Wine Collecting: Rioja Overview & 6 Top Rioja Wine Producers

[@natalyavremya4938]

I wonder how it's possible to make videos equally appealing for beginners and wine geeks?! Thank you so much for this video, John! Your photo&video references and the first hands tasting impressions are invaluable. I've never tasted Contador and Roda, and even didn't know that white Castillo Ygay exists. So many discoveries! Also, I appreciated your clarification about the different lines from the same producer. Some of them were a bit confusing to me, especially ranges made under the CVNE producer.

[@AttorneySomm]

Thank you, Natalya! Very much appreciate your thoughtful feedback! Glad that it was useful! I learned so much on this trip and wanted to share the information! Hopefully you will enjoy these excellent wines as much as I do!

[@NaderAli-px8ir]

Yeah I'm hear

[@maryverzella9841]

R. López de Heredia Viña Tondonia Reserva 2010 This was an amazing experience for me. Enjoyed it to the last sip 4 hours later and tasted better and better. 65.00 CAD (Canadian) and worth every cent IMHO. Cheers !

[@AttorneySomm]

Thanks so much for sharing that experience! Such an outstanding wine. Glad you enjoyed it as much as I do! Cheers!

[@fkp05]

one of my favorites. only gets better with the years.

[@AttorneySomm]

@@fkp05 Completely agree with you. 👍🍷

[@jessegutierrez982]

I had a 1966 Imperial CVNE while living in Barcelona. I was blown away by how much life that wine still had.

[@AttorneySomm]

Such a tremendous producer! The wines age beautifully.

[@margauxml]

Best 20 minutes of my busy Monday evening! Thank you for this excellent video of Rioja’s Best! Well-researched, well-written, and superbly presented in a clear, organized, and highly engrossing manner. Appreciate all the information and insights on Rioja’s wine classifications and vintage ratings including aging time requirements of each classification. Another impressive point with regard to the structure and flow of your video is the smooth segue from the discussion of aging requirements to the importance of quality, leading to your presentation of your 6 Top Rioja Wines. Spanish wines have considerable presence and fame in my country, and I do enjoy Riojas here often, so I very much appreciate your recommended wines and vintages. Also love the footages from your trip to Rioja including wineries and vineyards. Fantastic video, John! Félicitations et santé!

[@AttorneySomm]

Merci beaucoup M! Thanks for watching and the thoughtful feedback! Very glad it was helpful! Such a fantastic and underrated region! Very glad that you enjoy these wines as well! Sante!

[@margauxml]

@@AttorneySomm My pleasure, John! I agree, Rioja is such a fantastic region yet unbelievably underrated. But I think your video will help boost the interest in and heighten the appreciation of Rioja!

[@stevenholt4936]

You have picked some of faves. I opened my last bottle of Roda, 2007 recently - superb. Our guest was convinced it was a claret. My Imperial has all gone, alas, but I have one bottle of 2007 904 left. My go to is Ardanza, of which I have some 2010s and 2012s + one bottle of Arana 2011. La Rioja Alta does special bottlings, including for the Wine Society, of which I am a member. I am currently drinking the 2013 and have the 2018 in store. I love Rioja but didn't touch it for about 35 years because it became over-priced - now I think it represents excellent value, at least here in the UK.

[@AttorneySomm]

Thanks very much for the thoughtful comment. I saw the lounge for Wine Society members at the winery. Definitely agree with you about the value proposition. Cheers!

[@gabriela_dng]

You don’t only had a great wine from iconic producer La Rioja Alta 904 John! You had its superb 1973 Gran Reserva Centenario!!! Not everybody can say that… I’m still amazed after reading the perfection of this 50 years old gem. Your impeccable review in IG is astonishing! Bravo John!!! Santé🍷

[@AttorneySomm]

Thanks so much Gabriela! A very impressive wine for sure! Appreciate the thoughtful response! Cheers!

