The king lives; it’s the rumors that have died. For much of the 20th century, Rioja was the royalty of Spain’s red wines. But about two decades ago, its hold on the throne was shaken, partly by complacency, mostly by newborn and reborn Spanish regions producing excellent and exciting wines. So what did Rioja do? It sized up the competition, took a good look at itself, fine-tuned its wines and straightened its crown.
The region of Rioja lies in northern Spain, where the major grape, Tempranillo, makes wines that are full, friendly, a delight to drink. Rioja’s top wines are labeled “Gran Reserva,” aged five years; “Reserva,” aged four years; and “Crianza,” aged one year. Among vintages on the market, 2001 is excellent; 1999 and 2000 are good; 1996 and 1998 are very good; and 1994 and 1995 are magnificent.
Muga’s Prado Enea Gran Reserva 1995 is rich, intense, with a smoky aroma, while its Torre Muga 1998, called “a new wine for the new customer,” is powerful with excellent balance.
Rémélluri makes only Reserva and Gran Reserva Rioja. With their complexity, elegance and light mineral-like background, they tend to mature slowly. Rémélluri grows all its own grapes.
So does Barón de Ley. And the quality of those grapes can be tasted in its wines, among them the deep ruby-red, well-knit 2000 with its juicy flavors and lingering aftertaste.
Montecillo, on the other hand, buys its grapes. Judging by its 1995 Gran Reserva, with its richness and hints of anise and pepper in the aroma, it chooses those grapes well.
From the village of Briones come two small bodegas with big reputations. Miguel Merino’s first vintage was 1994, and what a beauty it is. That was followed by his incredible and distinctive Gran Reserva 1995. And so he has continued, turning out one graceful Rioja after another. Allende, begun in 1989, also produces exceptional wines. Among them are the powerful, concentrated Aurus 1999; the rich, complex Aurus 2000; and the flavorful, delicious Calvario 2001.
Rioja has other fine producers, among them Marqués de Cáceres, Martinez Bujanda, Marqués de Murrieta, Faustino Martinez and La Rioja Alta. Each adds another facet to Rioja’s glory.
Read This Next
Diabetes
2004 / April 2004
Sep 1, 2010Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Jun 2, 2023Diego Rivera’s America Presents the Most In-Depth Look at Artist’s Work in More than 20 Years
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, located in Bentonville, Arkansas, presents Diego Rivera’s America, the first major exhibition focused solely on the Mexican artist in more than 20 years, on view until July 31. Crystal Bridges is the second and final stop for the exhibition, the only remaining opportunity for visitors to experience Rivera's expansive vision of America.
Sponsored Content
Why Buy Travel Insurance for U.S. Destinations?
If you’re traveling stateside, travel insurance is a must.
Daily
Jun 2, 2023San Antonio, Texas, Preserves Architectural Beauty for Future Generations
In San Antonio, Texas, old buildings are seldom destroyed. When they fall into disrepair, they are instead repurposed and restored to maintain the city’s history and traditions for future generations to appreciate. Whether it’s a former brewery or bank transforming into a chic hotel or a candy factory evolving into stylish lofts, this Texas city embraces both history and sustainability.
Daily
Jun 2, 2023Here’s How to Arrive in Style to the World’s Most Unforgettable Hotels
Make a grand entrance to these equally grand hotels:
Sponsored Content
Business or Leisure? With TAP Air Portugal, You Can Have Both!
Are you looking to enhance your business trip with a little leisure? Look no further than Portugal, a country renowned for its captivating blend of history, culture and natural beauty. And with TAP Air Portugal, you can effortlessly transform your business trip into an unforgettable bleisure adventure. Discover why Portugal and TAP Air Portugal are the perfect combination for an enriching and rejuvenating experience.
Protected: MORE TO TRAVEL
Sponsored
Jun 1, 2023Park Hyatt Tokyo Prepares for Its New Look
Daily
Jun 1, 2023London Concours Displays Golden Age Coupes
Daily
Jun 1, 2023April/May 2023
May 31, 2023Festivities Draw Crowds to Celebrate Awareness and Acceptance
An estimated 1 million people pack Times Square to watch the ball drop on New Year’s Eve, but the NYC Pride March draws the largest annual crowd for the city, boasting 2.5 million spectators in a normal year and more than 5 million during 2019’s WorldPride celebration. Pride events flood the Big Apple for the entire month of June, as they do in several cities across the country, bringing marches, symposiums, performances, parties and more to venues citywide.
Sponsored Content
Share Your Travel Preferences with Global Traveler in a Short Survey & Win
Learning more about our readers’ travel habits and preferences ensures Global Traveler delivers the content you desire. As the travel industry has adapted and changed over the last few years, it’s more important than ever to connect. To best meet your short- and long-term travel content needs, please help us!
Daily
May 31, 2023Pick These Resorts and Destinations for a Day of Self Care on Global Wellness Day
Celebrate Global Wellness Day on June 10 with a visit to one of these resorts or destinations.
ShareThis