Rioja Reserva 2006, Bodegas Urbina
A family-run estate that practises organic methods.
The bodega is situated in Cuzcurrita de Río Tirón, on the north-western edge of Rioja.
Four generations of the family have dedicated themselves to the cultivation of their vineyards and the production of wine.
Their sole objective, the production of quality wines, has been achieved as the result of careful viticulture using traditional techniques, harvesting by hand and avoiding the use of weed killers and pesticides.The 2006 Reserva Especial contains Tempranillo, Mazuelo and Graziano and has more complex, caramelised
aromas. The maturity of this wine really sets it apart from other Riojas and is a steal at this price. With the oak and fruit flavours fully integrating, this is deliciously smooth and really quite special.Drink with grilled lamb...
Vina Ilusion Rioja, Plaza Medina
Ilusion is a project brought to life by Martín Alonso and Gloria Plaza in the Rioja Baja sub-zone of the region.
Here, in their chalky, iron laced clay soils at around 700m of altitude, the two organically farm their 5 hectares with the utmost care
according to the Fukuoka (author of “One Straw Revolution”) method. While it has been called “do nothing farming” for the
lack of additions (neither chemical nor organic fertilizer) and general outlook that healthy cultivation is more about long-term
planning and careful observation than it is about attempting to micromanage and control agriculture, Fukuoka farming has
become trendy with some very respectable vignerons.
Way before this came to pass, and before current luminaries such as Michael Pollan namechecked him, Alonso travelled to Japan nearly 30 years ago to learn from Fukuoka himself. Farming ideology aside, we should mention that this wine is a delicious, gulpable expression of Rioja: full of mixed berries and red fruits, juicy, delightful to drink.A great party red, and a guaranteed crowd pleaser!
‘Hecula’ Monastrell, Castano, Yecla
Based in Yecla, Familia Castaño is known for its huge efforts to promote one of Spain’s native varieties: Monastrell. Castaño embodies the best of what southern Spain has to offer, producing rich, warm-climate wines, with almost Syrah-like complexity, which overdeliver in terms of value year after year. Castaño began bottling characterful, single-varietal Monastrell in the 1980s, when the variety was used exclusively for bulk wines and blending. Today, in the expert hands of Daniel Castaño and his family, the variety maintains high quality even at moderate to generous yields. 80% of the family’s 600 hectares of vineyards are dedicated to Monastrell, with smaller plantings of Cabernet Sauvignon, Macabeo and Chardonnay among others.This is a big, rich, full-bodied wine made from the Monastrell grape in the Yecla region of south west Spain. Really over-delivers for the price; so tasty! Has always been one of our favourites, and now it's certified organic! Win WinA great steak wine, but also just one of the best all-round wines on the market. Seriously good.