Best Small Bottles of Wine – The Co-op Ramon Rioja Reserva
Wine of the Week
2014 Ramon Rioja Reserva – Haro Rioja Alta – Spain.
Sometimes on a “school night” you can get caught up in the mindset of not wanting to open that nice bottle of something or other because you only want one large glass and that’s when those smaller bottles can come in handy.
The problem is that the vast majority of the single glass small bottles are really not that good and should be avoided, so when I find something decent in a 375ml half bottle or a rare 500ml, I like to stock up.
This 500ml bottle of Rioja Reserva from the Co-op, on the shelf at £7 ticks all the boxes and is certainly a Best Small Bottle of Wine to stick in your rack.
Tasting Notes
Black fruits and soft oaky vanilla scream Rioja at your nose buds. This is not a heavy, heady Rioja, it is medium bodied with soft tannin, the acidity is refreshing and the fruit is lively on the palate. Black currant, black cherry and a hint of spice. This is very drinkable now and will continue to age and improve for many years to come.
About the Wine
Situated in the Rioja Alta region, Ramon Bilbao has been around for nearly 100 years and today is one of the biggest producers of wine to the on-trade in Spain and is also growing fast in retail. They produce modern easy drinking Rioja’s where skilled use of different barrel types and careful ageing creates the house style.
The Spanish staple, Tempranillo dominates with some Graciano & Mazuela grapes in the mix to create the blend.
For a Rioja to be classified as a Reserva it must complete at least 36 months of ageing of which 12 months are in barrel. This wine has spent a total of 36 months in wood and by now perhaps another 3 years in the bottle, testament to the care and attention of the producer and indicating the value for money you get when you buy.
VFM Rating: 93
Where: Co-op (Anstey Leicester)
When: 17/11/2021
Price: £7.00