Wine Along The 101
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    • 2023 Articles >
      • Simply Italian Great Wines US Tour 2022, A Brief Look at the Complex World of Italian Wine
      • A Night of Sicilian Wine, Spotlighting Cambria and Madaudo Wineries
      • Yealands Wines, “Think Boldly, Tread Lightly”, Leading the World Toward Sustainable Winemaking
    • 2022 Articles >
      • Further Defining the Single Vineyard Cru Wines of Barolo and Barbaresco, the Rise of the MGA
      • The Barolo Cru Wines of Beni di Batasiolo
      • Pyros Wines Sparks World-Class Malbec
      • AlloraVino Imports, a Love Affair with Italian Wine
      • Maisons Marques & Domaines Wine Portfolio: Prestige, Glamour and Good Taste for the Holidays
      • The Original Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PGI, a Condiment and a Culture
      • Rocca delle Macìe, Taking Chianti Classico to New Heights
      • Alluring and Iconic, The World of Chianti Wines
      • Paso Robles Weaves a Thrilling Tapestry of World-Class Wine
      • LXV Wines, The Spice of Paso Robles
      • The Mouthwatering Sauvignon Blancs of Chile
      • The Wines of Portugal, Discover a World of Difference
      • Domaines Albert Bichot, An Exceptional Approach to Burgundian Wine
      • The Wines of Abruzzo Undergo a Renaissance of Quality
      • Ketcham Estate, Exceptional Wines From The Heart of the Russian River Valley
      • La Rioja Alta, S.A., Innovation and Tradition That Stands the Test of Time
      • Vega Sicilia Celebrates 40 Years of Winemaking Excellence
      • Planeta of Sicily Embraces the Past While Reaching For the Future
      • The Spirit of Renaissance is Alive and Well in “South of Somewhere”
      • Gambero Rosso Returns to LA, With the Best of Italian Wines
      • Falanghina and Aglianico del Taburno, Sannio's Ancient Wine Stars
      • Tablas Creek Vineyard Embraces Regenerative Organic Farming
    • 2021 Articles >
      • Make Merry With Domaine Bousquet Sparkling Wines
      • Discover These Enchanting Italian Wines, From the Fog of Piedmont to the Island Breezes of Sardinia
      • Rodney Strong Vineyards and Winery, Revitalizing an Iconic Brand
      • Thanksgiving Tips for the Best Wine and Food Pairing
      • Escape to Paso Robles, a Wine Country Oasis
      • Escape to Paso Robles, a Wonderland of Wine
      • Smith-Madrone Wines, a Napa Valley Pioneer Celebrates Fifty Years of Excellence
      • Oregon’s Willamette Valley, the Land of Pinot Noir
      • Irvine & Roberts Vineyards, Exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Southern Oregon
      • BARRA of Mendocino Wines, an Original Organic Wine Play
      • The Opulent and Thrilling Wines of Denner Vineyards
      • L’Ecole No. 41, Expressive Wines That Pass the Test of Time With Flying Colors
      • France's Loire Valley, a Fairytale Land of Storybook Castles and Magical Wines
      • Craft Wine, Shining the Spotlight on America’s Small Wine Producers
    • 2020 Articles >
      • Margerum Wine Company, the Nexus of Sublime Santa Barbara County Wines
      • Catena Zapata, Malbec on High
      • Long Meadow Ranch, the Circle of Life in a Glass of Wine
      • Fontanafredda Barolo Forges a New Future
      • Bordeaux Wine 2017, Surprises in a Challenging Vintage
    • 2019 Articles >
      • The Rising Wine Country of Southern Oregon's Rogue Valley
      • Discover Ashland and the Rogue Valley, Southern Oregon's Serenade to the Good Life
      • Napa Valley Grille, New Fall Menu Paired with European Wines
      • Embrace Your Wine Geek with PRIE Winery & Vineyards
      • Castello di Albola, Chianti Classico on High
      • Nicolas-Jay Wines, the Journey of a Lifetime
      • The Expanding Complexity of New Zealand Wine
      • Prosecco DOC, Splendor in the Glass
      • On the Oregon Wine Trail
      • Albariño and Rioja Star in Spain’s Great Match
      • Exciting and Eclectic, the Wines of Alentejo
      • Blaufränkisch Propels the Red Wines of Austria Into the Spotlight
      • Fascinating Greek Wines of the Cava Spiliadis Collection
      • Revolution In Rioja Wine
    • 2018 Articles >
      • Temecula Valley Celebrates 50 Years of Winemaking
      • The Stellar Wines of Sardinia
      • Italian Wines Prescribed by Doctor Wine