[@DavidSchwartzjr]

Hey John, I have been searching all over the internet for the 2015 La Rioja 904 GR, but it appears it still has not been released. Can you confirm that? Sites that have it listed are "out of stock" and all I can find is the 2011 vintage. Just want to be sure I'm not crazy or missed out. My assumption is it still has yet to be available for purchase just yet. Thanks for all your hard work putting out such awesome content. Cheers!

[@AttorneySomm]

Hi David: Thanks very much! I see some places (eg the Wine Society) that were taking orders last month. That offer states it is released early March. Hopefully we will see it in the next week! I’ll be a buyer too! 👍🍷

[@DavidSchwartzjr]

@@AttorneySomm okay great! Thanks so much for taking time to respond back! I really appreciate it. I’m stoked to get a few bottles per your recommendation! 😎🍷🙌

[@AttorneySomm]

@@DavidSchwartzjr Any time! Try to respond to all comments. Hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

[@IA_Z_V]

I recommend Artadi, a family-owned winery that has achieved 100 Parker points and produces wines from unique plots of land. They departed from the Rioja DOC to be able to create wines that truly express the terroir of each plot, moving away from the aging and reserve classifications, as these classifications do not accurately reflect the quality of Rioja wines. Currently, there is a large number of small family wineries that disagree with the Rioja model followed by the large producers who prioritize quantity over quality, which has led to Rioja not being associated with high-quality wine in the world. In fact, Benjamin Romeo worked at Artadi, where he learned the art of winemaking.

[@AttorneySomm]

Thanks for weighing in! I have been reading about this controversy. I’m definitely interested to try the wines. Appreciate the suggestion.

[@sokarita0528]

Rioja wines are really good . One of my favorites is Villa Tondonia 😍😋 I would love to visit this vineyard. Thank you 🙏🏻 🍷 for your videos and let us know more about the wonderful Wine’s world! 🍷👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@AttorneySomm]

Thanks so much! Very glad you enjoyed it. Certainly a very impressive vineyard!

[@steveP1612]

I think my favourite riojas not mentioned here would be; Pancrudo by Gomez cruzado (amazing for the price). La nieta by vinedos de paganos Cisma by Pujanza El pundito by vinedos de paganos Amancio by sierra cantabria. But what a treat it is to drive around rioja; logroño, laguardia and haro in particular. Particularly the food scene in logroño.

[@drmichaeljazayeri2068]

Great video, finally giving justice to Spanish wines. Rioja wines are my favorite and I found them by accident. The wine store I typically go to has a great selection of Spanish wines and the label of Lopez de Heredia wines had always intrigued me. One day, their wine bar had a 2001 Heredia Bosconia and I fell in love with that wine. That led to Tondonia, La Rioja Alta, Ygay, Roda, and let's not forget Muga Prado Enea. It still amazes me how Heredia manages to age wines for 10 years and sell the Bosconia Reservafor around $36 and the Tondonia Reserva for $50!

[@AttorneySomm]

Thank you! Actually did this one in the summer of 2022! I’m a huge fan as well! Agree re Muga! And agree that they are such amazing values! Cheers!

[@Pseudopimelodidae]

I was just yesterday researching which Rioja wines should I purchase for our local wine club, so this video came out exactly at the right time.

[@AttorneySomm]

Very glad it was useful! Happy shopping! 👍🍷

[@elliothm8370]

Bodegas Luis Cañas make incredible wines at an affordable price. 🇪🇸 Fantastic content. Keep it up, Sir!

