The Cellar: Aged Rioja and a Great Chardonnay
Steffen Rasch, GoLocalProv Wine Writer
The Cellar: Aged Rioja and a Great Chardonnay
Often available for between $15 and $25 per bottle these Tempranillo based wines (often blended with Mazuelo and Garnacha) are traditionally aged in newer 60 gallon American oak barrels. This is somewhat unusual for ‘old world wines’ which are typically aged in larger, more neutral wooden vats or even in concrete. The American oak adds a very pleasant coconut and vanilla note to the wine and makes them very approachable young. With age the fruit dissipates and more savory, leathery notes appear. It is really remarkable to follow a wines development by tasting it at different stages in its life. The quality and value found in Rioja Reserva allows you to do just that.
When I started collecting wine I the early 2000’s some of the first wines I purchased were Reserve Riojas. I remember blind tasting a bunch and purchasing 6 of the ones I liked the most. I recently opened a 2004 (Reserva from Bodegas Ondarre) and was blown away by the delicious savory flavors, the vibrant acidity and sweet mellow tannins. I was also reminded of how good values these wines are. A Rioja Reserva must have been aged for 3 years prior to its release, of which 1 must have been spent in oak. For the purpose of this experiment skip the basic Riojas and those labeled ‘Crianza’, as they are often thinner in flavor and lighter in style. Open a bottle every 2 years and keep notes.
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Reading the way this wine is made one would think that this has to be a super oaky and over-the-top buttery Chardonnay (did I mention that half the barrels used were new?). Well, it is not! This wine manages to get the balance of bright concentrated fruit, richness, acidity and oak just right. The reason is the climate where the fruit is grown. While Carneros AVA technically includes parts of Sonoma and Napa counties, the regions proximity to the San Pablo Bay (with its cooling fogs and breezes) makes it much more moderate than for example Napa Valley AVA which is further inland. The fruit is less ripe at harvest which means that the grapes retains much of their acidity – a key ingredient to any wine, especially one that is barrel-fermented and aged in (partially) new oak. This wine is absolutely delicious and very well-made. For under $20 this wine is absolutely a steal!
Cheers!
Steffen Rasch is a Certified Sommelier and Specialist of Wine. Feel free to email him at [email protected] with any wine-related question or learn about wine in person by signing up for one of his tastings through the Providence Wine Academy.
10 New England Wine Getaways
Newport Vineyards
Newport Vineyards is the perfect Rhode Island destination for wine lovers year round. Visit the winery this weekend for tastings and tours, featuring an array of award winning wines.
909 E Main Road, Middletown, RI. (401) 848-5161.
Carolyn's Sakonnet Vineya
Carolyn’s Sakonnet Vineyards in Little Compton is much more than just a winery—it is a place to get away from the stresses of life and indulge your senses, a place to try new things, a place to focus on you. The vineyard is open every day, and invites you to come for a tasting and tour. Try their Petite Red, Vidal Blanc, and many more of their distinctive wines.
162 W Main Road, Little Compton, RI. (401) 635-8486.
Greenvale Vineyards
Visit Greenvale Vineyards in Portsmouth to sample their estate grown and produced wine, made in small batches. While at the estate, try seven different wines and keep the wine glass for only $12. While you are tasting, take in the gorgeous views of both the vineyard and river. Besides tasting the wines, Greenvale also invites customers to tour the winery and learn about the history and process of winemaking at the vineyard.
582 Wapping Road, Portsmouth, RI. (401) 847-3777.
Maugle Sierra Vineyards
For a trip to a vineyard that includes much more than just wine, hop over the border to Ledyard, CT, to check out Maugle Sierra Vineyards. The vineyard hosts live music on Fridays and Sundays to compliment your wine tasting experience. Pack a dinner or light fare and enjoy a tasting session in the Sierra Room while you take in the sunset.
825 Colonel Ledyard Highway, Ledyard, CT. (860) 464-2987.
Nickle Creek Vineyards
Nickle Creek Vineyard is a family owned and operated Rhode Island wine treasure. The winery, located in Foster, makes it their mission to handcraft the most unique, high quality wines in the business. All wines are created in small batches, giving them a distinctly unique taste. This weekend, visit their tasting room to try their variety of wines. On your way out, be sure to pick up a bottle of Foster Nights to get you through those chilly New England evenings.
12 King Road, Foster, RI. (401) 369-3694.
Nashoba Valley Winery
Take the bite off the winter chill this weekend and take a drive to Nashoba Valley Winery in Bolton. The winery hosts tasting events everyday from 10am-4:30pm For $5, receive a free tasting glass and samples of up to five different wines. Some favorites include Strawberry Rhubarb Wine, Holiday Special Cranberry Apple (a new release in November 2013), and New English Cider. If you are in the mood for something other than wine (if that’s possible), check out their beer selection as well!
100 Wattaquadock Hill Road, Bolton, MA. (978) 779-5521.
Bishop’s Orchards Winery
The wines from Bishop’s Orchards Winery and Farm Market in Guilford, CT, have won over 179 medals since the winery opened in 2005. The tasting room at Bishop’s is open seven days a week year round, so no time is off-limits for wine tasting. Head over on the weekend to enjoy a winery tour pre or post tasting session. While visiting the winery, also be sure to check out the market for fresh baked goodies.
1355 Boston Post Road, Guilford, CT. (203) 453-2338.
Diamond Hill Vineyards
For a cool twist on classic wine labels, look no further than Diamond Hill Vineyard in Cumberland. At Diamond Hill, you can get custom designed wine labels perfect for any occasion. If you’re interested in tasting the wines, visit their elegant tasting room for samples of their high quality wines such as Cranberry Apple, Estate Pinot Noir, or Blackberry.
3145 Diamond Hill Road, Cumberland, RI. (401) 333-2751.
Westport Rivers
Westport Rivers Vineyard & Winery
Tucked away on the southern coast of Massachusetts, Westport Rivers Vineyard & Winery, located about an hour’s drive from Worcester, is worth the trip. For only $10, you can take home a special edition etched wine glass and enjoy a tasting of up to six of their award-winning wines. While the tasting room is open Monday-Saturday, free winery tours are also offered to the public every Saturday from 1-3pm.
417 Hixbridge Rd, Westport, MA. (508) 636-3423.
Travessia Winery
Found on the southern Massachusetts coast about 30 minutes outside of Providence, is Travessia Winery in New Bedford. This micro-winery puts a twist on traditional wine culture with its cool urban flair. Travessia is open for sales and tastings Wednesday-Sunday, and invites customers to come in and enjoy their unique variety of wines.
760 Purchase Street, New Bedford, MA. (774) 929-6534.
