As we start off the New Year,  Andy and I have decided to focus on finding some really great value wines.  We also decided to get out of our comfort zone and to seek out some wine varietals and/or wine regions that we do not normally drink at home.  So, our first wine of the week is a Tempranillo (85%), Graciano (10%), and Mazuelo (5%) blend from Rioja, and it certainly is a great value.  The Campo Viejo 2005 Reserva is available for under $14 on most wine websites, and we thoroughly enjoyed it last night with Andy’s famous grilled pepper steak.  For our tasting notes…

Wined & Dined’s Quick Tasting Notes

Wine: Campo Viejo 2005 Reserva

Vintage: 2005

Varietal(s): 85% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano, 5% Mazuelo

Region: Rioja, Spain (specifically Logrono, Spain)  

Alcohol: 13.5%

Price: $14 (or under)

Color/Appearance: Bright burgundy/ruby

Nose/Aroma: Red berries, slight pepper and earthy undertones      

Mouth/Flavors: Cherries right up front, ripe plum, slightly jammy but balanced with an earthy quality; not overly sweet like some fruit-forward wines;  light tannins;  light spice.

Where to Find It: Sherry-Lehmann Wine & Spirits (505 Park Ave at 59th) is currently selling Campo Viejo 2005 Reserva for $12.95/bottle.  Click here for more information.

Conclusion:  This is certainly a great value Rioja.  It was a bit tight upon opening, so I would highly recommend letting it open up for a half an hour (or more) and you’ll have a completely different wine.  It is fruit forward but not overwhelming like a huge jammy zin.  It is more complex and balanced, and it worked perfectly with our grilled medium-rare pepper steak.  Mmmm!

Trackback URI | Comments RSS