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02/27/2003 Archived Entry: "Wine Buy: Rioja"

From Carol Berman, the Food Talk “Wine Chick:”

The Rioja region in northern Spain has long been a favorite wine producing region of mine. The wines have a particularly interesting, rustic charm, and a lot of integrity reflecting the region.

Bodegas Breton, Lorinon, 2000, is a good example. It is a really great representation of the Rioja Alta region, which is the sub-region of Rioja where the grapes are grown and the wine is made. Produced mainly from the tempranillo grape, which is sometimes referred to as the pinot noir of Spain, the wine has aromatics of cherries and spice, and a subtle earthiness. It is very smooth and silky on the palate.

Great with manchego cheese, the cheddar-like cheese from Spain, or lamb stew, I also would be happy sipping it with a garlic and herb roasted chicken. It really goes well with many foods, except those that are very delicate, like fish.

It’s a lot of wine for $12-$13 dollars. Distributed by Lauber Imports