Its been one of those weeks, too much work, not enough drinking!  I stopped off on my way home and picked up this little gem, which was nice, but I also found a couple of Spanish wines I have not seen before. Bonus.  Just a quick note on this one, but ...

2005 Tobia Rioja Alma de Tobia - Spain, La Rioja, Rioja (10/4/2006)50% Malvasia, 40% Viura, 10% other grapes - Fermented in French oak barrels, stirred on it’s lees for 4 months. Sample bottle sent to me from the Bodega.Not sure how to describe this one. Very clear as you pour it into the glass, almost [...] More info at www.catavino.net...

Filed under: Tastings , Openings , Wine , Restaurants , Europe Rioja producer Marqués de Riscal is to open its City of Wine cultural centre on the 1st September. The 60 ha complex is part of a ten year plan and an investment of some US$77 million in the winery and its facilities. Central to the centre will be the new landmark Hotel Marqués De Riscal. This is designed by renowned architect Frank...

... after the game. We went to the pub and I had a glass of Rioja . Wine in pubs has improved dramatically ... other chains offer reasonable wine by the glass and the bottle. I had a Siglo 1881 Rioja. Siglo do a lot of on-trade wines, and at their naff-est, a red and a white rioja with hessian wrapped bottles. Bless. Siglo 1881 Rioja doesn’t need the hessian to sell it. It’s a light, cherry red, with some...

... after the game. We went to the pub and I had a glass of Rioja . Wine in pubs has improved dramatically ... other chains offer reasonable wine by the glass and the bottle. I had a Siglo 1881 Rioja. Siglo do a lot of on-trade wines, and at their naff-est, a red and a white rioja with hessian wrapped bottles. Bless. Siglo 1881 Rioja doesn’t need the hessian to sell it. It’s a light, cherry red, with some...

Another bottle of Rioja, this time a Campo Viejo 2000 Reserva Especial. Especial I tell you. It’s a deep ruby with just a hint of age on the rim. It smells rich and oaky with plenty of vanilla ... for in a Rioja. It’s smooth with some sweet spiciness on the finish. At around £8 a bottle this is reasonable value, but it’s not a landmark Rioja. I’ve had better wines from this producer, so I...

Another bottle of Rioja, this time a Campo Viejo 2000 Reserva Especial. Especial I tell you. It’s a deep ruby with just a hint of age on the rim. It smells rich and oaky with plenty of vanilla ... for in a Rioja. It’s smooth with some sweet spiciness on the finish. At around £8 a bottle this is reasonable value, but it’s not a landmark Rioja. I’ve had better wines from this producer, so I...

Rioja makes me happy – tinto , blanco or rosado – it’s all good. Well, not all of it is good, and white Rioja is a slightly risky option. Marques de Murrieta is always divine, but a good red doesn ... for midweek drinking. CVNE is one of my favourite Rioja’s, largely for romantic reasons, so I was happy to spot Vina Real 2004, a Rioja Blanco from them. It’s a bright, straw colour with thick...

Just a quick note on this one.  The name means old vineyard or field.  A basic Rioja from Allied Domecq nothing to get really excited about but a good drink none the less.  It is a classic tapas bar wine, something that you can drink with snacks.  It is 90% Tempranillo, with the remainder made up ... the classic low rent Rioja characters of red berry fruit, strawberries and red cherries, with some vanilla...

... and American oak barrels. A classic Rioja nose of dark cherry, mulberry, old leather, coco powder and earthy undergrowth.  Leaning heavily toward the lighter, traditional style of Rioja, the wine ... role, as does the oak.  I liked this a lot, and if traditional style Rioja is your thing I think you...