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 | 1 | 98 (JS) | HK$2,601.00 | |||||
James Suckling (98)This is historical Rioja in the glass with dark-berry, Spanish-cedar, bark, mahogany and light earth aromas that follow through to a full body with firm, fine tannins that are layered and intense. It really is multilayered, with a citrus and cedar aftertaste. Wonderful length and composure. Try after 2023, but already fantastic. |
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Rioja | 1 | 94 (TA) | HK$1,585.00 | |||||
Tim Atkin MW (94)Fresh, serious, stylish and well balanced, this is a delightful 2015, with no sign of the heat of the vintage. |
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Rioja | 2 | - | HK$1,535.00 | |||||
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Rioja | 1 | - | HK$950.00 | |||||
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Marques de Riscal Rioja Reserva 2010 epitomises the renowned craftsmanship of Spain’s prestigious Rioja Alavesa region. Meticulously crafted from predominantly Tempranillo grapes, this Reserva undergoes an extended aging process of 36 months, including 18 months in a combination of French and American oak barrels. The vineyards, situated at optimal altitudes, benefit from a unique microclimate that enhances the grapes' complexity and depth. Marques de Riscal, established in 1858, blends traditional techniques with modern innovation to produce wines of exceptional quality. The 2010 vintage reveals a deep garnet hue, offering an intricate bouquet of ripe red berries, subtle spices, and elegant vanilla notes derived from oak maturation. On the palate, it delivers a harmonious balance of robust tannins and vibrant acidity, culminating in a long, persistent finish. This exquisite Rioja Reserva exemplifies the legacy and dedication of Marques de Riscal in creating fine wines for discerning connoisseurs. |
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Rioja | 4 | 94+ (WA) | HK$1,805.00 | |||||
Wine Advocate (94+)The second vintage of their top white is the 2019 Flor de Muga Blanco, produced with a blend of 40% Viura from red limestone and clay soils, 30% Garnacha Blanca from classical clay and limestone and 30% Maturana Blanca planted on sandy soils. It fermented in small barrels with indigenous yeasts and then matured in concrete eggs for three months and new barriques built in their own cooperage for six months. The wine is 13.2%alcohol and has a pH of 3.2 with very good acidity. There are only 37 hectares of Maturana Blanca in Rioja, of which they have eight. It's the same grape as the extinct Ribadavia variety from Galicia. The variety disappeared because it delivers very low yields, but they love the quality when it's picked fully ripe when it still keeps very good acidity. The wine is still a little oaky and powerful, from a warm and dry year, but the palate is electric and almost salty. This is a white that should develop nicely in bottle (I wish I had a time machine!), and as with the rosé, this feels like the finest vintage to date... only the second one! 11,892 bottles produced. It was bottled in December 2020. |
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Rioja | 2 | 91 (VN) | HK$8,335.00 | |||||
Vinous (91)Dark red. Wild, gamey red berry and cherry scents are complicated by leather, vanilla, baking spices and cured meat. Firm, sharply focused redcurrant and bitter cherry flavors slowly unwind to reveal smoky mineral and floral pastille character. Finishes sweet, spicy and very long. |
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Rioja | 1 | 98 (JS) | HK$4,590.00 | |||||
James Suckling (98)This is amazing traditional Rioja with a complexity and beauty of ripe fruit and long aging. Unique. Full body, ultra-fine tannins, tobacco, vanilla, plums and prunes. It lasts for minutes on the palate. Three years aged in oak and three years in bottle. 80% tempranillo with the rest of the classic varieties. All from high altitude vineyards. |
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Rioja | 1 | 96 (WA) | HK$4,295.00 | |||||
Wine Advocate (96)The most classical of the wines from Muga, the 2011 Prado Enea Gran Reserva comes from a warm year that here was cooler than 2012, when they did not produce it. There won't be a 2013 either. So after this 2011, the following vintage will be 2014 but with fewer bottles and then 2015 and 2016. The wine has a developed nose with some tertiary notes, combined with some notes of ripe black fruit and sweet spices. It fees like an open, expressive and hedonistic year for Prado Enea. The palate reveals polished tannins and some balsamic and developed flavors, truffle, forest floor and hints of cigar ash and incense. Stylistically, this could be close to the 2006, which was also surprisingly fresh for the average ripeness found in Rioja in general. 92,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in early 2015 after almost 40 months in barrel. Time in bottle has polished the wine, and it's ready to drink on release, but it's a wine that is going to develop in bottle for a long time. |
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Rioja | 6 | 97 (JS) | HK$3,060.00 | |||||