      • The Alluring Wines of Tunisia
      • Gambero Rosso’s Top Italian Wines for 2018
      • Velenosi Wines, From Le Marche to the World
      • Sauvignon Blanc, a Rising Star in Napa Valley
      • Frank Family Vineyards Celebrates 25 Years
      • Markus Wine Co., Sleek New Red Wines Up the Ante for Lodi Reds
      • Lodi Wine, Over 100 Varieties Strong
      • Ramona Valley Wine Country, an Up and Coming Wine Region
      • Hertelendy Vineyards, the Pursuit of Excellence
      • Napa Valley Wine, Nirvana in a Bottle
      • Wine Stroll: Explore Downtown Paso Robles Wineries
      • The Beautiful Shades of Lodi Rosé Wines
      • Doubling Down on Gold Medal Wines: The San Francisco International Wine Competition
      • The Exotic Wines of Lebanon
      • Australian Wines, Rediscover the New Frontier
      • New Zealand Wines, Expanding beyond Sauvignon Blanc
      • Visit France in 2018, a Feast of Food, Wine, Culture and History
      • Bordeaux Wine 2015, A Very Good Year
      • Portugal's Treasure Chest of Wines
      • Livermore Valley, California’s Original Wine Country Reborn
      • Concannon and Wente Vineyards, California’s Pioneers of Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay
      • Livermore Valley Wine Country, the Future Looks Bright
    • 2017 Articles >
      • Viña Ardanza Rioja Turns 75, an Enchanting Wine Gets Even Better
      • The VIP Sparkle of Prosecco Superiore
      • Lodi Wine Country, Seriously Good Wine From A to Z
      • Lodi Wine Country, Old Vines and Great Wines
      • Lodi Wine Country, Winegrowers and Winemakers Focused on the Future
      • Lugana White Wine, Better With Age
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip to LA
      • Sweetzer Cellars, a Life Changing Journey of Wine
      • Lugana and Valpolicella, the Yin and Yang of the Veneto
      • Three R’s of Summer Wine, Rosé, Riesling, and Ramato
      • Familia Martínez Bujanda, Wines Without Borders
      • Codorníu Cava, the Ars and Anna Collection
      • New and Exciting Wines from the 2017 Santa Barbara Vintners Spring Weekend Celebration
      • Sensual Delights on Display at Savor Italy Los Angeles
      • Pizza and Franco Pepe, Italy’s Best Comes to LA
      • Montes Wines, Wisdom in Wine From Father to Son
      • Passionate Pinot Noir Lovers Unite at the 2017 World of Pinot
      • Vignalta, Wines of the Highest Order
      • Santa Lucia Highlands Sensational Wines
      • Gambero Rosso’s Top Italian Wines for 2017
      • Law Estate Wines: Quality by Design
      • Taittinger and Calvisius: Champagne and Caviar Dreams
      • Riding High on American Rhone Wines, The Rhone Rangers LA Tasting
      • Discover Monterey Wine Country, wine and so much more
      • Wines of Portugal, the Perfect Dinner Companion
      • Gruet's Enchanting Sparkling Wines
    • 2016 Articles >
      • The Art of Italian Living, SoCal Style
      • Wines of Alsace: Perfect for the Holidays
      • Oso Libre Winery; Vines, Wines, and Angus Beef
      • Best Wines for Thanksgiving
      • Simply Italian Great Wines US Tour Sweeps Through Los Angeles
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Chardonnay
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Pinot Noir
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Rhône Varietals
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Bordeaux Varietals
      • Achaval-Ferrer, Exceptional Wines from Argentina
      • Celebration of Harvest Grand Tasting 2016 Highlights
      • The Celebrity Sparkle of Ferrari Trento Wines
      • Santa Barbara Wine Country’s Celebration of Harvest 2016
      • The Garagiste Festival, Off the Beaten Path Wines
      • Explore SLO Wine Country, Central California’s Hidden Gem
      • Byron Winery, The Grand Pinot Noir Experiment
      • Crocker & Starr Wines, Organically Elegant
      • Escape to Santa Maria Wine Country
      • The Elegant White Wines of Domäne Wachau
      • Champagne Palmer: The New Champagne on the Block
      • Holman Ranch & Vineyards: Making Memories & Wine at Romantic California Hideaway
      • Luminous Wines of France's Loire Valley
    • Examiner.com Articles >
      • Alma Rosa Winery & Vineyards: Wines Without Compromise
