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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Rioja | 10 | - | HK$1,235.00 | |||||
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El Coto, Crianza, Rioja 2021 exemplifies the esteemed heritage of Bodegas El Coto, nestled in Spain’s renowned Rioja region. Crafted predominantly from Tempranillo grapes sourced from meticulously selected vineyards, this Crianza undergoes a traditional vinification process. Following harvest, the wines are gently fermented and then aged for a minimum of twelve months, with at least six months matured in French oak barrels, imparting subtle vanilla and spice nuances. The remainder of the ageing occurs in the winery’s cellars, allowing the wine to develop its characteristic complexity and harmonious balance. The 2021 vintage presents a deep ruby colour, complemented by aromas of ripe cherry, tobacco, and hints of cedar. On the palate, it offers a velvety texture with well-integrated tannins and a lingering finish. Perfectly suited to complement a variety of gourmet dishes, El Coto, Crianza, Rioja 2021 is a testament to fine Rioja winemaking artistry. |
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Rioja | 30 | - | HK$925.00 | |||||
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El Coto, Crianza, Rioja 2021 exemplifies the esteemed heritage of Bodegas El Coto, nestled in Spain’s renowned Rioja region. Crafted predominantly from Tempranillo grapes sourced from meticulously selected vineyards, this Crianza undergoes a traditional vinification process. Following harvest, the wines are gently fermented and then aged for a minimum of twelve months, with at least six months matured in French oak barrels, imparting subtle vanilla and spice nuances. The remainder of the ageing occurs in the winery’s cellars, allowing the wine to develop its characteristic complexity and harmonious balance. The 2021 vintage presents a deep ruby colour, complemented by aromas of ripe cherry, tobacco, and hints of cedar. On the palate, it offers a velvety texture with well-integrated tannins and a lingering finish. Perfectly suited to complement a variety of gourmet dishes, El Coto, Crianza, Rioja 2021 is a testament to fine Rioja winemaking artistry. |
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Rioja | 1 | 97 (DC) | HK$1,200.00 | |||||
Decanter (97)This dark, relatively tight-knit Rioja proves that the Gran Reserva category doesn't just indicate the supremely well-aged, relaxed and reposeful style of Rioja, but can also serve to draw drinkers' attention to outstanding wines of density and tenacity which still have a way to run along their potential ageing trajectories. Look out for dark, urgent fruits here sweetened and back-lit by cunningly angled oak, with intense, deep, fresh and searching flavours in which the 10% of Graciano seems to be working overtime. A Rioja of innate drama. |
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Rioja | 1 | 95 (DC) | HK$2,330.00 | |||||
Decanter (95)Lots of oak here, but so well integrated with the exceptional fruit, it’s very moreish. On the palate there’s cream, leather, toast and coffee alongside succulent red fruits including raspberry and strawberry which carries the wine beautifully. It has ripe, generous tannins offset by fine acidity with a savoury tobacco pouch finish. It’s just starting to hit its stride but has a long way to go. |
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Rioja | 1 | 92 (WE) | HK$1,205.00 | |||||
Wine Enthusiast (92)Deep, sweet dark-cherry fruit forms a solid foundation for this impressive wine. There's a touch of menthol oak on the nose; plenty of leather and earth accents in the mouth, coupled with good acidity, keep the palate complex and lively. Finishes long, with full—but not harsh—tannins. Editors' Choice. |
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Rioja | 1 | 93 (WE) | HK$1,715.00 | |||||
Wine Enthusiast (93)Classic Rioja aromas of vanilla, spice, tobacco and dried berry fruits carry this wine. On the palate, this warm-vintage gran reserva has energy from well-stored acidity, while the flavors include cherry, plum, mocha and a plethora of spices. Chocolate and tobacco flavors along with general warmth crowd the finish. Drink through 2030. |
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Rioja | 2 | 94 (JS) | HK$2,499.00 | |||||
