Rioja
Rioja, one of Spain's most esteemed wine regions, is renowned for its exceptional fine wines. With a winemaking tradition that spans centuries, Rioja is celebrated for its unique terroir, diverse grape varieties, and the artistry of its winemakers. Situated in northern Spain, Rioja produces wines that embody the rich history and passion of Spanish winemaking.
One of the most famous vineyards in Rioja is Bodegas Marqués de Riscal, a historic winery that has been producing wines since 1858. Their wines, including the iconic Marqués de Riscal Reserva and Marqués de Riscal Gran Reserva, are renowned for their elegance, complexity, and age-worthiness.
Another esteemed vineyard is Bodegas López de Heredia Viña Tondonia, known for its traditional winemaking practices and long-aged wines. Their Viña Tondonia Reserva and Viña Tondonia Gran Reserva are highly sought-after by wine enthusiasts seeking the classic Rioja style.
Rioja is primarily known for its red wines, which are crafted predominantly from the Tempranillo grape variety. Notable vineyards such as Bodegas Muga, Bodegas Roda, and Bodegas CVNE (Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España) produce exceptional red wines that showcase the region's unique characteristics. These wines display flavours of ripe red fruit, subtle oak influence, well-integrated tannins, and a remarkable balance.
Rioja also offers notable white wines, mainly made from the Viura grape variety. Bodegas Riojanas, Bodegas Ontañón, and Bodegas Valdemar are among the renowned vineyards that produce exquisite white wines with vibrant acidity, citrus flavours, and a refreshing crispness.
The region's wines are often classified into four categories: Rioja, Crianza, Reserva, and Gran Reserva, indicating the aging process and quality level. This classification system ensures consistent quality and allows wine lovers to choose wines based on their preferred style and maturity.
Rioja's fine wines beautifully capture the essence of the region, showcasing a harmonious balance between tradition and innovation. Whether you're savouring a well-aged Reserva, a vibrant Crianza, or a complex Gran Reserva, Rioja's wines promise an unforgettable experience that reflects the region's winemaking heritage and dedication to excellence.
Rioja
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James Suckling (97)
A very structured and gorgeous Rioja with blackberry, cherry, cedar and spice aromas and flavors. Hints of toasted oak underneath. Granite, too. Medium-bodied, yet the structure builds on the palate, giving superb length and power. Give it three to five years to come together, and beyond.HK$2,820.00 -
(1x300cl) 2018James Suckling (96)
Fresh blackberries, plums, smoked spices, graphite and cocoa powder. So juicy and firm, with fresh, abundant tannins coming from the fruit and spicy oak, but all woven in a fine-grained form, which clearly shows aging potential. Medium- to full-bodied with a very long finish. Try after 2026.HK$2,080.00 -
(1x600cl) 2018James Suckling (96)
Fresh blackberries, plums, smoked spices, graphite and cocoa powder. So juicy and firm, with fresh, abundant tannins coming from the fruit and spicy oak, but all woven in a fine-grained form, which clearly shows aging potential. Medium- to full-bodied with a very long finish. Try after 2026.HK$4,370.00 -
(3x150cl) 2018James Suckling (96)
Fresh blackberries, plums, smoked spices, graphite and cocoa powder. So juicy and firm, with fresh, abundant tannins coming from the fruit and spicy oak, but all woven in a fine-grained form, which clearly shows aging potential. Medium- to full-bodied with a very long finish. Try after 2026.HK$2,745.00 -
(6x150cl) 2018James Suckling (96)
Fresh blackberries, plums, smoked spices, graphite and cocoa powder. So juicy and firm, with fresh, abundant tannins coming from the fruit and spicy oak, but all woven in a fine-grained form, which clearly shows aging potential. Medium- to full-bodied with a very long finish. Try after 2026.HK$5,555.00 -
James Suckling (96)
Fresh blackberries, plums, smoked spices, graphite and cocoa powder. So juicy and firm, with fresh, abundant tannins coming from the fruit and spicy oak, but all woven in a fine-grained form, which clearly shows aging potential. Medium- to full-bodied with a very long finish. Try after 2026.HK$2,745.00 -
(6x75cl) 2019Vinous (95)
The 2019 Gran Reserva Imperial is a blend of 85% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano and 5% Mazuelo. Following malolactic fermentation in concrete vats, it aged for two years in 225-liter French (70%) and American (30%) oak barrels—both new and second use. It underwent rackings every eight months, before extended aging in century-old cellars. This opens with ripe black fruit and plum aromas, framed by well-integrated oak and subtle herbal notes. It displays a delicate style in the mouth, with fine, chalky tannins and a hint of dried herbs on the finish. The 2019 is a refined, flavorful red in a thoroughly classic Rioja tone.HK$1,840.00 -
Vinous (92)