[@AttorneySomm]

Thanks very much! Appreciate the suggestion. 👍🍷

[@welshtoro3256]

Excellent overview. In recent years many great things have been taking place in Spanish wine which has left the impression, with some, that Rioja is a bit of an old lady. That's not true though. The Rioja classics continue and a great amount of interesting new stuff has come along too. I agree with so much of your recommendations especially the Cubillo which is great value. The Tondonia whites are fantastic. Murrieta are great value even before we get to the Ygay. Spain is full of interesting stuff on wine lists for those in the know and I've had some gems. WT

[@AttorneySomm]

Thanks very much for the thoughtful feedback! I was extremely impressed with Rioja and thoroughly enjoyed my visit. I completely agree with you that it is somewhat similar to Bordeaux in terms of its reputation among younger wine drinkers. I’m certainly hoping to help bring some well deserved attention to the region though. Cheers! 👍🍷

[@welshtoro3256]

@@AttorneySomm Rioja is embracing modern techniques as well as other regions. There's room for modern and classic though and often a wonderful mixture in between. What many don't understand is how good a lot of great Rioja producers have terrific value entry level or mid-price stuff too (Cubillo for example). Interestingly, it's Ribera and Priorat that are the expensive trending wines for tourists. The great thing about Spanish restaurants is they always sell fantastic value lower priced stuff without any pretention. If it's good it goes on the list even if it's cheap.

[@AttorneySomm]

@@welshtoro3256 Very well said. That was certainly my experience as well. Amazing quality for 2-3 Euros by the glass.

[@whitelightning2291]

Rioja has to be a go to for quality and value, especially for wines with 10+ years of bottle age that are easily available like Tondonia and RA 904! Adding Contador and Roda to my list to try. RA Arana and Contino's Reserva are my current favorites for their balance of fruit and oak. Also love Tritium's higher end labels

[@AttorneySomm]

Completely agree with you. Such a fantastic region! Very reasonable pricing for the quality.

[@ValentinMartinezPillet]

Excellent summary. Perhaps missing Muga and Artadi (that just left Rioja DOCa)

[@AttorneySomm]

Thanks very much for weighing in. Appreciate the very worthy additions. 👍🍷

[@58andyr]

Excellent video, but then I'm biased! My Dad was an early importer of Rioja into the UK back in the early 80s (when a 1973 Imperial Gran Reserva cost no more than £4! Amazing value even then!) And Tondonia for not much more. He had one of the few allocations in the UK along with Vega Sicilia but that's a different story! And yes, I agree - the white Tondonia is still incredible value and unlike anything else; store it in a cool dark place for decades! I'm pleased I have a few bottles, some nicely aged. The Ygay red and whites again cost about only £6 or so in the early 80s. I still have a 67 red Ygay. Thanks for the nostalgia trip. Ones you didn't recommend? Too many to list here but Muga could have got a mention, especially the Prado Enea. Anyway, very enjoyable and, I hope useful, for any budding Riola lovers! Well done!

[@AttorneySomm]

Thanks very much! Agree re producers. And Muga. But I was already way longer on this video than most, so I cut it a bit short. Cheers!

[@sanjaypatelmd4669]

Love Rioja wines…..value wines in my opinion… i have visited Rioja in 2018. How long do you decant them?

[@AttorneySomm]

Thank you! Same here!

[@NatashaRaisorGlam]

I love Spain. Now I’m disappointed that I did not go wine tasting. Thank you for this informative video.

[@AttorneySomm]

My pleasure! Maybe you will get a chance to return? In the meantime, hopefully these suggestions tide you over! Thanks for watching! Very pleased you enjoyed it. Happy Sunday! 🍷🍷

[@jessegutierrez982]

Excellent overview. One of the best I have ever seen.

[@AttorneySomm]

Thanks very much! Greatly appreciated. Very glad it was useful. 👍🍷

[@hxl6162]

I'm also a great fan of Rioja wines, I was supposed to visit, but canceled because of the pandemy, now back to the planning, best wishes from Brazil

[@AttorneySomm]

Thanks very much! Hope you enjoy the video and that it is helpful for planning purposes. I include extensive footage from my visits. Tim Tim!

