European Wines
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We recently moved to Switzerland so I look forward to trying lots of wines
from Europe that never make it to the States. I will update you on my wine
adve...
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Ondarre Rioja Reserve 2004
While in Europe, I had the good fortune of buying the 2004 Ondarre Rioja Reserve from Viana, Spain. This historic town, which is the burial spot of Lord Cesar Borgia, son of Pope Alexander VI, is located in the heart of the Rioja region. The Ondarre vineyards are strongly influenced by the hot, dry Mediterranean climate. This medium-bodied reserva is a mix of 75% Tempranillo, 10% Grenacha and 15% Mazeulo with incredible aromas of fresh-picked blackberries and raspberries along with a handful of spices. On the palate were lush raspberries and strawberries combined with some vanilla. The acidity and tannins were perfect and the flavors never ended. It is aged in French and American oak for 16 months before bottling. This is an exceptional wine! It could even be held for a few more years. I will be on the search for the Ondarre wines in the States. I served it with a spice rubbed wood-fired chicken and grilled vegetables and it was the perfect match.
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4 comments:
Great notes on the Ondarre. Just brought a bottle home from a LWS on recc, and agree with your notes. I def got the red fruits and superb balanced structure. The finish is largely acid, and the oak treatment a slight bit strong for my tastes, but all in all a really enjoyable drink.
Anonymous,
Thanks for your note. I have also started another blog. www.corkedwine.blogspot.com.
Hope to see you there.
I just picked up 4 bottles and your comments make me want to grill this morning! Really have come to love and appreciate tempranillo and spanish "table" wines. I say that realizing that many will believe I'm diminishing the quality, but I love the fact I can find a very satisfying wine under $20, and enjoy it practically every day.
Last night finished a Finca Sandoval 2005 I picked up from cinderellawine.com. Another stunning spanish table wine, but based on Syrah, which makes it interesting (if you've been drinking a lot of tempranillos).
Fanningflames, thanks for your comments. Did you pick up 4 bottles of the Ondarre? If so, where did you find them? There are some really great buys in Spanish wines right now. Check out my other blog for these posts. www.corkedwine.blogspot.com.
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