Synopsis, Our Opinion: A rich and intense Rioja that was way under valued.
Producer/Winery: Herederos del Marques de Riscal; Eltziego, Spain.
Grape Variety: Tempranillo (96% tempranillo and 4% graciano).
Geographic Appellation, Region, Country: Rioja, Spain.
Vintage: 2015
Price: $15.00 (with a 25% mixed case discount)
Purchased From: Harris Teeter Grocery Store; Kernersville, North Carolina.
Paired With: Marinated (BBQ sauce and ranch dressing) chicken, Mac & cheese and green beans from the garden.
Tasting:
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Note: Every now and again, when we find a good sale, we purchase wine we know nothing about from the grocery store. This is one of those sale-price “pig in a poke” grocery store wines. Generally we try to get non-domestic brands simply because we have been disappointed so frequently with sweet, poor quality wines…especially the reds. However, occasionally we get lucky and discover a real winner…a wine with excellent quality that’s sold at a very low price…e.g. La Vieille Ferme Recolte Blanc 2019.
Opened one hour before drinking. Clear ruby color with the same color rim. Vivacious cherry, strawberry, fresh cedar sawdust and hints of cinnamon aromas. A WOW silky smooth entry, rich and filling mouthfeel, full body and a 200-grit texture. Juicy pie cherry, tart blackberry, ripe fig and crushed bay leave flavors. Just the right amount of edgy acidity and luscious tannins that really blossomed in the long tart cherry tasting finish. WOW, exhilarating, powerful and intriguing tastes…noteworthy Rioja and a very delicious red wine. It had fantastic balance, intoxicating tastes and tannins to die for…it’s a keeper!!! No question it’s fruity, but also filled with subtleties. Perfect pairing with the strong flavors of the marinated chicken, but the silky smoothness of the tannins really made it special!!! We called it a rich and intense Rioja that was way under valued.
Photo from Marques de Riscal.
Alcohol Content: 14.5%
Closure: Thin aluminum covered 50mm natural cork.
UPC Code: 0 88320 00302 4
Imported by: Shaw Ross International; Miramar, Florida.