This 2017 Reserva, from Bodegas Riovinsa, previously won a bronze medal from the International Wine Challenge, where it was described as having notes of herbs, tea leaves and red cherries. It was also a Bronze Winner at the 2023 Decanter World Wine Awards.
Since its establishment in 1926, the winery has been operated by three successive generations of the Murua family. This wine is made mainly from Tempranillo grapes and undergoes a three-year aging process, with at least 12 months spent in oak barrels and an additional six months in the bottle.
I found this wine to be dry, medium bodied with a smooth texture. The flavour profile is rich (for the price), featuring dried fruit notes, vanilla and a subtle hint of spice.
As an extra test, I included this wine in a Rioja tasting I organised, adding it as an extra, blind-tasted option. Impressively, it held its own against wines that cost three times as much.
Take care because the Reserva version has a black label unlike the non-Reserva counterpart which has a blue label. Although it’s typically priced at £6.50, you can usually get it for just £4.87 during 25% off promotions at Asda. The best low priced, and perfectly drinkable, Rioja you can buy.
