Rioja- Blind Tasting

This week's wine to try is a bit different; in that it is four wines, tried blind by the St. Andrews Tasting Team.  Of course, the purpose of blind tasting is to contemplate the values of a wine without the prejudice brought on by labels, regions or varieties, and pass even judgement based upon your own tastes.  Alongside that aim, there is also the element of competition; trying to make a guess at what the wine is and where it comes from, which can make a blind tasting a thrilling experience.

Wines tasted included a 2007 Crianza by Marqués de Vitoria, La Vendimia 2010, a 2008 Crianza from Dinastía Vivanco, and a surprisingly youthful 1996 Gran Reserva, also by Marqués de Vitoria.  While I believe all the wines present had their merits, and all were well made, the star of the four seemed to be the cheapest; the 2008 Dinastía Vivanco.  It was oaky, fruity with a bit of spice and some rich, but soft tannins.

It was acidic enough to match with a rich meat dish, like a lamb steak or game, but also so pleasant I would happily drink it on its own.  Some of the other wines were not so fruity and friendly as this one, but with the exception of the first 2007 Crianza, all were enjoyable.

The Vendimia didn't hold up too well after having been open for very long; it became acidic and lost its fruity vibrancy, whereas the oldest of the four was surprisingly punchy with its fruit and had an overall balanced and pleasing character.

I think Rioja, while a spotty source for wines, is capable of producing wines of great value and character and the Dinastía Vivanco, despite it's slightly gimmicky bottle shape, is a testament to that potential.  At a mere £10 per bottle, its a classic, young, spicy Rioja displaying plenty of those tried and true Tempranillo characteristics.  It is oaky, but not overly so, and is just ever so pleasing.

Other wines to check out from Rioja will definitely include the 2005 Banda Roja and Banda Azul by Monte Haro, 2005 Viña Cubillo by R. Lopez, the 2001 Viña Tondonia for those looking to splash out a bit, and the Tondonia Rosé.

Hasta Luego,
George