Ribera, Rueda and Rioja (contd.)

• Emina DO Ribera del Duero 2003 Matarromera: Tempranillo 100%.Alc 13.5 %. Dark and inky coloured wine. Aromas of dark berries abound. Traces of coffee and chocolate are in the background. Very smooth and velvety texture. It dances on your mid palate. Chocolate and cherry flavour. Tannins are rounded and soft. Balance oak. Quite persistent after-taste. ****

• Vina Rufina Reserva DO Cigales 2000 Bodegas Santa Rufina: Tempranillo 100%. A good example of how this region might score over Rioja for India . This under 5 Euro wine has qualities of a much higher priced wines. Dark ruby colour with coffee and sweet vanilla aromas. Soft and silky on the palate, with soft tannins and balanced oak, making it easy to drink on its own or with meals throughout. After-taste is not disappointing either. ***1/2

Montserrat ALONSO ALVAREZ, Export Mangager of Bodegas Santa Rufina

(This winery also produces reserves from very old vines. Due to much lower yields the fruit is more concentrated, the yield is lower and cost much higher. It loses out on the cost advantage though flavours are enhanced).

We need a bit of Rioja, Ribera, Rueda and a little bit of Cigales & Toro on our side. I hope there were enough serious importers in the frantically tasting crowd enjoying the beautiful setting of Nandiya Gardens where the Maurya hospitality and professionalism added to the flavour of wines.

Subhash Arora

For earlier Articles on Rioja, click

http://www.delhiwineclub.com/Wine_Feature/Taste_of_Rioja.asp

http://www.delhiwineclub.com/audit/Rioja_1.asp?serialwise=851

To visit the website of the Valladolid Chamber of Commerce, click

http://www.camaravalladolid.com/

For more details of Appellations of the participating producers, visit