Rapt about Rioja: Notes from the Deep Dive Tempranillo and Rioja

Last week, I had the pleasure of hosting a Deep Dive into Tempranillo & Rioja with a group of six enthusiastic guests. I want to extend my gratitude to all the attendees for their support, punctuality, and valuable feedback, which contributed to the success of the event.

During our exploration, we sampled a flight of four exquisite wines, which can be purchased through the following link: Tempranillo & Rioja Wines.

Note: While these wines are available in-store island-wide, you can book via this website to receive the Wine Diva Select discounted rate. The included retail price serves as a point of reference for comparison.

The selection of wines showcased both 100% Tempranillo varietals and blended wines incorporating the distinguished grape. This approach allowed us to fully appreciate the versatility and nuances expressed by the Tempranillo grape in each wine.

Wine #1: Waterford Rose-Mary

WDS Club Rate: $22.95
(Retail: $25.45)

We began our journey with a delightful South African Rosé that pleasantly surprised even the most devoted rosé aficionados in the room. Curious to learn more or ready to indulge? Explore this wine at the exclusive club rate through this link: Waterford Rose-Mary is here.

This exceptional blend features a symphony of Shiraz, Mourvedre, Malbec, Cinsaut, Tempranillo, and Sangiovese grapes.

The harmonious combination creates a unique South African adaptation of a classically European Rosé. This tropical, fruit-forward wine offers an expressive alternative to the popular Provencal-style wines often enjoyed during summer. With bright acidity, mild yeast notes, and moderate alcohol content, it pairs splendidly with autumnal spreads.

Prominent flavors of apricot, citrus, and cherry dominate this lively wine, making it a splendid accompaniment for pork, poultry, rich fish, vegetarian dishes, and salads with sumptuous sauces. Waterford Rose-Mary is here.

Wine #2: Ramon Bilbao Edicion Limitada

WDS Club Rate: $25.00
(Retail: $28.14)

Buy Ramon Bilbao Edicion Limitada here.

This Crianza style Rioja displays the exceptional craftsmanship of Bodegas Ramon Bilbao, resembling the character of a Gran Reserva. Crafted from solely Tempranillo grapes harvested from 40-year-old vines in the finest vineyards of Rioja, this limited-production Crianza undergoes fermentation in large oak casks. After 14 months in French oak and an additional 9 months in the bottle, it emerges as a remarkable wine.

Expect enticing aromas of red berries, plums, and cherries, complemented by subtle oak and smoky notes on the palate. The well-structured tannins and a long, balanced finish make this red and spicy gem a perfect pairing for lamb roasts, game fowl (such as pheasant) with rich sauces, or mature cheeses. Buy Ramon Bilbao Edicion Limitada here.

 

Best in Class 

Wine #3: Ramon Bilbao Gran Reserva 

 

WDS Club single bottle: $36.00 per bottle
WDS Club case of 6: $34.00 per bottle
(Retail: $42.88)

Buy the Ramon Bilbao Gran Reserva here

This wine stole the show, receiving the highest praise and constant requests during our session. The Gran Reserva distinction denotes the utmost quality, requiring the wine to spend 2 years in oak casks and 3 years in the bottle. The Ramon Bilbao Gran Reserva comprises 90% Tempranillo, blended with Graciano and Mazuelo varieties to create a perfectly balanced Rioja.

Indulge in the captivating aromas of red and black fruit, accompanied by enticing spice box notes, hints of vanilla, and coconut. The luscious fruit flavors, voluminous yet integrated acidity, and refined tannins leave a lasting impression on the palate, culminating in a long, delightful finish.

I hope you enjoyed revisiting the highlights of our Rioja Deep Dive event through this blog post.

Now, if you wish to access exclusive club rates year-round, offering over 1000 wines island-wide, I invite you to join the Wine Diva Select Club starting in January 2024. As a club member, you'll enjoy an average discount of 15% on wine, spirits, tea, coffee, and sundries at your favorite retail locations. Additionally, there's a remarkable 20% discount on cases of wine and spirits across Bermuda.

But that's not all! Club membership grants you priority access to all Wine Diva Select experiences and bonuses for referring others to the club. Don't miss out on this opportunity to elevate your wine learning and indulge in luxurious experiences. Join today from as little as $9 per month by clicking here to access a link to the club.

If you know someone who would relish a club experience centered around a love for wine and the enjoyment of luxury experiences, share the love by sending them this blog post.

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