My new passion...wines from Rioja

Those of you who read my blog regularly, and even more so, those who know me personally, know that I am a lover of traditional winemaking in most of the world's great wine regions.

I like the products of old school wine makers in Bordeaux, Chinon, Muscadet, Germany, Burgundy, Cote Rotie, Chateauneuf du Pape, Bandol, Champagne, Tuscany, Piedmont and even Australia.

A few years ago, I was really into Ribera del Dueros, but somehow, with only a few exceptions, as my tastes have increasingly gravitated towards less raw power and more finesse, I found myself disliking many of the wines I had once liked. A good example of this effect would be my recent dislike of recent vintages of Bodegas Aalto. A wine that I really liked a few years ago...I now dread opening.

With this evolution, and the experience of another handful of Spanish fruit bombs, I had avoided all Spanish wines like the plague for years.

Recently however, I was told by a friend (who happens to prefer Champagne and Burgundy) that he had had some Rioja that I may want to try. Turns out that he was talking about Lopez de Heredia. I went and bought a bottle and was smitten. I've since purchased and tasted more Rioja. Of course, I stick to old school producers like Lopez de Heredia, Rioja Alta, Monte Real, and CVNE, and I've had an amazing run so far.

What makes me love these wines so much?

1) Well, for starters, they are extremely food friendly. Try an aged Gran Reserva with some stewed or braised lamb and you'll know what I mean.

2) Second, the ones I've had, have had the texture and aromatic complexity of Burgundy.

3) Third, they feature great freshness.

4) Fourth, some can age effortlessly for decades.

5) And fifth, and not least importantly, they are some of the greatest bargains in today's wine marketplace. From where else in the world can I buy a top wine with 10+ years of age on it, with a decade or more agability for between $30-$40. I can't think of many, if any.

I am awaiting another case of Rioja at the end of the week, and I am positively giddy. I can't wait to open a few of these bottles, especially at this time of year, when the nights are cool and some stewed and slow roasted dishes are making their way on our dinner table.

If you are not familiar with Rioja yet, I can only hope you familiarize yourself with this amazing wine region, provided you like old school wine making.

A sante.

SP