Bodegas Ostatu Crianza 2006

Rioja Alavesa DOC, Spain
$24.99

Out of the dozens of wines I tasted at last weekend’s Cornucopia, this one stood out (the stars all over my tasting book are proof).  Great value found here in this 100% Tempranillo, crafted from vines averaging 40 years in age.

Aromas of spice, soft cinnamon, blackberry and a whiff of violets lead to smooth and lush dark berry, vanilla, and ripe plum, with a pleasing current of minerality throughout. Sophisticated and new-worldly styled Rioja.  With roasted pork loin sided with cherry compote, this will be a knockout.

Rioja Alavesa is the smallest of three sub-regions of Rioja region.  Its higher altitude and cooler temperature allows the grapes to achieve moderate acidity, and the soils of the vineyards are rich in clay and limestone, contributing to the mineral tones present in many of the wines from here.

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Written By:

Treve Ring is a wine writer, editor, judge, consultant and certified sommelier, and has been with EAT Magazine for over a decade.\r\n\r\nIn addition to her work with EAT, she is a Wine Critic and National Judge for ...

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