• Cellar Selection,  Rioja,  Spain,  Tempranillo

    Cellar Selection

    La Rioja Alta S.A. 1994 Viña Arana Reserva On the 10th of July 1890, five Basque and Rioja families shared their passion for wine and founded “Sociedad Vinicola De La Rioja Alta” in what is known as the Haro Station District.  That day was the start of an ongoing searching for excellence that their descendants still pursue today.  The company changed its name to “LA RIOJA ALTA” in 1891, and in 1941 the company took on its present name, LA RIOJA ALTA, S.A. A year later, chairman of the board, Leandro Ardanza Angulo, registered the renowned brand name, “Viña Ardanza”. To give you a little taste of the town of…

  • Rioja,  Tempranillo

    Mid-Week Red

    Looking for something easy to drink to stand up to a chicken dish that has a big flavor from some of the ingredients, like olives and capers?  I came across a 2007 El Coto Rioja Crianza, Special Cuvee.  I have had the El Coto Reserve offerings and thought they were great wines and I was eager to try this one.  El Coto’s roots date back to 1970 and it took 5 years to get their first bottle to market.  In 1997 they became the first Spanish Winery Group to be listed on the stock exchange. The 2007 El Coto is 100% Tempranillo grapes from three zones having different soil compositions:…