Rioja

Vina Monty Viura: A White Wine That Defies Rioja’s Red Dominance

Vina Monty Viura: A White Wine That Defies Rioja’s Red Dominance

Here’s what you need to know: In a region synonymous with bold reds, this white wine is a revelation. Bodegas Montecillo’s Vina Monty Viura isn’t just another entry in Rioja’s vast red wine catalog—it’s a rare white that’s rewriting the script. Madeline Maldonado, sommelier at Ci Siamoin, calls it a “game-changer” for dinner parties, proving that even in a land obsessed with Tempranillo, there’s room for elegance and complexity in white. This wine isn’t just about defying expectations; it’s about terroir and technique. Made from old vines and aged in French oak, it balances richness with freshness. Notes of almond,…
Read More
The Oak-Infused Heart of Rioja: Why Tempranillo Rules

The Oak-Infused Heart of Rioja: Why Tempranillo Rules

The verdict is in: Oak aging isn’t the villain—it’s the secret weapon in Spain’s Tempranillo revolution. For years, critics have mocked over-oaked wines as syrupy and heavy, but the truth is, oak can elevate a grape to greatness. Spain’s Rioja region proves it, turning Tempranillo into a dark red titan with depth, complexity, and a price tag that won’t break the bank. This week’s Tasting Challenge? A Rioja Reserva that’s everything you want in a bold red—and nothing you don’t. Rioja’s magic lies in its obsession with oak. The region’s classification system hinges on aging: longer time in barrels means…
Read More