...But I Kinda Like Rioja

As the song says, "I've never been to Spain, but I kinda like the wines from there." That's close, anyway. A slight paraphrase. I was given a few Spanish wines to sample, and it is always my pleasure to do so. In fact, my introduction into wine came as a result of a tasting event featuring Spanish wines. I've been hooked on Spain ever since.

Raventos Codorniu is fully committed to sustainability. Not only do they grow organically, but they use a lot of recycled packaging material, they have the lightest wine bottles out there and they even make 12.8% of the energy they use. They're eco-overachievers. 

Today's wine comes from Bodegas Bilbainas, which resides under the RC umbrella. The 2017 Viña Pomal Rioja Reserva is made with the aforementioned organic grapes, 100% Tempranillo. The wine was aged for at least a full year in American oak. It carries alcohol at 14% abv and sells online for around $20.

This wine is medium-dark garnet in the glass. The nose gives off a beautiful bouquet of flowers in addition to the fruit. Aromas of plum, blackberry, cassis, coffee and vanilla abound. The palate offers dark fruit with a slightly savory side. Notes of earth, oak and mocha join the fruit. The soft tannins make sipping it a breeze, but there is enough fight there to handle a steak. 

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