Spanish Wine Academy
Spain: It’s hands down the most exciting wine region in the world today. In this class, we serve up a full panoply of dazzling reds and whites from premier regions like …
Rioja
Bodega Pujanza 2015 “Hado” Rioja
Bodegas y Viñedos Pujanza There is a solar system of wineries rotating around the ancient walled city of Laguardia in Alavesa, Rioja. At the outer limits is the massive Calatrava-designed Bodega Ysios. …
Contino 2014 Rioja Reserva
Contino Contino is the first and remains one of the greatest single-vineyard Rioja producers in the marketplace. Based on 19th Century French château’s ideals, Contino has been CVNE’s premier label since …
Bodegas Montecillo 2011 Reserva Rioja
A 19th Century winery still manages to put out some serious juice, year in and year out. If you need an everyday bottle of Rioja, this will fit the bill. Aromas …
Bodegas Montecillo 2009 Rioja Gran Reserva
On occasion, I sit next to a normal at a wine conference. After a few minutes of awkward conversation, they invariably ask me one question: “What is your favorite wine?” I don’t have an answer to …
Spanish Wine Reviews
Find these wines near you: Wine Finder Bodegas Briego Tiempo Crianza, Ribera Del Duero I’ve reviewed vintages of Bodegas Briego since 2009 and have always been impressed by the quality and price points for …
Bodega Montecillo 2010 Reserva Rioja
One of the first wineries in Rioja. Well, other than the medieval farmers who aged their wines in gutted-out pig skins. Located in the Rioja Alta region, Montecillo is an important …
Consejo de la Alta 2011 Cata de Consejero, Rioja
Bodegas Consejo de la Alta is located in a tiny town the Ebro river. It’s a place that could be described as between: it’s between the two major Riojan cities of …
Dinastia Vivanco 2010 Rioja Reserva
After all these years (and all those wines!), the high level of winemaking and the low cost of Spanish wines still amazes me. For instance, this bottle of reserva should cost …
Burgo Viejo Licenciado 2008 Rioja Reserva
A full metal wine label? That is a badass as it comes. This bottling hails from the Baja region of Rioja. The winery–which started as a cooperative back in the ’50’s— is …
Baigorri 2010 Rioja Crianza
If you ever visit Rioja –and I suggest you do– you will see this winery while driving between Logroño (where you MUST go for tapas) and Laguardia (the most beautiful town …
Cune 2009 Rioja Gran Reserva
The wines of C.V.N.E. (or Cune) will always have a warm place in my heart. They are classical Rioja, and their Gran Reserva stands the test of time. If you have …
Contino 2007 Gran Reserva Rioja
CVNE A number of years ago, I was fortunate enough to have a one-on-one tasting with Maria Larrea, the CVNE winemaker. A wonderfully gracious woman, she took me through her entire portfolio …
Montecillo 2008 Rioja Reserva
If I could figure out a way to turn the Wine School into a religious institution (think of it: best communion ever!), Rioja would be one of our holy lands. It’s …
Bodegas Eguia 2008 “Vina Eguia” Crianza
Our readers may be familiar with Bodegas Eguia, as we gave a high rating to one of their Rioja Reservas a few years back. This is the Crianza, which by definition …
Heras Cordón 2005 Rioja Reserva
Winemaking in Rioja has a contradictory vein: winemakers tend to use classic techniques and grape varietals to make modern wines. Heras Cordon is a relatively new winery in Rioja Alta, being …