I love Spain and it has been my great fortune to have visited five times in the past five years. As I traveled through different areas of this beautiful country, from its lively capital city Madrid to Catalan’s coastal town Barcelona, experiencing a diverse range of cultures that make up this rich tapestry .
On one such trip, while touring Rioja wine region during harvest time – an area famous for producing some of the world’s most sought after wines – Vintae took me on tour at Hacienda Lopez de Haro. Combining tradition with innovation , they are focused on revolutionizing how people think about their favorite drink.
With Lopez De Haro, the region of the Rioja Sonsierra is the focus. Located within Rioja Alta, it is nestled at the foot of the Toloño Mountains. This moderate climate is perfect for making Rioja wine.
From a youthful red blend, to the age worthy La Reserva, these wines are a great example of how Rioja can be affordable but luxurious at the same time.
With wines of this quality for less than $20, make sure some Lopez de Haro is on your Thanksgiving table, or wherever you are celebrating this season! I can’t wait to go back to Spain to visit this special place.
2009 Bodega Classica Hacienda Lopez de Haro Reserva – surprisingly elegant at this price point, this wine is full of chocolate and chili spice, with lush dark fruit and balsamic notes. The finish is is full of smoked meat, and it just gets better with time. At $13, the selection of low yield Tempranillo and Graciano is elegant and silky. With 20 months in oak, this wine will just get better and at this price point is an excellent introduction to the higher escalations of Rioja.
2015 Bodega Classica Hacienda Lopez de Haro Tempranillo – made from fruit from 50-70 year old vines, this weeknight treat is earthy withdried cherries, tobacco and herbal notes. Simple but not boring, there is a kiss of oak to finish this is a delicious $8 wine for your pizza or hamburger.
2013 Bodega Classica Hacienda Lopez de Haro Crianza – the youngest of the classified Rioja wines, this luscius blend of Tempranillo, Garnaca and Graciano is a mouthwatering treat. Soft and pleasing to the palate but firm in structure, dried orange peel, mulling spices and fresh strawberries jump out while Herbs de Provence and cracked pepper layer of subtle vanilla. At $12, this is a steal.
Special thanks to Rebekah Polster of 401 West Communications for introducing me to these excellent wines will killer QPR. Yet again, Spain is proving that wines of exceptional quality do not have to be exceptionally expensive