(85% tempranillo, 10% graciano and 5% mazuelo) Bright ruby color. Exotic, expressive aromas of candied cherry and black raspberry, with deeper licorice and cocoa scents adding a serious aspect. Deep, chewy and attractively sweet, with juicy cherry and dark berry flavors underscored by smoky oak spice. Tannins come up with air, along with a hint of singed plum. Leaves sappy dark berry notes behind on the long, sweet finish.HK$1,055.00 -
(1x75cl) 2005Vinous (92)
Vivid ruby. Sexy aromas of redcurrant, cherry-vanilla, pipe tobacco and dried flowers. Fresh, spicy, impressively delineated red fruit flavors show very good depth, with the tobacco and vanilla elements carrying through in the mouth. Elegantly styled Rioja, finishing with a fine dusting of tannins and excellent spice-driven persistence. Shows more vivacity than the powerful 2004 version, which is of equal quality but in a different style.HK$990.00 -
(1x150cl) 2015HK$2,275.00 -
(6x75cl) 2015HK$4,375.00
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(6x75cl) 2020Decanter (97)
The second release on the Place de Bordeaux of this 'more modern' wine from the established Spanish winery says CVNE CEO and fifth-generation family member Victor Urrutia made from the 2.37ha plot of 30-year-old Tempranillo grapes known as Carromaza in the village of Villalba, 700m high in Rioja Alta. From the fresh and cool 2020 vintage, this is intensely fragrant, verging on heady aromatics on the nose; baked plum, strawberries and soft aniseed, cinnamon and clove spices. Supple and so smooth but with a crushed velvet edge giving weight and texture. Instantly satisfying on the palate with delicate, yet enrobing tannins that give structure and support but don't overwhelm the crunchy, ripe and fleshy fruit. Acidity is high and perfectly balances the warming underlying elements. Rich, sumptuous, seductive but with poise and nuance - everything feels well defined with the most delicious juiciness on the mid palate. Bright, shiny, alive and utterly drinkable. Wild yeast fermentation. Ageing 12 months in new and one year old French oak barrels. 3.6pH. 95 IPT.HK$3,540.00 -
(6x150cl) 2021James Suckling (96)
Such an exuberant, floral nose with lots of berries, plums, dark cherries, ink and touches of dark minerals, mussels and spices. Quite pristine and naked, with a medium to full body and a mouthful of powerful, sensuous tannins. Great tension. A super-confident, single-vineyard wine without much adornment. Drink or hold.HK$7,210.00 -
James Suckling (96)
Such an exuberant, floral nose with lots of berries, plums, dark cherries, ink and touches of dark minerals, mussels and spices. Quite pristine and naked, with a medium to full body and a mouthful of powerful, sensuous tannins. Great tension. A super-confident, single-vineyard wine without much adornment. Drink or hold.HK$2,265.00 -
(6x75cl) 2009HK$1,325.00 -
(6x75cl) 2011HK$1,275.00
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Wine Advocate (93)
The 2005 Gran Reserva is 90% Tempranillo and aged 20% in American and 80% French oak for 18 months. It has a flamboyant bouquet of kirsch, orange peel and earthy, cedar aromas that soar from the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with very fine focus and poise. It bounds along with pure dark cherry and raspberry fruit that are cut through by a silver thread of acidity. It is very harmonious and clean, with an attractive note of leather and dark chocolate towards the finish. This is very fine and well-crafted. Drink 2013-2022+HK$760.00 -
(6x75cl) 2005Wine Advocate (93)
The 2005 Gran Reserva is 90% Tempranillo and aged 20% in American and 80% French oak for 18 months. It has a flamboyant bouquet of kirsch, orange peel and earthy, cedar aromas that soar from the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with very fine focus and poise. It bounds along with pure dark cherry and raspberry fruit that are cut through by a silver thread of acidity. It is very harmonious and clean, with an attractive note of leather and dark chocolate towards the finish. This is very fine and well-crafted. Drink 2013-2022+HK$2,415.00 -
(6x75cl) 2007Vinous (93)
Brilliant ruby-red. Smoke- and mineral-accented aromas of dark berry preserves, dried cherry, pipe tobacco, vanilla and incense. Stains the palate with intense blackcurrant and bitter cherry flavors that become sweeter with air. Packs a serious punch but comes off as lithe and precise, finishing with strong cut and length and silky tannins that come up slowly.HK$2,420.00 -
Wine Advocate (94)
I was waiting to compare the 2010 Viña Real Gran Reserva with the Imperial Gran Reserva from that same vintage, as the comparison promised to be fascinating. This red blend from the Alavesa part of Rioja produced in its own winery is 95% Tempranillo and the rest Graciano; it fermented in stainless steel and matured in oak barrel for two years. The wine shows superb balance and harmony, with very subtle aromas of spices and flowers. It is one of those noses that make you go back to the wine over and over again, as it developed subtle nuances every time you smelled it. The palate feels a bit light compared with the Contino, which has more clout. I was going back and forth and at the end, I believe the three have a very similar quality level; what's best is that each has its own style and personality. 20,000 bottles produced.HK$2,470.00 -
