The Essential Rioja Box

A serious crowd-pleaser style of Tempranillo that is brimming with fresh ripe red fruit flavours with hints of blackberries. There is no oak here making it very easy drinking. Serve with or without food, or even straight out of the fridge on the warmer weather. Produced by Viña Albergada, a highly respected Rioja producer, the wine comes from vineyards planted within the Rioja Alavesa appellation. The soils are a mix of limestones and clay which brings a natural acidity and balance to the wine. This example, made by a Rioja producer, from grapes grown within the region, doesn’t actually have the name Rioja on the label, as it is made slightly outside of the rules, but it certainly tastes like it.

What a cool label! Dedicated to the bankers who would not finance his wine project, this winemaker's Tempranillo passion could not be stopped and has created probably one of the best value natural red wines on the market. Its really bright and fun and very similar to a Beaujolais. Its Bojo, but not as we know it! Whole bunch fermentation, light filtration and minimal sulfur makes for an interesting and beautiful glass of organic Tempranillo , one of my new favourites on our list, excellent value wine on offer here.

A brilliant value Rioja Crianza. Elegant with strawberry and raspberry aromas with notes of vanilla, spices, and red fruit compote. Fresh, pleasant and balanced wine with a long finish. Made from Garnacha, Tempranillo and Graciano and produced by the iconic house of Lopez de Haro. It spends 18 months in American and French oak which adds body, depth and a touch of sweetness to the spicy fruit character.