Situated in northern central Spain, the Ribera region now challenges the supremacy of Rioja as the leading red wine producing area. It was not until 1982 that DO status was awarded and many private wineries have since been established. The path was forged by Alejandro Fernández, who recognised the region's potential and was a key figure in the development during the 80s. Pesquera, the flagship wine of Alejandro, was released early in the decade to international acclaim. The region's primary grape variety is the local variant of Tempranillo, namely Tinto Fino, which responds well to the terroir and climatic extremes....
Another cracker was the Aster, Finca El Otero 2014 from Burgos, the central chunk of Ribera where most of the best wines comes from. This big wine (14.5% above but well-balanced) was notably complex with well-meshed tannins and a long finish. Clearly, it will age well.Geoffrey Dean, The Buyer
moreBottle 75cl £36.00
Bottle 75cl £21.00
Yellow with green hues; clean and bright. Outstandingly intense aromas, with hints of stone fruit (peaches), white fruit (pears and ripe apples) and quince, in addition to a remarkable lemon leaf citrus background. A flavoursome mouth is accompanied by an enjoyable breadth and freshness, together with a very well-integrated acidity. Very persistent, fruit-forward finish. Perfect to enjoy with any appetiser....
moreBottle 75cl £15.00
Worldwide Exclusive ReleaseMedium-intensity, dark cherry-red; clean and bright. To the nose it stands out for its fresh, spicy character, with hints of sweet cherries and blackcurrant chocolate, assembled with notes of black pepper, tobacco, nutmeg, coffee, mocha and cinnamon. Pleasant and well-balanced in the mouth. Tasty, with a soft freshness, nice structure, and delicately elegant tannins. Silky finish, with a...
moreBottle 75cl £29.00
“The Viña Arana 2009 is a wine with that smooth, polished red colour typical of classic Riojas. Clean and bright in the glass, with light orange notes on the rim. Outstandingly intense nose, with light balsamic tertiary aromas of tobacco, caramel, incense and spices against a background of ripe fruit. Consistent and well-balanced in the mouth, with fine, elegant tannins....
moreBottle 75cl £24.00
A vivid mid-ruby, dried rose petal and balsamic scented reserva, still showing vibrant raspberry fruit and fresh acid. Chocolate-coated cherry character with hints of vanilla, but in a far more restrained way than in classic Rioja wines. Superb structure with ripe, fine-grained tannins and a tar-like grip towards the end of the long finish. Armit Wines
moreAn extremely elegant reserva with an enveloping bouquet of crushed red cherries and subtle spices with just a hint of lavender. On the palate, smooth textures and bright red berry fruits are balanced by a refined mineral character which leads to a long and refreshing finish. Beautifully defined and supple, and almost Burgundian in style, this wine will age well...
moreBottle 75cl £28.00
Bottle 75cl £14.00
Medium-high depth, dark-cherry red with an intense garnet-red rim. Clean and bright. Intense aromas, typical of this Rioja Alavesa terroir, with notes of ripe berries (blackberries, blueberries and raspberry jam) against a background of spices, clove, aniseed, incense, tobacco, and mocha. Mild attack with medium body and nice structure. It is well-balanced with sweet tannins. A wine that stands out...
moreBottle 75cl £23.00
Case of 6 x 75cl £237.60
The grapes for Finca el Otera are always sourced from the same plot from the oldest vineyard. The barrels are tasted and only the finest are selected for Finca el Otero, and the rest produce the Reserva. Lovely fruit concentration on the nose with rich, jammy fruit scents. Concentrated cassis and spice, with good grainy tannins. Very succulent, rich and...
moreBottle 75cl £39.60
Case of 6 x 75cl £207.60
This wine is strong, mature and lush to the mouth. It has an excellent tannin structure and yet remains smooth with time. It reveals itself to be very balanced and has a long-lasting finish. It has a refined and complex bouquet. Aromas of well-seasoned fruit, spicy wood, toasted whiffs, hints of minerals and a slightly musky background all stand out.
moreBottle 75cl £34.60
Bottle 75cl £36.00
Case of 6 £216.00
Another cracker was the Aster, Finca El Otero 2014 from Burgos, the central chunk of Ribera where most of the best wines comes from. This big wine (14.5% above but well-balanced) was notably complex with well-meshed tannins and a long finish. Clearly, it will age well.Geoffrey Dean, The Buyer
moreBottle 75cl £36.00
Case of 12 x 75cl £241.20
Bottle 75cl £20.10
Bottle 75cl £21.00
Case of 12 £251.98
Bottle 75cl £21.00
