classified into four categories: Rioja, Crianza, Reserva, and Gran Reserva, indicating the aging process and quality level. This classification system ensures consistent quality and allows wine lovers to choose wines based on their preferred style and maturity.
Rioja's fine wines beautifully capture the essence of the region, showcasing a harmonious balance between tradition and innovation. Whether you're savouring a well-aged Reserva, a vibrant Crianza, or a complex Gran Reserva, Rioja's wines promise an unforgettable experience that reflects the region's winemaking heritage and dedication to excellence.
Rioja
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(6x75cl) 2019Experience the grandeur of Spanish viticulture with the Torre de Ona Rioja Martelo 2019. From the venerable wine cellars of La Rioja Alta, this prestigious wine embodies the quintessential characteristics of its region. Born from an elaborate mix of Tempranillo, Mazuelo, Garnacha and Viura grapes, the Martelo brims with a flourish of red fruit flavours, tobacco, and vanilla notes. The meticulously-tended vineyards yield perfectly ripened grapes, after which they are fermented in conical French oak vats, enhancing the wine's robustness and complexity. The vino then matures in barrels for a span of 24 months, acquiring an elegant toasted oak undertone. The Torre de Ona Rioja Martelo 2019 is a celebration of fine wine craftsmanship and a testament to La Rioja Alta’s devotion to nurturing select parcels for exceptional quality. Enjoy a bottle of Torre de Ona Rioja Martelo 2019 and succumb to a beguiling journey of remarkable Spanish winemaking.
$251.00 -
Tim Atkin MW (97)
Little by little, this no-expense-spared winery is approaching the peak of Rioja and now deserves to be considered among the region’s leading producers. Fine, perfumed, elegant and well balanced, with notes of blackberry and orange zest, complemented by sweet, aromatic oak and finishing with freshness and balletic poise.$483.00 -
(6x75cl) 2018Wine Enthusiast (97)
This dark-garnet-colored wine has a nose of black currant, raspberry and milk chocolate. Deep fruit flavors of cassis and dark plums fill the mouth, joined by notes of cocoa powder, tobacco leaf and espresso bean. Fleecy tannins dissipate into a lingering, fruit-filled finish. Drink now through 2037.$459.00 -
Wine Advocate (94)
2019 was a more concentrated and powerful year, warmer and drier, but it was saved by the 80 liters of rain in the first half of September. They tried to select the higher-altitude vineyards to have more freshness, and they reduced the number of new barriques used (55%) and increased the use of foudre (45%) for the élevage of the 2019 Macán. It fermented in stainless steel with 10% of their own yeasts. It has a moderate 14% alcohol, mellow acidity and good freshness and balance. 2019 was a dry and warm year when they did a soft vinification to avoid harsh tannins. The wine is very powerful and dense, with a big structure, and it has plenty of tannins. The oak is still noticeable in the aromatics. Give it some more time in bottle and enjoy with powerful food. 87,377 bottles, 2,583 magnums and some larger formats were produced. It was bottled in August 2021.$370.00 -
Wine Advocate (93+)
The 2016 Macán Clásico is their second wine in the Bordeaux sense. In 2016, they fermented the wine in stainless steel and reduced the number of new barrels to 50%, while 5% of the barrels were produced with American oak at the Vega Sicilia cooperage. The new winery was 100% ready and now has much better facilities. The élevage lasted 12 months, and this has contained ripeness and integrated oak. The year had freshness and balance and helped to produce lighter and more expressive wines, like this one. This has to be one of the finest vintages for this cuvée. 97,654 bottles, 1,060 magnums and some larger formats produced. It was bottled in August 2018.$289.00 -
Wine Advocate (94)
Their second wine in the Bordeaux sense is the 2018 Macán Clásico, which in the cooler and late year (they picked between October 2nd and 14th) fermented in stainless steel and matured in 50% new French oak barrels, 10% American oak barrel and 40% used ones for 12 months. The wine has moderate ripeness and alcohol (14%) in a fresher, subtler and more elegant year with good freshness (a pH of 3.75) and balance. It's young and creamy, a baby that will improve as it burns down that fat. Separating the press wine by quality and aging it separately seems to have increased the precision. It has to be one of the finest vintages for this wine; it is round and nicely textured. It could be an improved version of the 2016. 151,411 bottles, 1,053 magnums and some larger formats were filled during August 2020.$301.00 -
(1x150cl) 2021Jeb Dunnuck (97)
From the sister property of Vega Sicilia in Rioja, a partnership between the Alvarez and Rothschild families, the 2021 Macan Clasico has unrelenting freshness and is gorgeously aromatic. The vintage conditions were perfect and the wines able to achieve exceptional quality. Here, the Tempranillo is joined by 3% Garnacha, which provides additional brightness to juicy layers of red berry, cigar, and dried herb, with a foundation of supple tannins. Medium-bodied, the oak is well-integrated, interweaving the lilting spice and toast notes from a combination of French and American barrels that aged the wine for 14-16 months. With a long, silky, and finessed finish, it’s drinking perfectly now. Continue to enjoy over the next 10-15 years.$1,268.42 -
