For our September/October 2023 issue, wine writer Shana Clarke took a trip through time in northern Spain’s La Rioja. She tasted wines from as far back as 1862 as she explored what characteristics make for age-worthy Tempranillo wines. When it comes to coveted vintages, collectors still often look toward expected regions like Bordeaux. “Could Tempranillo be one of the world’s most overlooked age-worthy grapes?” Clarke asks. Here she recommends five bottles that capture the quality, and history, coming from the region.
La Rioja Alta Gran Reserva 890
Founded in 1890 by five families, La Rioja Alta has since consolidated under a single family, operating four wineries in three regions throughout Spain. “The Gran Reserva 890, their most prestigious wine, is only produced during ideal vintage years,” says Clarke. “And like any wine labeled ‘Gran Reserva’ in Rioja, it’s aged at least five years, between time in barrel and bottle, before release.” The winery is currently touting its 2010 vintage as “One of the best of the 21st century.” $199.99, nyc.flatiron-wines.com
Marqués de Riscal Gran Reserva
“Marqués de Riscal is a historically important estate in the Rioja region,” notes Clarke. “It was instrumental in introducing French winemaking techniques to the area.” These practices date all the way back to the mid-1800s, and the winery maintains an impressively intact cellar with nearly every vintage since, documenting the supreme ageability of Tempranillo. Full bodied yet smooth, their classic Gran Reserva makes an ideal entry point for the category. $39.95, wineexpress.com
This Article was originally published on IMBIBE Magazine