      • All Stars of Pinot Noir Rock the 2016 World of Pinot
      • Ampelos Wines' Biodynamic Brilliance
      • Artisan Uprising: Blood Into Wine
      • Bodegas Beronia Rioja: The Magic of Oak
      • Crawford Family Wines: Unlocking Varietal Flavor
      • Dolin Malibu Estate Vineyards' Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs Shine Bright
      • Hahn Family Wines: Santa Lucia Highlands' Sweet Spot
      • Kimmel Vineyards: Good Wine Flows from Challenging Times
      • Larner Vineyard: Sweet Spot for Syrah and Grenache
      • LOCA for Lodi Wine
      • Lompoc Wine Ghetto
      • Sanford Winery & Vineyards, Delicious Wines That Tell a Tale
      • The Diverse and Divine Wines of Santa Barbara County
      • Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail
      • The Stellar Wines of California's Sta. Rita Hills
      • Skinner Vineyards, Destiny and Determination
      • Wines of Portugal, The Art of the Blend
  • Wine Reviews
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. 2021 Sauvignon Blanc, in Can and Bottle
    • Coen Malbec Reserve 2019, a New World Wine with Old World Sensibilities
    • Sangre de Toro Rosé, A Light and Bright Summer Thirst Quencher
    • Summer and Sauvignon Blanc, Lucky Rock Wine Co. Style
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. County Cuvée Pinot Noir 2019
    • Monte Velho, Fascinating Wines and Value-Priced
    • Grassl Glasses Add Depth to Wine Enjoyment
    • Domaine Bousquet Sparkling Rosé Brut Makes Everyday a Holiday
    • Festive Ferrari Trento Sparkling Wines For All Occasions
    • Bodegas CARO, the Best of Both Worlds
    • Kosher Wines For the Jewish High Holidays Are Highly Recommended Anytime of Year
    • Oak Farm Vineyards, a Rainbow of Delicious Lodi Wines
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. Sauvignon Blanc 2019
    • Ron Rubin Wines, The Dream Series
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. County Cuvée Pinot Noir 2018
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. Sauvignon Blanc 2018
    • Crus Bourgeois Bordeaux, Expressive Wines at Everyday Prices
    • Légende Collection of Bordeaux Wines
    • Five Contemporary California Wines To Try
    • Alternative Sparkling Wines For a Celebration
    • A Toast to Prosecco Superiore
    • Celebrate with this Pair of Spanish Red Wines
    • A Quartet of Summer Red Wines
    • Spanish Albariño, a Wine For All Seasons
    • Ciù Ciù Wines, Quality That Shines Through
    • A Trio of Red Wines for Holiday Merrymaking
    • Terre de la Custodia Montefalco Rosso 2012
    • The Sultry Arnaldo Caprai Collepiano Montefalco Sagrantino
    • Pop the Cork on Charles Heidsieck Champagne and Bisol Prosecco
    • Garnacha Wines from DOP Cariñena, Beautiful Bang for the Buck
    • A Pair of Greek Wines for a Spring Feast
    • A Dynamic Duo of Sassy Spanish White Wines
    • Anderra Carménere
    • Artesa Chardonnay/Pinot Noir
    • Avignonesi Grandi Annate
    • Château Saint-Maur Rosé
    • La Miranda de Secastilla, Old Vine Garnacha Gems
    • Intriguing Israeli Wines
    • Leviathan
    • Domaines Paul Mas Wines Trio
    • Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc, intensely refreshing and delicious
    • Perticaia Trebbiano Spoletino
    • Stay Cool With These Two Charming White Wines
  • Events
    • Garagiste Wine Festival: Urban Exposure 2022 Highlights Hidden California Wine Gems
    • Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival 2019
    • World of Pinot Noir 2019, A Magical Mystery Tour
    • Journey to Planet Pinot at the 2018 World of Pinot Noir
    • Great Wines of Italy Comes to LA
    • Wine Along the Beach at Garagiste Wine Festival 2017
    • Santa Barbara Vintners Spring Weekend Celebration 2017
    • Orbit the World of Pinot Noir at the 2017 World of Pinot
    • Rhone Rangers Los Angeles 2016
  • Wine Travel
  • Videos
    • Celebration of Harvest
    • Feliz Noche Wines
    • Terravant Custom Crush
    • Que Syrah, Shiraz!
    • Paso Robles Wine Festival
    • L'Aventure Syrah Harvest
    • Clos Pepe's Prince of Pinot
  • Photos
  • Who We Are
    • About Patricia Decker
    • About Fabian Rodriguez
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La Rioja Alta winery, Courtesy of La Rioja Alta, S.A.
