It is Rioja week from April 26-May 2^nd and participating restaurants in NYC (Listed Below) are offering wine tastings with their fabulous small plate pairings, prix fixe menus and discounts on Rioja.

Rioja is a wonderfully versatile wine that comes from Northern Spain and the Ebro River regions.  The Rioja region produces an extraordinary range of wines from deep reds to crisp whites.

We often say our wines are “made in the vineyards,” and insist on using the highest quality grapes matured to perfection. Rioja is home to several grape varieties, but the prize of the region is certainly the Tempranillo grape, which has been cultivated in Spain for centuries and is recognized as one of the world’s noble varieties. As the chief ingredient in Rioja wines, Tempranillo grapes form the vibrant base for the rich flavors of Rioja reds.

REDS:

Tempranillo

This is Spain’s classic varietal, known for its vibrancy and how well it complements so many foods and social occasions. Expressive when young and velvety rich when aged, it makes for wines that are medium to full-bodied with hints of vanilla and flavors of cherries, currants and coconut. Tempranillo also is known for its gorgeous raspberry freshness. Nearly 80 percent of all grapes grown in Rioja are Tempranillo. The true origin of the Tempranillo grape has been lost in the mists of time, but it has been suggested that pilgrims walking the Camino de Santiago may have brought vines with them on their long journey from monasteries in Northern Europe.

Garnacha Tinta

Among red wines, Garnacha is the most extensively grown grape variety in the world. It produces full-bodied wine that often has hints of raspberries. It is low in tannins and provides a softness to wine. In cool areas it produces a subtle, interesting and balanced wine. It is used to add strength and warmth to red Riojas Nearly 20 percent of all varietals grown in La Rioja are Garnacha.

Rioja Tinto Gran Reserve- A complex blend of berry fruit and spice, like cinnamon, but with an overcast of wood, leather and truffle.   Great fall/winter wine with beef stews, venison and duck.

Rioja Tinto Reserve- A modern red reserve with hints of chocolate, sweet spices like licorice, anise.  More complex and developed than a fresh fruit taste with an earthy full bodied palette.  Perfect complement to a dinner party with lamb, risotto and meats.

** Aging Reserve: Requires 36 months aging between barrel and bottle, with at least 12 months in barrel.

Mazuelo

Wine made from the mazuelo grape is high in color and acidity, rich in tannins with a rougher edge. It’s used in small amounts in Rioja reds to add structure and longevity. The Mazuelo grape originated in France, where it is known as Carignan Noir. About four percent of all varietals grown in La Rioja are Mazuelo.

Graciano

Wines made from this grape are bright red, with considerable acidity and a pleasant, characteristic bouquet. It is the most aromatic of all our varieties, giving Rioja Gran Reservas their textured feel and fine aging properties Like the Tempranillo variety, Graciano is indigenous to Spain and is experiencing a growing popularity due to pleasing taste and aromatic qualities.

** Aging Graciano: Aged in oak barrels at least 12 months with at least another year in the bottle.

Rioja Tinto Crianza- A clean fruity everyday red wine that has a degrees of strawberry cherry aroma with a hint of vanilla taste.  Great with fish, pasta, and beef.

WHITES:

Viura is the main white grape variety grown in Rioja. It makes wines that are pleasant, floral with a light and delicate flavor. Slightly over 10 percent of all varietals grown in Rioja are Viura.

Malvasia

This grape creates a light crispness to wines with its floral aromas and a core flavor of grapefruit. It is used to give structure to white Riojas.

Garnacha Blanca

This grape is added to white Riojas for its pleasant taste and aromas of sweet honeysuckle and apricot.

White Rioja- A rich white wine with a tropical fruity taste and a coconut, honey and vanilla aroma.  Makes a great Chardonnay substitute for fish, seafood, fruit sauces and desserts.

 

Come join us in checking out the participating top-notch restaurants in NYC who are offering complete tastings, discounts and prix fixe menus!

 1. Lower East Side:

  - Cru- 24 5th Ave./ 9th St.

     $50 prix fixe menu

      20% off bottles

-  Bond St.- 6 Bond St.

  - Strip House- 13 E. 12^th St

  - The Mermaid Inn-96 2^nd Ave.

     $25 prix fixe menu

  -  Indochine- 430 Lafayette St

      20% off bottle

      $50 prix fixe menu

2.  Lower West Side:

- Tailor- 525 Broome St

 $50 prix fixe menu

 - City Winery- 155 Varick St.

 - Barocco Winebar- 110 9^th Ave.

 $25 prix fixe menu

- Lure Fish Bar- 525 Broome St

- Las Ramblas- 170 W. 4^th St.

- Bottino- 246 10^th Ave.

$25 prix fixe menu

3.  Upper East Side:

- David Burke Townhouse-133 E 61rst St.

$25 prix fixe menu and wine discount

- Flex Mussels- 174 E. 82^nd. St.

$50 prix fixe menu

 

4.  Upper West Side:

- Nonna- 520 Columbus Ave.

$25 prix fixe menu and 20% discount

- Center Cut- 44 W. 63^rd St.

$50 prix fixe menu

-Campo- 2888 Broadway

$25 prix fixe menu

- South Gate- 154 Central Park South

- Atria- 13-15 W. 54^th St

$50 prix fixe menu

 

Also, here are just a few basic Rioja facts for your own wine tasting:

Rioja wines are released only when ready to drink. Consequently, there is less need to take up cellar space for aging requirements.

Riojas are made to go with food. The major wine grapes of Rioja — tempranillo, garnacha and graciano — while pleasantly fruity, are not overpowering. Diners will still taste their food and not be overwhelmed by the strength of the wine. That makes them a perfect complement to most meats, poultry and even seafood.

Vintages are less important for many wines from Rioja. While many Riojan wineries have added a single vineyard wine to their portfolio, where vintage can be an issue, grapes have traditionally been sourced from around the region. This means that only high quality grapes are purchased by wineries. This is why most winemakers in Rioja will tell you great wines are made in the vineyard, not in the winery.

Riojas tend to have a somewhat lower alcohol content than most other wines. They can be found as low as 12% in alcohol content. Not only does this help them complement food but it enables bars and restaurants to be more ethically conscious in how much wine they serve.

Use several ME2 Design cheese trays and Sandwich with Pops serving platters to display your variety of complementary tapas to finish off your taste of Spain!

 

(Excerpts from Tasting Table and vibrantrioja.com)