James Suckling (97)Really beautiful aromas of crushed blackberry, brambleberry, hazelnut, walnut and light coffee, following through to a full yet so reserved and polished body with fine, creamy-textured tannins. Fresh and exquisite finish. This is a much more refined and harmonic rendition of their classic wine. Three years in French oak from their own production. Very enjoyable now, but this will improve with age for a long time. |
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Rioja | 1 | 98 (WE) | HK$3,525.00 | |||||
Wine Enthusiast (98)This dark-ruby wine offers a bouquet of ripe cherry and baking spices. Notes of clove and nutmeg transition to the palate alongside flavors of blackberry, cassis, chocolate-covered espresso bean, eucalyptus and violet. Luxurious tannins amble toward a lengthy finish. Drink through 2045. |
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Rioja | 1 | 97+ (WA) | HK$3,155.00 | |||||
Wine Advocate (97+)The expressive, complex and nuanced 2016 Prado Enea Gran Reserva is a textbook traditional Rioja in the making. 2016 was a very elegant year, with aging potential, volume and very good acidity and freshness. It's full-bodied but fine-boned, has 14.5% alcohol, a pH of 3.6 and 5.25 grams per liter acidity. It has terrific balance, with all the components in the right proportion to age superbly in bottle. They have also been working on the selection of wood used. This wine matured in French and American oak barrels for three years, and the oak is super integrated. 127,808 bottles produced. It was bottled in January 2020. It was an exceptional year with volume and quality. |
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Rioja | 1 | 94 (WA) | HK$1,670.00 | |||||
Wine Advocate (94)The 2019 Reserva, sold as Crianza in Spain, comes from a dry and warm year with low yields and concentrated wines. The grapes from the Haro zone, the four from Rioja, Tempranillo, Garnacha Tinta, Mazuelo and Graciano fermented destemmed and lightly crushed in oak vats with indigenous yeasts, and 80% of the volume matured in French oak and the rest in Centro European and American oak, 20% of them new, for 22 months, during which time the wine was racked every eight to nine months. This is serious and young but balanced, nuanced and complex. They are shortening the time in oak, as they feel they have better and younger barrels and think the wines need less time in oak and more time in bottle. This is very Muga, very Rioja and very good. They produced an impressive 960,000 bottles and 18,000 magnums of this. There is only one master blend that is bottled at different times. I tasted a bottle that was filled in April 2022 (because of the lack of availability of bottles!). |
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Rioja | 2 | 95 (DC) | HK$1,270.00 | |||||
Decanter (95)Grupo Bodegas Olarra was founded in 1973 and is now a large organisation producing wines under three different bodega names in Rioja and beyond. The Laztana 2011 is a blend of about 80% Tempranillo with 10% Garnacha and the remainder Graciano and Mazuelo, from vines aged on average for more than 30 years. Fermentation in stainless steel was followed by malolactic fermentation and nearly three months on lees in new 225-litre Allier oak barrels, then six further months in new oak before cask-ageing up to 27 months in total in a mix of new to five-year-old Allier and US barrels. The wine was subsequently cellared for 40 further months in bottle prior to its first release. Sarah Jane Evans MW - Truffly, balsamic, cherry aromas. Full-bodied and fleshy in the mouth, a really youthful wine, packed with energy. Notes of oranges, blackberries and redcurrants abound, then following through with a firm structure of tannin. Christine Parkinson - Spicy aromas of turmeric, cumin, strawberry and dark chocolate, which all carry through to the palate. Creamy layers of tannin are very appealing, and the strong core of acidity makes this a great wine for food. Very long, confident, concentrated finish. Beth Willard - Attractive nose of rose petal, peach and red cherry. Very ripe, jammy fruit, strawberry, with a touch of white pepper on the finish and fresh acidity. A more fruit-forward style of wine, with well balanced oak Drinking Window 2021 - 2033 |
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Rioja | 6 | - | HK$3,760.00 | |||||
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The Paganos Rioja Nieta 2010 epitomises the pinnacle of Rioja excellence. Crafted in the esteemed Rioja Alta region, this exquisite wine is predominantly made from the finest Tempranillo grapes, meticulously handpicked from the estate’s premier vineyards. Under the expert guidance of Enrique Pagano, a maestro in viticulture, the Nieta undergoes an extended aging process, spending 24 months in French oak barrels followed by an additional 24 months in the bottle. This meticulous maturation bestows the wine with a profound complexity, featuring notes of ripe blackberries, dried plum, and subtle hints of vanilla and spice. The 2010 vintage showcases a harmonious balance between robust tannins and vibrant acidity, culminating in a velvety, long-lasting finish. Paganos’ commitment to sustainable farming practices and traditional winemaking techniques is evident in every sip, making the Paganos Rioja Nieta 2010 a distinguished choice for connoisseurs seeking depth and sophistication in their fine wine collection. |
