The 2021 Marques de Tomares Rioja Crianza is a masterful bottle of traditional Rioja that I would swear was a Reserva. It's got the nuance, refinement, and class of a much more expensive wine, and the value here is pretty remarkable.
On sale for just $16.99 per bottle and over 20% off the regular price of $21.99. Wowsers, that's an incredible deal!
When my sales rep Chris from Rise Over Run Wines told me he had a Rioja that reminded him of Remelluri at half the price, I was intrigued. He brought a bottle by, we tasted it, and we all agreed that this was something special. To me, it tastes like La Rioja Alta meets Remelluri -- the classic, savory, earthy side of Rioja meeting ripe fruit, freshness, and polish. And for less than $20...
Founded by Don Roman Montana in 1910, the estate is now run by his grandchildren. The family farms 100 acres organically, with some vines over 100 years old, all in the prized Rioja Alta zone. The 2021 Crianza is 90% Tempranillo and 10% Graciano. The grapes are harvested and sorted by hand, fermented with ambient yeasts, and aged for 12 months in French and American oak followed by another 14 months in bottle.
Dark cherry, warm plum, cigar box, leather, violet, and Asian spices fill the glass. The palate is ripe and silky, with just the right amount of tannin and acidity to keep everything in check. It has the depth and savory complexity I associate with Riojas costing $30 or more, but it's still fresh, generous, and ridiculously easy to drink.
I cut my teeth on Riojas like this, but even 20 years ago, wines this good cost more than this one does today!
With just 60 bottles of this traditional masterpiece up for grabs, I wouldn't wait too long to get your order in...
Josh Spurling
Owner, Operator, Wine Monger
Table Wine Asheville
