Behind the Cork™ - Wine of the Week

December 12, 2018

2014 Ochoa Crianza Tempranillo ($23)

From the northern Spanish wine region of Navarra comes this 100% Tempranillo. It is one of six signature wines from Javier Ochoa.

Being a “Crianza” it has been aged for 12 months in American oak and then spends at least one year in the bottle.

The aromas of this Tempranillo are very mild with subtle hints of red berries.

It is medium-bodied, has firm tannin and noticeable acidity on the finish. It is lighter and more delicate than most Tempranillo and leans strongly toward the red fruit end of the spectrum.

If you prefer lighter red wines, this would be a great introduction to Tempranillo. Cheers!

Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this wine at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Sample Provided by Rebekah Polster, Navarra Media Consultant, 401westcomm.com

Behind the Cork™ - Wine of the Week

October 17, 2018

2015 Beronia Crianza Rioja ($15)

The Rioja region of Spain is noted for its Tempranillo and this one from Beronia is indeed noteworthy.

This is a typical Rioja blend of grapes consisting of 91% Tempranillo, 8% Garnacha and 1% Mazuelo (a.k.a Carignan).

The Tempranillo in this wine defines its structure. The Grenache provides more berry flavors and spices while adding to its wonderful aroma. Finally, the Carignan, even this wine’s 1%, adds acidity and an ever-so-slight hint of tannin.

With nice bright fruit on the nose, this wine immediately yields red fruit flavors of cherry and raspberry. Its medium body allows the fruit flavors to shine though.

This wine’s label includes the word “crianza.” In case you are not familiar with this term, crianza indicates that wine has spent one year in oak barrels.

The oak aging was done in mixed barrels with American oak staves and French oak caps. This process added subtle spice flavors and yielded low tannin. This makes for a easy finish with each sip.

This is a very nice wine that can pair with lighter fare and also stands up nicely with bigger-flavored foods.

As with all wines featured as a Behind the Cork™ - Wine of the Week, it’s very affordable and easily attainable. Enjoy! Cheers!

Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this wine at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Sample Provided by Rebekah Polster of Donna White Communications

This wine is imported by Gonzalez Byass.

Behind the Cork™ - Wine of the Week

June 13, 2018

2013 Hacienda López de Haro Reserva ($16)

This Rioja Reserva is a blend of 90% Tempranillo, 5% Granacha and 5% Graciano. It's grown in vineyards located near the heart of La Rioja, surrounded by the Sierra de Cantabria mountain and the river Ebro.

A Rioja Reserva wine must spend a minimum of one year in the barrel, and cannot be sent to market until a full three years after vintage. But, this Reserva spent a full 20 months in French and American oak.

This Rioja has bright, fruit-forward red and black fruit flavors while remaining on the lighter side of medium-bodied. The oak aging helps give complexity to soften the fruitiness. It has a nice easy finish with just a hint of spice.

In Rioja, "Reserva" truly has meaning and is certainly worth seeking out. This is one of those. And, while many Rioja Reserva wines can go well above $20, this one is a great value. Look for this one. You will enjoy it!

Look for the red Rioja Reserva label to ensure authenticity.