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La Pedriza Vineyard in Rioja Oriental, Courtesy of La Rioja Alta, S.A.
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La Rioja Alta barrel room, Courtesy of La Rioja Alta, S.A.
On a high, windswept plateau in Rioja, a venerable Spanish winery, forged by five families over 130 years ago, stands the test of time.  Here, the vines of La Rioja Alta, S.A. produce Tempranillo-based wines that embrace the passage of years, gaining nuance and complexity as they slumber in their oak barrels deep within the earth.  While tradition has shaped these wines for over a century, their motto, “Always evolving”, has charted a course for the future.  Renowned for their traditional style of elegant and savory wines, La Rioja Alta, S.A. has expanded and diversified, offering more modern-style wines, while keeping their core, classic Rioja, as a guardian of the brand.
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Today’s La Rioja Alta, S.A. channels their heritage while embracing modern winemaking techniques, making wines with more fruit and structure, but striving for a delicate elegance that echoes the past.  It’s this historical Spanish accent that permeates the transparent ruby color of the wine, hidden in the swirl of aromas and flavors, a whisper of the delicate Tempranillo from the Rioja Alta vineyards atop the plateau, with a bass note of the more powerful Garnacha from the low-lying Rioja Oriental.  Captivating in the same way as some of the best Burgundian wines, ethereal and subtle, it is different in its full orchestral complement of aromas and flavors; fruit, earth, spice, tobacco, cocoa, and oak notes of vanilla and cinnamon.
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La Rioja Alta in Rioja Alta, Courtesy of La Rioja Alta, S.A.
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Torre de Oña in Rioja Alavesa, Courtesy of La Rioja Alta, S.A.
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Lagar de Cervera in Rias Baixas, Courtesy of La Rioja Alta, S.A.
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Bodegas Áster in Ribero del Duero, Courtesy of La Rioja Alta, S.A.
While renowned for their iconic Rioja wines, La Rioja Alta, S.A. is branching out.  They own four wineries: the original estate in La Rioja Alta, Torre de Oña in Rioja Alavesa, Lagar de Cervera in Rias Baixas and Áster in Ribero del Duero.  Producing red wines with the common thread of Tempranillo, with the exception of Lagar de Cervera and its Albariño, the art is mostly in the blend, with oak aging a key ingredient in its character and evolution.  An eye to detailed viticulture of all estate-grown fruit and modern winemaking techniques shape the character of the wines.  La Rioja Alta, S.A. continues their traditional approach in some ways, making their own American oak barrels onsite, and aging the wines in both barrel and bottle until they are ready to drink upon release, a luxury many wine producers can’t afford.
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Historical photo, Courtesy of La Rioja Alta, S.A.
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La Rioja Alta barrel room, Courtesy of La Rioja Alta, S.A.
History provides perspective and crystallizes future ambitions.  Over 130 years ago, La Rioja Alta, S.A. was founded by five Rioja families, who still control the company.  Viña Ardanza is their icon wine, the sun in their expanding galaxy of wine styles and labels, which include the Gran Reserva 890 and 904, Arana Gran Reserva, and entry-level Alberdi.   Homage is paid to three of the original founding families in these Ardanza, Alberdi and Arana wine labels.
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Export Area Manager Jose Navarro of La Rioja Alta, S.A.
Recently, La Rioja Alta, S.A. brought these beautiful wines and their entourage labels to Los Angeles for a tasting luncheon at Fanny’s Restaurant and Cafe with members of the wine trade.  Export Manager Jose Navarro shared the company’s goal of establishing one winery in each of the best quality (DO) regions in Spain, along with impressive examples of style and vintage.
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Greeted by a glass of the 2020 Lagar de Cervera Albariño, aromas of green apple, citrus, peach and melon jumped out of the glass, followed by vibrant and rounded flavors, accented with a core of salinity.  Very balanced and fresh, a perfect summer wine.
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The First Course, a Black Truffle Hummus with Crispy Mushrooms and Parsley, was accompanied by the 2016 Bodegas Áster Crianza.  This is a 100% Tinto del Pais, the local variety of Tempranillo, from Ribera del Duero, made in a modern style where the fruit takes center stage.  Aged in French oak barrels, intense aromas of wild berries and dark fruit play against hints of cedar, licorice, cocoa and spice, resulting in a vibrant wine, with a rich core, delicate acidity and round tannins, unfolding unto a long, balanced finish.