James Suckling (94)Very complex aromas of ripe berries, sultanas, cedar and hints of chocolate. Full-bodied with round, ripe tannins that are layered and fresh. A delicious combination of mature fruit and mahogany add to the complexity of the wine. Holding on really nicely. Drink or hold. |
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Rioja | 4 | 94 (VN) | HK$5,835.00 | |||||
Vinous (94)(85% tempranillo and 15% graciano) Glass-staining purple. Youthfully backward nose displays inky dark berry and plum aromas, along with licorice, espresso and dark chocolate. Then shockingly fresh and precise on the palate, offering sweet black raspberry and blueberry flavors, with powerful tannins adding structure. Coats the palate and reaches every nook and cranny of the mouth, gaining spice and cracked pepper nuances with air. As powerful as this wine is, there's an uncanny weightlessness to it that is intriguing. Finishes clean and long, with lingering spiciness. |
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Rioja | 1 | 97 (WA) | HK$1,830.00 | |||||
Wine Advocate (97)The stunning 2021 Pancrudo has a nose of violets, rose petals and translucent red berries with a twist of spice and herbs, aromatic, intoxicating, profound and intense. It has a medium-bodied, elegant palate with vibrant acidity (acid berries), pungent and persistent flavors and fine-boned tannins. It's pure Garnacha from Badarán with power and ripeness, 14.5% alcohol and full development of aromas and flavors. It is nuanced, complex and balanced. It matured in foudre and one-third of the volume in concrete egg. It has to be the finest wine I have ever tasted from Gómez Cruzado. Bravo! 8,981 bottles were filled in May 2023. |
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Rioja | 2 | 96 (DC) | HK$3,850.00 | |||||
Decanter (96)This has a burnished mahogany colour - pale and interesting with an intense nose, coffee, tertiary notes, forest floor, balsam and tree bark. On the palate graceful plum fruit is now giving way to raisin, toffee, balsam, coffee, spice box and creamy caramel. It has a refined texture with super complexity and balance alongside a lovely freshness, elegance and length. A classic, old school, mature Rioja which is very much alive and a joy to drink. It’s at its peak but should plateau at this level for some time if well stored. |
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Rioja | 1 | 96 (WE) | HK$2,488.00 | |||||
Wine Enthusiast (96)This deep-garnet-colored wine has aromas of blackberry, black currant and olive tapenade. It is soft at first sip, and then rugged tannins build on the palate, ferrying flavors of dark plum, pomegranate, cocoa powder, thyme and orange zest that wend their way to a surprisingly bright finish. Drink through 2035. |
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Rioja | 30 | - | HK$1,320.00 | |||||
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The Izadi Rioja Reserva 2018 epitomises the finest expression of Rioja's esteemed winemaking tradition. Produced in the heart of Spain's renowned Rioja region, this reserva is crafted from selected Tempranillo and Garnacha grapes, meticulously grown in the region's diverse terroir. Under the expert guidance of the Izadi family, who have upheld their legacy of excellence for generations, the wine undergoes careful fermentation before being aged for 24 months in French oak barrels, followed by an extended maturation period in the bottle. This meticulous process imparts a complex character, showcasing deep notes of ripe blackberry, plum, and subtle vanilla, intertwined with elegant spice and cedar undertones. The Izadi Rioja Reserva 2018 offers a balanced palate with refined tannins and a lingering finish, making it a quintessential choice for connoisseurs seeking sophistication and depth. Perfectly pairing with rich meats and aged cheeses, this Reserva exemplifies Izadi's dedication to quality and the distinguished profile of Rioja wines. |
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Rioja | 30 | - | HK$1,355.00 | |||||
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More Info
