This week we feature one of California’s perennial white wine values, the Pine Ridge blend of chenin blanc and viognier. It’s so consistently good, I’m always amazed there hasn’t been a wave of copycats. And for reds, we have two tempranillos from Spain — a classic Rioja and a modern rendition. Luckily for those of us who love to explore, both are reasonably priced.
Bodegas Montecillo Crianza 2019
StarSolidStarSolidStarSolidStarOutline(3 stars)
Founded in 1870, Bodegas Montecillo claims to be the third-oldest winery in Rioja. The 2019 Crianza lives up to its reputation as a perennial value. Dark ruby color greets the eye, aromas of cherry and plum float from the glass and the sweet, gentle flavors of American oak linger on the palate. This wine packs a lot of complexity for its price. Alcohol by volume: 13 percent. Bottle Weight: 405 grams (Light).
Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc + Viognier 2023
StarSolidStarSolidStarSolidStarOutline(3 stars)
Year after year this white blend is one of California’s best values. Peaches, ginger, jasmine and honeysuckle come together in an exuberant chorus that should bring a smile to your palate. Seafood comes to mind as a natural partner, but the fruitiness also suggests spicy dishes. You may still find the 2022 in stores — don’t hesitate to snap that up as well. The back label says “American,” which suggests some of the grapes were grown outside California, but the winery website says the chenin blanc (80 percent) was from Clarksburg, and the viognier (20 percent) came from Lodi, both in California. ABV: 12 percent. BW: 485 grams (Light).
Distributed locally by Winebow.
StarSolidStarSolidStarSolidStarHalf(3.5 stars)
Goros is located in the Rioja region, but they broke with the appellation because they didn’t want to follow its requirements for oak-aging of the wines. This racy tempranillo was fermented in stainless steel tanks and saw just six months in used French barrels. It’s lively with flavors of blueberry and tobacco and a savory, meaty character. Fire up the grill! Certified organic. ABV: 14 percent. BW: 390 grams (Light).
Imported by Artadi USA Importers. Distributed locally by Salveto.
Prices are approximate. For availability, check Wine.com, Wine-searcher.com and the websites and social media feeds of the wineries, importers, distributors, and your favorite local wine store. You can also ask your local retailer to order wines from the distributors listed.
Bottle weight is included, because this is the single most important contributor to wine’s carbon footprint. Have wine questions for Dave McIntyre? Send them to Food@washpost.com.
★ Good: The wine delivers what it promises at a fair price. If it says chardonnay, it tastes like chardonnay.
★★ Excellent: A wine with character and added interest. May elevate your eyebrows at the first sip.
★★★ Extraordinary: An exciting wine that stands out from others in its class. Fist-pumping, table-thumping good.
★★★★ Sublime: Otherworldly. May have you thinking, “So this is what they were talking about.”
Source link: https://www.washingtonpost.com/food/2024/03/28/rioja-spanish-red-wine-bargain/