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The Second Course, Grilled Salmon with Red Wine Muhammara, Greens and Goat Cheese, served as the backdrop for four vintages of Viña Ardanza, the jewel of La Rioja Alta, S.A., and defined by a consistent style.  Viña Ardanza, a blend of 80% Tempranillo and 20% Garnacha, is opulent and elegant, intense with red fruit and spice, yet intriguing with coffee bean and cigar box notes, structured yet ripe and balanced, with silky tannins and an extraordinarily long finish.  Viña Ardanza is not made every year, but only when the quality is exceptional, which can be seven times within a decade in good vintages.  But the greatest of these wines happen rarely, labeled Especial, they have only been made four times, in 1964, 1973, 2001 and 2010.  The four different vintages served at lunch illustrate the aging potential and evolution of the wine over time.
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  • The 1994 Viña Ardanza Reserva, considered the “harvest of the century”, is 75% Tempranillo and 25% Garnacha, and displayed the characteristics of an aged wine, not much fruit but intriguing in its secondary and tertiary notes, with good acidity and a long finish.
  • The 2001 Viña Ardanza Reserva Especial was an “Especial”, an exceptional wine with intense and complex aromas, a refined wine with silky tannins and a very long finish.
  • The 2005 Viña Ardanza Reserva presented blackberry fruit, alongside spice and vanilla notes, lively and well-structured with silky tannins, and a long finish.
  • The 2015 Viña Ardanza Reserva is a powerful wine, with rich fruit, spice, and notes of licorice, cocoa, coffee and leather.  Structured, with a mineral note, and supple tannins, this 2015 vintage is elegant and age-worthy.
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The Third Course, Chitarra with Ragu All’Abruzzese, Basil and Chili Oil was the canvas for two vintages of the Torre de Oña Finca Martelo Reserva wines.  These wines are all about vineyard expression, unlike Ardanza, which is about a consistent style.  Torre de Oña is a modern-style wine, 95% Tempranillo and a 5% field blend of Garnacha, Mazuelo, and Viura, from three Alavesa vineyards with old vines over 60 years old.  Aged in 80% American and 20% French oak, it has more color, structure and tannin.  The 2014 Finca Martelo Reserva swirled intense red fruit, spice, tobacco and chocolate notes, and higher acidity, while the 2015 Finca Martelo Reserva channeled dark fruit, good acidity and a fresher profile, with silky tannins and a long, well-balanced finish.
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The Fourth Course, Short Rib with Sofrito, Crispy Rice and Pickled Cabbage, was the stage for four vintages of La Rioja Alta’s Viña Arana Gran Reserva and Gran Reserva 904 wines.  Viña Arana Gran Reservas are vibrant, with a style of its own, and aging potential, 95% Tempranillo and 5% Graciano.  Aromatic intensity and acidity from Graciano along with elegance and structure from Tempranillo mark these refined wines, the 2014 Viña Arana Gran Reserva so expressive and the 2015 Viña Arana Gran Reserva so elegant.  The Gran Reserva 904s, named for the year 1904 when La Rioja Alta merged with the Ardanza Winery, are the more elegant, delicate wines of the Gran Reservas.  The 2011 Gran Reserva 904 demonstrated an intense fruit nose with underlying spice and notes of cigar box, cedar, and licorice while the 1997 Gran Reserva 904 penetrated the palate with waves of intrigue and umami, spice, and leather, ending long with silky, rich tannins.
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Five years ago, La Rioja Alta, S.A.’s President, Guillermo de Aranzábal, came to Los Angeles to celebrate 75 vintages of Viña Ardanza and spoke of adapting for the future.  He described La Rioja Alta, S.A. as “the new classics, the classics of today, we want to take the best of the tradition and the best of the innovation.  From tradition, we take the elegance of the wines; complexity, delicacy, long life.  From the new style wines, we take more color, more freshness, more fruit, more intensity.”  And this seems to be the core of the evolution of Viña Ardanza, and the other wines under the La Rioja Alta, S.A. umbrella.  Wines that gets better every vintage, from the blend of tradition and modern trends, yet still require patience since aging is so important to its evolution.  Seamless and integrated, where no one thing stands out, they are the sum of the aromas, flavors, acidity and structure that has you coming back for more, one that I find particularly intriguing, like a mystery never truly revealed.
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La Rioja Alta, S.A. wines, in all their vintages and incarnations, are ravishing beauties, that will mesmerize and captivate you with their heady swirl of aromas, and satisfy with their balance and depth of flavors.  They are a lot of wine for the price, and with the US their number one market for exports, the consumer is the beneficiary, able to enjoy wines ready to consume upon release, ethereal and subtle, but with the promise of greatness with age, a perfect choice for the home wine cellar.