Rioja: The Past Is Present, The Future Is Now - All Stores

Rioja – if there is a heart and soul to Spanish wine that represents the entire country, it is Rioja. Culturally and historically significant as the seat of many empires as well as the foundation of Reconquista; geographically significant as being the separation of Green Spain (as well as Europe) and La Macha; climatically significant as being a 200-km corridor that draws the Mediterranean climate up into the central part of the Iberian peninsula. Yes, Rioja has it all.

And these elements can all be tracked in Rioja’s wines, which makes for a fascinating study of history, culture, climate and geography via the fermented beverage we love as wine. At this tasting, that is exactly what we are going to do.

But that isn’t all that we are going to do. As was explained to Waterford recently, Rioja has wineries that are “micro, and then it goes to huge, and then it goes to hugest – with very little in between.” Spurred on by this idea, we want to examine Rioja in a modern context: what is going on with Rioja today, especially comparing the longstanding “hugest” producers with those micro-producers, the so called “Silenciosos” the silent, small producers who are making radically different Rioja than just 10 years ago.

Wine, culture, history, geography and climate: Rioja is now and has always been one of the most fascinating places to be imbibing. Join us!

Wines to be tasted:

2023 Eterea Kripan Sasikume $34.99

2016 Remelluri Rioja Reserva $54.99
2021 Artuke Pas Las Manas $49.99
2021 Artuke Trascuevas Blanco $54.99

2017 Miguel Merino Reserva $54.99
2021 Miguel Merino La Loma $109.99
2021 Miguel Merino La Quinta Cruz $89.99

(Yes, this is a lot of Miguel Merino - but what better way to explore fascinating mico-sites than to keep all other variables the same. These are amazing wines!)

2018 Bhilar Phinca Abejera $69.99
2021 Victor Ausejo Garnacha Tinta $99.99
2019 Telmo Rodriguez Yjar $199.99

All prices listed shown are regular retail. Significant discounts offered on all wines at the tasting.

Due to the their highly allocated nature, some wines may change without notice.