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Joseph Connolly's favourite Rioja
He’s a bestselling novelist, with a gift for the comic and a sharp insight into character. His latest novel, ‘Jack the Lad & Bloody Mary’, is published by Faber and Faber. Here he turns his hand to a spot of wine-writing, with notes on some Rioja wines that have taken his fancy.
La Vicalanda de Viña Pomal Reserva 2001, £14.99
Exceptional fruit when held in the mouth – evidence of oak ageing and a delightful hint of pepper on the tip of the tongue. A perfect partner, oddly, to Italian food. (Bedales, London SE1/E1; Taurus Wines, Surrey/Sussex/; Ann et Vin, Notts; Everywine.co.uk; The Winehouse, West Sussex.)
Navajas Crianza Rosado 2003, £6 - £7.99
Just what you want from a summer rosado – light and fruity nose, full and fresh; wild strawberry, shading into cherry; an easy-to-drink delight. (Alexander Wines, Glasgow; Bank House Wine, Axbridge, Somerset; The Cellar, Clevedon; Constantine Stores Ltd, Falmouth, Cornwall; CW Wines, Worthing, W.Sussex; Direct Wine Imports-Guernsey; The Dorset Wine Company, Dorchester; Fowey Wines, Fowey, Cornwall; Peter Green, Edinburgh; Hedley Wright Wine Merchants, Bishops Stortford; N D John Wine Merchants Ltd, Swansea; Map Wines, Bridgewater, Somerset; Markinch Wine Gallery, Fife; Martinez Fine Wines, Ilkley, West Yorkshire; R & I Neish Ltd, Peterhead, Scotland; Planet of the Grapes, London, WC1; Reserve Wines, Manchester; The Sampler, London, N1; Wattisfield Wines, Walsham-le-Willows, Suffolk; Worth Brothers Wines, Lichfield, Staffs;York Beer & Wine Shop.)
Glorioso Crianza 2004, £7.49
A favourite - burstingly ripe, with a pleasing tingle and not over-oaked. Burnt cherry is there with a top note of vanilla. Excellent with pork, lamb or a barbecue. (Oddbins.)
Valenciso Reserva 2001, £16
A big and full velvet mouthful – although chewy and muscular, here is a very elegant and classy wine. Earthy, extremely dry, with all the good sort of tannin you want. (Decanter Wines, Surrey.)
Marqués de Cáceres Gran Reserva 2000, £16.99
Great nose, reminiscent of sherry – the chewiness softens to wrap around the tongue. Very satisfying lingering aftertaste – just what you want from a sipping wine on its own, though obviously perfect for big and hearty food. ( Oddbins, Majestic.)
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