[@FoodiewineloverGina]

I always enjoy Rioja, and it’s a shame I don’t drink enough of them. I appreciate the lesson in topography and your fantastic recommendations. I agree some of these wines make perfect cellar defenders since they are approachable upon release. Outstanding video, John. Thank you for all your hard work. Salud!

[@AttorneySomm]

Thanks very much, Gina! Got a little carried away! But I had lots of insights to share. A tremendous region! Cheers!

[@FoodiewineloverGina]

@@AttorneySomm thank you for the pin, John!

[@AttorneySomm]

@@FoodiewineloverGina You’re very welcome, Gina! Well deserved!

[@debmalveaux1360]

Great Rioja review. I love Rioja, but never venture far from the couple of producers that I know.

[@AttorneySomm]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it. Lots of terrific producers. 👍🍷

[@distlledbrewedreviewed]

Great place to visit, interesting video my friend. I have the Spanish wines covered in my cellar.

[@AttorneySomm]

Thank you! Thoroughly enjoyed the visit. Glad to hear you are covered re Spain. 👍🍷

[@gustavomgomes]

It’s certainly a pleasure to follow your content , cause the passion about the subject is what drive us wine lovers . And you always travel the extra mile to do your videos ! Thanks ! About Rioja , what you think about remelluri?

[@AttorneySomm]

Thanks very much! Certainly appreciate the kind feedback. It means a lot. I definitely enjoy Remulluri, but have not tasted it as often as some of these others. 👍🍷

[@AttorneySomm]

Actually, just checked my pictures and saw that I was a huge fan of a Remulluri Blanco!

[@courtcomposer]

Great job! Rioja Alta one of my top wines.

[@AttorneySomm]

Thanks very much! Definitely one of my favorites as well!

[@carlcadregari7768]

Fantastic information. I’ll be looking for some of those, but Lopez is a favorite.

[@AttorneySomm]

Thanks! Hope you enjoy them as much as I do. Lopez is definitely a favorite for me as well!

[@carlcadregari7768]

@@AttorneySomm yes. I’ve been lucky to have had the gran reserva blanco and rosado…. Just beautiful wines.

[@AttorneySomm]

@@carlcadregari7768 Completely agree with you! They are hard to locate. Always a treat when you can track them down.

[@cookandrideflorida]

Excellent recommendations! I’ve tried a few of these producers and will definitely try more. I’m headed to the wine store tomorrow for more Albariño and Cava so I’ll look at Rioja as well. 👍

[@AttorneySomm]

Thanks very much! Yes, definitely enjoy Cava and Albariño too. Happy hunting! 👍🍷

[@thomasbahr2806]

Great selection of producers, from my point of view Bodegas Muga has been left out which is also one of the best producers

[@AttorneySomm]

Thank you. Yes, I definitely enjoy Muga as well. A very worthy addition!

[@spykerf1545]

John nailing it again!! John - do you have a video on what glass with which wine?

[@AttorneySomm]

Thanks very much! So far just a short about the best glass for Champagne. kzbin.infoGA_5OP5xHXk?feature=share

[@edmaryellenkmiec9171]

John, hi. I have a question that is off-topic for Rioja, but I am hoping you can indulge me. I often hear the phrase that a wine is "ready to drink now". More specifically, I hear that some winemakers utilize techniques to make wine ready to drink. What does that mean? What techniques do winemakers perform to make wine drinkable today? Thank you!

[@AttorneySomm]

Hello! Great question. There are many things they can do, but generally they would emphasize the fruit and minimize the tannins (eg, pick later, use less new oak, include less tannic grapes, use gentle extraction techniques and ferment at cooler temperatures.

[@tomwood6557]

Excellent video, thank you for sharing. Really love the Rioja region and would have to say that Rioja Alta is probably my favourite producer. Was very interested to hear your comment about the 2015 904, a wine i regularly buy and really love. If the producer thinks it’s one of their best vintages I well defo be seeking it out! Have you tried the 2004 vintage of 904? Of all the vintages I’ve tried, for me it’s the best one I’ve had and I’ve tried a fair few! I think it’s better than some 890 vintages even.

