As visitors to the triumphant Tapas Fantasticas festival discovered there’s a wealth of choice from Rioja; wine expert Olly Smith shares his passion for Spain’s top region.
Rioja is not just a wine, it’s a greatest hits album packed with intriguing flavours – some familiar, some completely new. So many styles, so much fun! I guess most people associate the region of Rioja with mellow easy-drinking red wine, but there’s a cracking world of diversity to been found if you’re prepared to peer a little closer. Whites, reds and rosé – a.k.a Rosado - are all on offer. With rosé’s rising popularity the Tempranillo grape offers some juicy modern styles. Within whites you’ve got a wealth of crisp whites or you can go for more savoury oaky contenders… and as for reds, ooooh peel my grapes, there’s a style for every palate and occasion and with so much selection even the most hog-tongued troll could find a perfect sip in a blink. For an aperitif or to match with food, there’s a different style of Rioja wine just waiting for you to lick to life!
And the region itself is a blast! I remember visiting the winery at Dinastia Vivanco in Rioja Alta, I was knocked out by the collision of tradition with the state of the art winery that had been built underneath the vineyards like some giant Batcave with oodles of sexy kit and state of the art techniques. But it’s not just the wineries that are breathing modernity into this traditional wine region, there’s an increasing attention to detail in the vineyard to ensure the unique local grapes of the region
There’s so many wines to choose from and I’ve got a stack of Rioja memories flitting about in my noodle….. Finca Valpiedra is a top bodega I remember tasting their red Rioja with Bev Turner on the TV show Taste and absolutely loving it to bits, but there’s a whole stack of excellent wineries to choose from – with some shining examples of modern style such as the wines of Marques de Caceres and more traditional world famous styles such as Faustino. And the region itself is a curious blend of rugged countryside and vibrant urban razzle-dazzle – just take a stroll down the main drag in Logroño where you’ll taste one of the world’s most incredible range of tapas. Glorious! And what’s really great is that no matter how different each dish is that you taste, you’ll be able to find a unique Rioja wine to match! Rioja rocks!
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