The Izadi Rioja Reserva 2020 exemplifies the pinnacle of Rioja winemaking, meticulously crafted in the heart of La Rioja, Spain. Handpicked Tempranillo grapes from the esteemed vineyards of Bodegas Izadi undergo a careful fermentation process in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. The wine is then aged for eighteen months in French oak barrels, imparting nuanced flavours and a refined structure. Renowned for their dedication to traditional techniques blended with modern innovation, Bodegas Izadi ensures each bottle of their Reserva achieves exceptional balance and complexity. The Izadi Rioja Reserva 2020 displays a deep ruby hue, with aromas of ripe red fruits, subtle spice, and elegant oak. On the palate, it offers a harmonious blend of tannins and acidity, culminating in a long, sophisticated finish. Perfectly suited for pairing with rich cuisine, this Reserva stands as a testament to Izadi's expertise and passion for fine wine. ``` |
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Rioja | 59 | 98 (TA) | HK$8,580.00 | |||||
Tim Atkin MW (98)The superlative 2010 release is the first 890 Gran Reserva since 2005, and it was definitely worth the wait. Partnering Tempranillo with 3% Graciano and 2% Mazuelo, it has a wonderful combination of structure, sweetness and focus. Aromatic spices, red berry fruit and top notes of tobacco and fresh leather are underpinned by age-worthy tannins and refreshing acidity. One to keep. |
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Rioja | 3 | 96 (WA) | HK$10,415.00 | |||||
Wine Advocate (96)The 2004 Gran Reserva 904 is Tempranillo from Brinas, Labastida and Villalba balanced with 10% Graciano from Briones and Rodezno. The grapes were fermented and macerated in inox vats for 14 days at 28º C, and malolactic fermentation lasted 28 days. The wine aged for 4 years in used American oak barrels averaging 4 years old, during which time it was manually racked 8 times. 150,000 bottles were filled. This 2004, from a superb vintage shows a beautiful light red color with a brick rim and a superb nose redolent of balsamic woods, spices, leather, well-hung meat, incense and truffles. The light to medium-bodied palate shows fully resolved tannins, great acidity and pure, pungent flavors that linger in the mouth forever and that can only be Rioja. This is a wine to smell over and over again. It might sound like an exaggeration, but this wine is still too young and you should wait a little bit and drink the superb 2001 vintage which should still be available on the market while this one matures in bottle. At this quality level the price is superb especially considering that the wine is being released 10 years after the vintage. Drink 2016-2024. |
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Rioja | 2 | 96 (WA) | HK$3,295.00 | |||||
Wine Advocate (96)The 2005 Gran Reserva 904 is a superb blend of Tempranillo from the villages of Briñas, Labastida and Villalba with 10% Graciano from Briones and Rodezno. The grapes were destemmed and crushed and fermented in stainless steel for 18 days at 25 C. Malolactic fermentation was spontaneous and lasted 38 days. These wines are marked by a long aging in used American oak barrels following the most strict Riojan tradition; four years during which time the wine was manually racked eight times. This is usually my favorite wine from La Rioja Alta and 2005 is one of its best showings, going back to the quality of the vintages of the 1950s and 60s. The nose is very balsamic with notes of camphor, hints of mint, leather and hung game wrapped around a core of cherries in liqueur. Together it is balanced, subtle, truly elegant and classical. The palate is only medium-bodied but with great concentration of flavors that are very tasty, mineral, almost salty and framed by ultra-fine tannins and smashing balance. A great classic. This wine will be released in October 2015, a full ten years after the vintage. At this quality level this is a bargain. 150,000 bottles produced. |
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Rioja | 1 | 98 (JS) | HK$7,810.00 | |||||
James Suckling (98)Fresh blueberries and brambleberries take center stage, which is striking for a wine of this age. There are also lots of roasted herbs, such as sage, not to mention floral elements, including lavender and dried violets. Then come cedar, sandalwood and tar. The tannins are incredibly round and soft, without the slightest hint of anything dry. This is among the most elegant of Riojas, where the acidity is wonderfully pronounced and cuts right through any touch of dried fruit. Long and powerful, yet subtle on the finish. Drink now, or hold for a very long time. |
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