[@AttorneySomm]

Thank you for watching and the kind feedback! Yes, my tasting included the 04, 05, 11 & 15. The 04 is top notch for sure. That one gained strength the longer it was opened. Very glad you enjoy the wines too. 👍🍷

[@coryz6880]

Nice thorough review. What is your opinion on the drinking window for the Marques de Murrieta Castillo YGay Grand Reserva from the 2009, 2010 & 2011 vintages? 🍷

[@AttorneySomm]

Thank you! I would drink the 11 first and probably in the next 8-10 years. 2009 was warm in Rioja but they used almost 20% Mazuelo. 2010 is one for the ages.

[@coryz6880]

@@AttorneySomm - Thank you. I was able to obtain the ‘10 before the prices went way up and became very difficult to find. 🍷

[@AttorneySomm]

@@coryz6880 Excellent! Very smart buy.

[@craigmetcalfe1749]

Hey JJ! Since you have been to Rioja more recently than I (in truth have never been in person but have travelled there regularly via bottle), I will now adopt your pronunciation of the regions name and will be policing same in my immediate social circles 😂. I consider Rioja obligatory with Lamb and I try to reflect the smoky Cherry Ripe flavors in cooking styles (Barbie) and smoking agents (cherry wood which also is great for smoked Duck). Are there any other dishes that you would pair a Rioja with? BTW the river shown earlier in the video would be called a creek here in Australia 🙃. Stay safe and test negative. ¡Salud!

[@AttorneySomm]

Thanks very much! Yes lamb is excellent! They enjoy suckling pig with it too. Salud!

[@richardwhite2730]

It would be great if you could do some videos on Aussie wines I particularly like to hear your views on a new penfolds wine that combines shiraz from the Barossa Valley and cab sav from Bordeaux

[@AttorneySomm]

Thanks! I’ll keep an eye out for it. Sounds intriguing. Just posted about an 06 St Henri on IG. I don’t get that many Australian wines here unfortunately. Mostly Penfolds, Leeuwin and Torbreck. I have mentioned those in some of my videos but I’ll see if I have enough for a dedicated video and keep an eye out for tasting opportunities.

[@richardwhite2730]

@@AttorneySomm another wine you may want to keep an eye out for was an combined effort from Mt pleasant & Tyrells It combines pinot noir from Mt pleasant and shiraz from Tyrells. Both vines are 100 years old. Comes in a wooden box and very limited. I love French wines but are very expensive in Australia. There are so many great Aussie and kiwi wines and in Australia atleast are far better value than French wines.

[@AttorneySomm]

@@richardwhite2730 Thank you! Definitely sounds like something I would enjoy! I’ll see what I can do.

[@richardwhite2730]

@@AttorneySomm one other suggestion is penfolds bin 311 Which is being developed to try and be the white equivalent to Grange

[@Verdadverdadera737]

have you tasted vega sicilia unico or balbuena ? if so ... is it better than muga reserve special for just 50 dl jeje lol

[@AttorneySomm]

Of course. I have had dinner with the technical director, done a podcast with the brand ambassador and tasted numerous vintages of both many times. But that iconic winery is located in Ribera Del Duero and not Rioja so I did not mention it in this video.

[@Verdadverdadera737]

@@AttorneySomm is it ? is it? really ... really so good for that price?

[@AttorneySomm]

@@Verdadverdadera737 Ah sorry if I misunderstood the question. I enjoy them, yes. Muga is great but nothing like Unico with 40-50 years of age!

