May 2023. Pippa Hayward, Rioja.

 

Roija is mostly known for its red wines – 90% of production is red/rose wine. So only 3 whites here. A mix of new/old style wines, with a very new grape variety, Tempranillo blanc, identified a few decades ago as a natural mutation of Tempranillo.

All wines readily available.

An excellent evening, presented by Pippa Hayward. Pippa is a Wine Educator and Consultant to the Good Wine Shop in SW London.

Whites:

Rioja Blanco 2021. Bodegas Campo Viejo, Rioja Alta. 12.5%. £8. Tesco/Sainsburys

Viura and Tempranillo Blanco

7.5/10

The Society's White Rioja 2020. San Vincente de la Sonciera, Rioja Alavesa. 12.5%. £9.25. The Wine Society

Viura and Malvasia.- Modern style

7/10

Blanco Crianza 2018 Bodegas Navajas, Rioja Alta . 12.5%. £9.25. The Wine Society

Viura and Chardonnay - barrel aged classic style.

6.5/10

 

Rose:

Muga Rosado 2021. Bodegas Muga, Rioja Alta.. 13.5%. £10.99. Waitrose

A modern style of Rose ,Grenache based

8/10

Reds

Casa La Rad Solarce Tinto 2020. Rioja Cosecha. 14%. £8.75. The Wine Society

Tempranillo, Graciano, Mazuela. Young modern style from the Rioja oriental

8/10. A very straightforward example.

Bodegas La Eralta. Vina Bombin Crianza 2018. Rioja Oriental. 13.5%. £9.99. The Wine Society

Tempranillo.

7/10. Quite a light example of rioja.

Bodegas Cosme Palacio, Glorioso Reserva 2017. 14%. £12.95. The Wine Society

Tempranillo

9/10 Classic, smooth, mature. Peppery. The popular favourite on the night.

Campo Viejo Gran Reserva 2015. Rioja Alta. 14%. £16. Sainsbury.

Tempranillo, Graciano, Mazuela.

8/10. Very mature.