For the month of September, my Wine of the Month choice is Campo Viejo’s Rioja Reserva or Gran Reserva. The Clinton Wine & Spirits store carries the Reserva for less than $20.00 and many large wine “warehouses” carry the Gran Reserva for less than $30.00, which would place either of these squarely in Billy’s range. The Spanish Tempranillo is somewhat like an “old world” version of the Argentinian Malbec, in my opinion. It is frequently referred to as the Spanish Cabernet Sauvignon.
This is an affordable wine that is much better than it’s price indicates, and Campo Viejo’s version can be found in most wine stores. I love this wine! Both versions are made from a blend of 3 grapes: Tempranillo, Graciano, and Mazuelo. The Reserva is aged in American and French oak for a minimum of 3 years, then 18 more months in the bottle. The Gran Reserva is aged a minimum of 5 years. Both go well with red, grilled, or roasted meat. They also go well with a variety of mushroom dishes and spicey foods. Both Wine Spectator & James Suckling rate the Reserva at 89 or 90, depending on the year. Likewise, the Gran Reserva is rated from 91 to 93, depending on the year.
As far as tasting notes are concerned (aroma & palate), both from the Campo Viejo website & my own tasting notes; you will get ripe dark fruit (cherry, blackberry, & black plums), as well as espresso, vanilla, baking spices, and tobacco (from the oak). It has soft tannins, medium body and finish. My comments on the finish were “silky smooth”, especially the Gran Reserva. Campo Viejo also makes a “pure” Tempranillo that’s worth trying, if you can find it. As a general rule of thumb, if the wine is a Spanish DOC Reserva or Gran Reserva that is from La Rioja and a Tempranillo blend or 100% Tempranillo, you can’t lose!
That’s it for Blog Post #4. Next week will be a wine education post. Cheers!
One response to “Blog Post #4 – Wine of the Month (September)”
I am enjoying your comments….making notes.