(6x75cl) 2021Jeb Dunnuck (97)
From the sister property of Vega Sicilia in Rioja, a partnership between the Alvarez and Rothschild families, the 2021 Macan Clasico has unrelenting freshness and is gorgeously aromatic. The vintage conditions were perfect and the wines able to achieve exceptional quality. Here, the Tempranillo is joined by 3% Garnacha, which provides additional brightness to juicy layers of red berry, cigar, and dried herb, with a foundation of supple tannins. Medium-bodied, the oak is well-integrated, interweaving the lilting spice and toast notes from a combination of French and American barrels that aged the wine for 14-16 months. With a long, silky, and finessed finish, it’s drinking perfectly now. Continue to enjoy over the next 10-15 years.$1,268.42 -
Vina Leizaola El Sacramento 2013 is a distinguished expression from the esteemed Rioja region of Spain. Crafted by the venerable Vina Leizaola estate, this wine exemplifies traditional winemaking artistry combined with modern precision. The selection begins with hand-picked Tempranillo grapes from meticulously managed vineyards, ensuring optimal ripeness and quality. Fermentation is carried out in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to preserve the varietal’s pure fruit characteristics. Following fermentation, the wine undergoes a stringent ageing process in a combination of French and American oak barrels for 24 months, allowing it to develop complex layers of flavour and a refined structure. The 2013 vintage presents a deep ruby colour, with an enticing bouquet of dark cherries, plum, and subtle spices, complemented by elegant undertones of vanilla and cedar. On the palate, Vina Leizaola El Sacramento 2013 is full-bodied, showcasing balanced tannins and a persistent, harmonious finish. This wine is a testament to the producer’s dedication to excellence and is ideal for connoisseurs seeking a sophisticated Rioja experience.
$94.00 -
(6x75cl) 2013Vina Leizaola El Sacramento 2013 is a distinguished expression from the esteemed Rioja region of Spain. Crafted by the venerable Vina Leizaola estate, this wine exemplifies traditional winemaking artistry combined with modern precision. The selection begins with hand-picked Tempranillo grapes from meticulously managed vineyards, ensuring optimal ripeness and quality. Fermentation is carried out in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to preserve the varietal’s pure fruit characteristics. Following fermentation, the wine undergoes a stringent ageing process in a combination of French and American oak barrels for 24 months, allowing it to develop complex layers of flavour and a refined structure. The 2013 vintage presents a deep ruby colour, with an enticing bouquet of dark cherries, plum, and subtle spices, complemented by elegant undertones of vanilla and cedar. On the palate, Vina Leizaola El Sacramento 2013 is full-bodied, showcasing balanced tannins and a persistent, harmonious finish. This wine is a testament to the producer’s dedication to excellence and is ideal for connoisseurs seeking a sophisticated Rioja experience.
$269.00 -
(1x75cl) 2014Tim Atkin MW (96)
What a discovery this was! Made by Belgian wine importer, Etienne Cordonnier, who has sold a chateau in St. Emilion to create an estate in Rioja, it’s subtle, stylish, beautifully crafted blend of Tempranillo with 8% Graciano. Serious yet polished, it has established itself as one of the Region’s best reds in the space of four vintages.$100.00 -
(1x75cl) 2015Tim Atkin MW (96)
The latest vintage of Etienne Cordonnier’s wine, made with the help of Rioja legend Jesus Madrazo, is every bit as exciting as the 2014. Now housed in its own winery in Languardia, this is fasting turning into one of the very best producers in the region. Combining Tempranillo with 7% Graciano, it’s wonderfully perfumed and refined with polished tannins, tangy acidity and orange peel and blackberry fruit flavours. Delicious.$101.00 -
Tim Atkin MW (96)
The latest vintage of Etienne Cordonnier’s wine, made with the help of Rioja legend Jesus Madrazo, is every bit as exciting as the 2014. Now housed in its own winery in Languardia, this is fasting turning into one of the very best producers in the region. Combining Tempranillo with 7% Graciano, it’s wonderfully perfumed and refined with polished tannins, tangy acidity and orange peel and blackberry fruit flavours. Delicious.$321.00 -
Tim Atkin MW (97)
Now established in his own state-of-the-art modern winery and the owner of 19 hectares in Languardia, Navaridas and Lapueble de Labarca, divided into 19 different parcels, Etienne Cordonnier is producing one of Rioja’s most distinguished wines. The 2016 is the best release yet, made from Tempranillo and 8% Graciano and showing scented, floral elegance, fine tannins and subtle wood. Margaux meets Rioja?$94.00 -
Tim Atkin MW (97)
Now established in his own state-of-the-art modern winery and the owner of 19 hectares in Languardia, Navaridas and Lapueble de Labarca, divided into 19 different parcels, Etienne Cordonnier is producing one of Rioja’s most distinguished wines. The 2016 is the best release yet, made from Tempranillo and 8% Graciano and showing scented, floral elegance, fine tannins and subtle wood. Margaux meets Rioja?$381.00