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Rioja | 1 | - | HK$3,165.00 | |||||
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Take your sense of taste on a journey with the Paisajes y Vinedos Paisajes VII Cecias 2005. This splendid Rioja wine is born of the prestigious winescape of La Rioja, Spain. It hails specifically from the 3rd micro-parcel of Vinedos de los Paisajes where each vine is tended with meticulous attention. Produced only from the stellar 2005 vintage, the wine exudes cityscape of harmonic complexity and grace. Traditional fermentation techniques were used, followed by 14 months of aging in French oak imparting a refined depth to the wine. This master craftsman’s dedication to nature's rhythm results in a wine of resounding purity and elegance. Expect a layered bouquet of ripe red fruits, balsamic notes and toasty hints from the wood aging. Paisajes y Vinedos Paisajes VII Cecias 2005 is a true emblem of an exceptional viticultural year and the passionate skill of its dedicated winemakers. |
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Rioja | 20 | - | HK$1,575.00 | |||||
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Palacios Remondo La Vendimia 2022 exemplifies the pinnacle of Spanish viticulture, meticulously crafted in the esteemed Castilla y León region. Produced by the renowned family-owned estate, Palacios Remondo, this exquisite wine is a testament to their unwavering commitment to quality and tradition. Selected from the finest Tempranillo grapes, harvested by hand to ensure optimal ripeness, La Vendimia 2022 undergoes a gentle fermentation process in stainless steel tanks, preserving its vibrant fruit character and subtle oak nuances. The wine is aged for twelve months in French oak barrels, allowing for a harmonious integration of flavours and a refined structure. On the palate, it reveals layers of ripe red berries, hints of vanilla, and a delicate mineral finish, culminating in a balanced and elegant profile. Perfectly suited for connoisseurs seeking depth and sophistication, Palacios Remondo La Vendimia 2022 is a distinguished addition to any fine wine collection. |
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Rioja | 1 | - | HK$1,310.00 | |||||
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Immerse in the pleasure of the Palacios Remondo Rioja Montesa Reserva Selecction Especial 2015, a masterpiece of Spanish viniculture. An elegy to excellence, this wine originates from the renowned Rioja region, crafted by the prestigious Palacios Remondo winery. Produced by third-generation vintner, Álvaro Palacios, a custodian of old vines and sustainable wine-making practices, this exceptional Reserva infuses finesse and authenticity into every bottle. A seamless blend of Garnacha and Tempranillo, the production process embodies French oak ageing, ensuring unmatched complexity and an enchanting bouquet. This wine boasts excellent ageing potential, mirroring the unparalleled legacy of its producer. Bright, lively cherry hues enrobe a subtle nose of red fruit and spice. Leveraging on the exceptional 2015 vintage, this Reserva bears the exquisite structure, breadth and balance characteristic of truly world-class wines. The Palacios Remondo Rioja Montesa Reserva Selecction Especial 2015 is not merely a wine but a celebration of heritage, craftsmanship, and the very soil it hails from. |
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Rioja | 19 | - | HK$1,870.00 | |||||
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Palacios Remondo Rioja Propiedad 2021 embodies the quintessential expression of Rioja's esteemed winemaking tradition. Crafted in the renowned Rioja Alta region, this vintage benefits from the area's unique clay and limestone soils, imparting exceptional minerality and structure. The estate, celebrated for its commitment to sustainable viticulture, meticulously selects Tempranillo and Graciano grapes, ensuring optimal ripeness and balance. Fermented in French oak barrels for 12 months and aged further in the cellar, Palacios Remondo Rioja Propiedad 2021 reveals a deep ruby hue with complex aromas of ripe red berries, subtle spices, and elegant oak. On the palate, it offers a harmonious blend of silky tannins, vibrant acidity, and a lingering finish, showcasing the producer's dedication to quality and craftsmanship. Ideal for pairing with grilled meats or mature cheeses, this vintage stands as a testament to refined Rioja excellence. |
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Rioja | 1 | 95 (TA) | HK$2,820.00 | |||||
Tim Atkin MW (95)Pujanza wasn't hit by the hail that affected Rioja in 2017, but this is still a pretty concentrated number, made entirely from Tempranillo grown at 630 metres and aged in 25% new wood. Chalky, dense and youthful, it's a wine that's made to mature in bottle, combining intensity with focus, freshness and serious tannins |
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