(6x75cl) 2011HK$2,310.00 -
Vinous (94)
Glass-staining ruby. A highly complex bouquet features ripe red berry, cherry liqueur, cured tobacco and mocha scents, and a smoky mineral nuance and a hint of white pepper add urgency. Sweet, mineral-driven blackberry, cherry-vanilla, chewing tobacco and candied rose flavors show impressive depth as well as energy. Blends power and finesse with a steady hand and finishes chewy, sweet and impressively long, with youthfully gripping tannins adding framework.HK$1,900.00 -
(1x75cl) 2015Vinous (94)
Glass-staining ruby. A highly complex bouquet features ripe red berry, cherry liqueur, cured tobacco and mocha scents, and a smoky mineral nuance and a hint of white pepper add urgency. Sweet, mineral-driven blackberry, cherry-vanilla, chewing tobacco and candied rose flavors show impressive depth as well as energy. Blends power and finesse with a steady hand and finishes chewy, sweet and impressively long, with youthfully gripping tannins adding framework.HK$6,010.00 -
Vinous (94)
Glass-staining ruby. A highly complex bouquet features ripe red berry, cherry liqueur, cured tobacco and mocha scents, and a smoky mineral nuance and a hint of white pepper add urgency. Sweet, mineral-driven blackberry, cherry-vanilla, chewing tobacco and candied rose flavors show impressive depth as well as energy. Blends power and finesse with a steady hand and finishes chewy, sweet and impressively long, with youthfully gripping tannins adding framework.HK$1,805.00 -
Wine Advocate (95)
The extremely affordable 2016 Viña Real Gran Reserva Especial recovers the "Especial" mention from the old Reserva Especial vintages from a very good year. It's a classical Rioja Alavesa blend of 95% Tempranillo with 5% Graciano from their own vineyards. It's open and expressive, with notes of berries, fresh blood and iron, orange peel and sweet spices with the oak still present and in need of some more time in bottle. The palate is medium-bodied and feels lean and serious, with abundant chalky tannins. This should be a classical vintage of this wine in the making. It matured in barrel for two years and no less than three in bottle. 30,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in March 2019.HK$1,530.00 -
Wine Advocate (95)
The extremely affordable 2016 Viña Real Gran Reserva Especial recovers the "Especial" mention from the old Reserva Especial vintages from a very good year. It's a classical Rioja Alavesa blend of 95% Tempranillo with 5% Graciano from their own vineyards. It's open and expressive, with notes of berries, fresh blood and iron, orange peel and sweet spices with the oak still present and in need of some more time in bottle. The palate is medium-bodied and feels lean and serious, with abundant chalky tannins. This should be a classical vintage of this wine in the making. It matured in barrel for two years and no less than three in bottle. 30,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in March 2019.HK$2,585.00 -
Wine Advocate (95)
The extremely affordable 2016 Viña Real Gran Reserva Especial recovers the "Especial" mention from the old Reserva Especial vintages from a very good year. It's a classical Rioja Alavesa blend of 95% Tempranillo with 5% Graciano from their own vineyards. It's open and expressive, with notes of berries, fresh blood and iron, orange peel and sweet spices with the oak still present and in need of some more time in bottle. The palate is medium-bodied and feels lean and serious, with abundant chalky tannins. This should be a classical vintage of this wine in the making. It matured in barrel for two years and no less than three in bottle. 30,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in March 2019.HK$1,530.00 -
(6x75cl) 2010Vinous (92)
(90% tempranillo, with equal parts garnacha, mazuelo and graciano): Deep ruby. Intensely perfumed aromas of black raspberry, cherry pit, vanilla and dried flowers. Juicy and precise on the palate, offering vibrant red and dark berry flavors and a hint of bitter chocolate. The floral quality comes back strong on the very long, smoke-tinged finish, which features a suave spicecake quality and even tannins.HK$1,840.00 -
(6x75cl) 2015HK$7,840.00 -
(6x75cl) 2024El Coto Blanco 2024 showcases the meticulous artistry of El Coto, a distinguished winery nestled in Spain’s esteemed Rioja region. Crafted predominantly from Viura and Malvasía grapes, hand-harvested from sustainably managed vineyards, this white wine embodies the elegance and precision synonymous with El Coto’s legacy. The grapes undergo gentle pressing followed by fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to preserve their fresh fruit characteristics and vibrant acidity. A subtle ageing period on fine lees enhances the wine’s complexity, imparting delicate notes of citrus zest, white blossoms, and mineral nuances. El Coto Blanco 2024 presents a harmonious balance of crispness and elegance, making it a perfect companion for seafood delicacies, poultry dishes, and light tapas. Celebrated for its consistency and quality, El Coto Blanco 2024 is a testament to the winery’s commitment to excellence and the rich terroir of Rioja.
HK$505.00
