When I got a sample of Campo Viejo Rioja Reserva 2018, I decided to “Go Rioja or go home!” So I created a delicious array of tapas to enjoy with the wine and I am sharing it with you!

Campo Viejo Rioja Reserva 2018

First, let’s talk a little about this wine. For starters – it’s just plain delicious. And at about $16 retail, it’s affordalicious! As I tasted this wine (and subsequently some other Rioja wines that crossed my path), I noticed a consistency in the taste profile.

You can expect plum notes, alongside some graphite (aka pencil lead) and sweet dried tobacco aromas. On the palate, it’s actually kind of medium-bodied, with finely integrated tannins. You’ll get those plummy, blackberry notes plus a touch of vanilla and baking spices in the background. It’s dangerously easy-drinking!

To use the word “Reserva” on the label means that the wine aged for at least 36 months. This wine spent 18 months in American and French oak barrels, and then another 18 months aging in the bottle before it was released into the market.

The star grape of the Rioja region in northern Spain is Tempranillo. This wine is a blend of Tempranillo, backed up with some Graciano and Mazuelo. For ore info on this wine, click here.

Bodegas Faustino Rioja Reserva 2018

Bodegas Faustino was one of the first producers to make wine in Spain’s Rioja region more than 160 years ago, putting Rioja on the map as a premier wine-making region. One of the hallmarks of Rioja is the use of American oak (as opposed to French or other European oak).

In the Faustino V Rioja, it imparts appealing notes of vanilla that accent the spicy, savory fruit compote, alongside other cozy notes like plum, compote, dried pipe tobacco, leather and fresh earth.

It’s really well-balanced; dry but full of plush fruit. The iconic label of the Faustino V features a portrait (by Rembrandt) of a Dutch merchant, reflecting the importance of merchants to global trade.  This is another affordalicious winner at about $20.

La Rioja Alta, S.A.

At a tasting at Birch Road (a social club I belong to), we got to taste through a range of wines from La Rioja Alta, a cooperative of five families in the Rioja region. They’ve been turning out a range of gorgeous Rioja wines for more than 130 years. They use only American oak and even have their own cooperage (barrel production facility).

We covered the range, starting with the Finca San Martín 2014 Rioja Crianza (aged for 24 months) which you can find for about $20 all the way up to “the pricey meatball,” as I call it – 2015 La Rioja Alta Gran Reserve 904 (which will set you back about $90).

The Fincan San Martín was an easy-drinking delight with more of those signature plum / blackberry, graphite and vanilla flavors. Yum yum yum! We took it up a notch with the 2020 Viña Alberdi Rioja Reserve (aged 36 months). And that finale – the La Rioja Alta 904 – which is made only in years when the harvest is declared super-excellent – was a sexy beast. Elegant with an intersection of rich black fruit compote and bright acidity. It was really beautiful. For more info on La Rioja Alta wines, click here

The Tapas

Spain is known for tapas – which translates to “to cover” and that is why, in Spain, you will see small plates of snacks on top of drinks glasses. Originally, it was meant to keep fruit flies out of one’s drink, but the term stuck. Today, people associate tapas with little snacks to enjoy with a beer or a glass of Spanish wine.

Cheese – Manchego is the Spanish cheese of choice for many, including me. It’s everywhere, at supermarkets and specialty shops. The older it is, the more intense it will be in flavor, but it’s not a crazy strong cheese.

Accompaniment – Membrillo is quince paste and it is deeeeelicious! You slice it into thin slices and layer it onto a cracker and top with a slice of Manchego. It’s addictive! You get the subtle sweetness of the Membrillo against the rich, saltiness of the cheese and it is a dream with Rioja wine!

Jamon Iberico – I blame my friend Kelly for my obsession with Iberico ham. It’s a cured ham, but it is much different from Italian Prosciutto. Jamon Iberico is made from black Iberian pigs and when the meat is cured, it is rich and savory, with a unique umami flavor that is just heaven with red wine. I like to get it at World Market and just slice or tear it in to pieces to eat solo or with crackers.

Garlic Butter Mushrooms – Just slide some white or cremini mushrooms into quarters and sauté in olive oil and mince garlic. Salt them when they are cooked, and eat them with toothpicks. The earthy, garlicky, salty flavor or these is divine with red wine!

So if you’re feeling like a trip to Spain from your home own, why not create your own Rioja and tapas feast? It’s a fun and delicious way to share great wine and food with friends, Rioja-style! Salud!