[@janleth2800]

Have you make a video about vine from Ribera del duero. Thanks you for your great videos about wines ☺️

[@AttorneySomm]

Thank you! So far I have just reviewed individual wines from Ribera del Duero and not a dedicated regional overview. But I appreciate the suggestion and I’ll give it some thought! 👍🍷

[@janleth2800]

Hi John. Have you tried Wine House Monteabellon finca la blanquera which is top Wine and which only made in a few vintages. . Gretings from Denmark 🙂

[@AttorneySomm]

@@janleth2800 Greetings! Thanks for the question. Do not believe that I have tried that one yet. I'll have to keep an eye out. I'll be attending two days of tastings in NYC for James Suckling's next event, but unfortunately they are not on the list for either day.

[@alistaircorbishley7543]

Rioja is such and undervalued region, I won't say it is a shame their wines are overlooked as it provides mere mortalls the chance to enjoy world class wines at the fraction of the cost of similar quality wines from the likes of Bordeaux, Burgundy, Tuscany & Piemonte. For the price of a good Cru Bourgeois, you can enjoy wine of the quality of a good classed growth Bordeaux or Premier Cru Burgundy. Yes, they may be very different in style, but these wines offer similar sensory experiences at a fraction of the cost.

[@AttorneySomm]

Completely agree with you! Thanks very much! 👍🍷

[@sanjaypatelmd4669]

BTW I retire completely in 3 years at 55 and if I decide to build new house then I am building wine cellar like this!

[@AttorneySomm]

Thank you! It’s the La Rioja Alta private cellar. 👍🍷

[@Soulvinum]

Have a look into the portuguese wines from Alentejo called, Piteira . Amareleja wines and you will love them if you like robust,complex and full body wines . Ten times better than any Rioja Regards

[@AttorneySomm]

Appreciate the tip! I’ll try to track them down. Unfortunately there is not much Portuguese wine sent to Texas other than port and vinho verde.

[@ElyriaRecords]

Don't even consider cellaring anything . . .just enjoy!

[@AttorneySomm]

I understand that perspective, but when you try them with substantial age they can be magical!

[@andrewwebster15]

You often refer to “cellar defenders”, and I’ve never understood what you mean. Could you kindly define briefly when you use the term?

[@AttorneySomm]

Thanks for asking! I explain the concept thoroughly and give examples in this video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oZLbeoKJg5eietE

[@andrewwebster15]

Many thanks! Excellent concept and video!

[@AttorneySomm]

@@andrewwebster15 Thank you kindly! Cheers!

[@NaderAli-px8ir]

❤

[@AttorneySomm]

Thank you kindly! Cheers!

[@evavaldez4459]

👍👍👍🥂

[@AttorneySomm]

Thank you kindly. Cheers!

[@VictorGadelhaCam]

In moment with a bottle Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa, Crianza, Tempranillo. Very good vídeo, send to LinkedIn.

[@AttorneySomm]

Thank you! Much appreciated! 👍🍷

[@steveP1612]

I think my favourite riojas not mentioned here would be; Pancrudo by Gomez cruzado (amazing for the price). La nieta by vinedos de paganos Cisma by Pujanza El pundito by vinedos de paganos Amancio by sierra cantabria. But what a treat it is to drive around rioja; logroño, laguardia and haro in particular. Particularly the food scene in logroño.

[@AttorneySomm]

Thanks very much for watching and weighing in! 👍🍷

[@AttorneySomm]

Yes, thoroughly enjoyed my visit!

[@steveP1612]

@@AttorneySomm a great watch. If you could a similar video on ribera del duero, I think that would be a great watch also. The wines around Penafiel in particular, I found to be amazing.

[@AttorneySomm]

@@steveP1612 Thanks very much! Appreciate the suggestion. In the meantime, I do have an interview and virtual tasting with Tempos Vega Sicilia. If you are interested in that, I’ll be happy to send a link.

[@steveP1612]

@@AttorneySomm firstly I’m very envious as I tried to visit them on our Spanish holiday this year… secondly… yes please!!! I would love a link. If you’re ever there again, I highly recommend the Tomas Postigo. I think my favourite wine of this years trip