Asheville’s Best Free Wine Tasting – Join us this Friday, July 8th to try the delicious Riojas from Bodegas Carolos Serres — stop by any time between 2 and 7 p.m.! This historic estate is based in Haro, the epicenter of the Rioja wine scene. Carlos Serres, originally from Bordeaux, came to Rioja in the late 1800’s and found in Haro the perfect terroir to make world-class wines inspired by those of his homeland. The estate continues in that tradition today, and these wines were just recently introduced to the North Carolina market. We tasted, we liked, and we can’t wait to pour these incredibly delicious and affordable wines for you this Friday. Stop by, taste, learn about one of Rioja’s legendary estates, and save big!
The Wines
On all tasting wines, save 10% off by the bottle, 15% off when you mix six of them, or 20% off when you mix a case or more of them!
1. 2015 Bodegas Carlos Serres Rioja Blanco (Rioja, Spain) – The estate’s white wine is a combination of 85% Viura and 15% Tempranillo Blanco fermented entirely in stainless steel. Although Viura is quite common for White Rioja, this is the first time we’ve ever encountered Tempranillo Blanco, a natural mutation of Red Tempranillo that was discovered in 1988. All of that aside, the wine is delicious and offers loads of quality at a ridiculously reasonable price. Dry, zesty, aromatically engaging and perfect for summer, you’ll want to buy more than just one of these.
2. 2014 Bodegas Carlos Serres Rioja “Old Vines” (Rioja, Spain) – Carolos Serres’ entry level red doesn’t read nor drink like an entry level wines. Composed entirely of Tempranillo from 50+ year old vineyards from choice vineyard sites around Haro, the wine is fermented in stainless steel and aged in French and American oak for 6 months. The resulting wine is surprisingly rich and layered with notes red and black fruits along with complex spice notes. With moderate tanning and acidity (aka structure), this one works well with or without food.
3. 2010 Bodegas Carlos Serres Rioja Reserva (Rioja, Spain) – Here’s a real treat and a beautiful, traditionally styled Rioja Reserva that sells for a song! A blend of 90% Tempranillo and 10% Graciano aged for 24 months in French and American oak and additional 12 months in bottle before release, this is a seriously flavorful and complex red wine. Intriguing notes of dried fruits, complex spices, and a slight balsamic note let you know that this is Rioja with age on it. At less than $15/bottle, this might be the best Rioja value in the marketplace…….period.