The last two decades have seen significant changes in winemaking, with producers moving away from regulation ageing in 225-litre barrels, usually American oak, to vats ranging from 300L to 2,000L (or more) and in many cases, French oak. For those who choose not to use the formal ageing categories and instead classify their wines as ‘genérico’ by vintage (from 2019 the new Genérico category will cover all wines with no specified ageing requirements and will also include what was formerly Joven, young unoaked wines), there is plenty of room to experiment, using not just large vats, but concrete of all shapes, or even clay amphorae. Look at the map of Rioja and you could be in Burgundy, more or less. Turn Rioja 90 degrees and it shares a similar shape, measuring 100km by 40km. There’s the influence of the rivers – the Ebro, in Rioja’s case. Mountains – to Rioja’s north, the Sierra de Cantabria, and to the south, the Sierra de la Demanda – give slopes and various aspects. Burgundy runs north-south and Rioja almost east-west, but the two share immense diversity. One bottle of Milenrama Blanco, a white rioja of straw yellow colour made from 20 year old vines. It has a high intensity bouquet of tropical fruits mixed with notes of hazelnut. On the palate, it is soft and silky with a fine sweet flavour at the end. Where they differ significantly is in blending. Traditionally Rioja has been more like Bordeaux, blending across the region, both varieties and vineyards. So while Tempranillo is king in Rioja, it is often blended with Garnacha, Graciano and Mazuelo. There are some distinguished single-varietal Garnachas and Gracianos, but they are rare indeed. Shift of emphasis mcpepper85 A favourite Great every day wine that also works for many different meals and cheese. A favourite in our house

The Penasco Rioja Crianza 2018 is a symphony of flavours, showcasing the depth and richness of Spain’s wine craftsmanship. This blend, a product of the esteemed Rioja Alta region, is a fusion of Tempranillo and Garnacha grapes, each aged to perfection in oak barrels. Uncover the Intricacies of Rioja Red WineBrand Rioja is subtly moving – changing its identity a little bit,’ said Field. ‘There were some classic, traditional Riojas that did well in this tasting. But I think Rioja is at a crossroads, because it’s trying to move away from the way it has traditionally been defined, by age, into trying more and more to define itself by place. And therefore, the question is: is there a definitive Rioja style?’ That question is not an easy one to answer at the moment. However the judges were encouraged rather than deterred by evidence of this tasting. Our Rioja gifts are more than just a present; they are a curated experience. Beautifully boxed and personally selected, these treasures offer a taste of the cherished Rioja tradition, ensuring every special moment is accentuated by the luxury of fine wine. A Toast to Penasco Rioja - A Tale of Time and Tradition

We felt this wine once chilled was best served with fish such as prawns so if your having prawns as a starter on Christmas day, this wine would go perfectly with them.Penasco Rioja is a story of passion and heritage told through the medium of wine. Whether it's the robust 2015 vintage or the harmonious Crianza 2018, each bottle encapsulates a unique narrative from the vineyards of Spain's most celebrated wine region. Celebrate with Rioja Wine Gifts - The Perfect Pour for Every Occasion Rioja is the best-known wine region in Spain and is a successful, recognisable brand. What brands have is the comfort factor. The uncomfortable grit in the oyster is this: as consumers we demand ‘affordable wines’, but should the most famous wine region in Spain be selling itself cheap – and is it even sustainable? The Penusco Rioja 2015 is a red wine that transcends the ordinary. Born of Spain's finest Tempranillo and Garnacha grapes, it radiates a depth of flavour, richness, and complexity, embodying the very spirit of the Rioja wine tradition. The Pleasure of Rioja Red - A Gift for the Senses Grapes: Red – Tempranillo (79.7% of total vineyard), Garnacha (6.9%), Graciano (2%), Mazuelo (1.9%), Maturana Tinta (0.3%) If your looking for a few white wines to have at your table then Vermentino Di Sardegna of Italy is one of our favourites. If you having an alternative to turkey on Christmas day or having a pasta on Boxing Day – serve this wine.

Welcome to Drinks House 247, where we celebrate the rich, full-bodied essence of Rioja red wine. Our selection, sourced from the prestigious vineyards of Spain's renowned wine region, is an ode to the time-honoured traditions of La Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa. Penusco Rioja Gift Set - An Unforgettable Experience A very difficult year, with April frosts that swept northern Europe, followed by drought. One of the earliest vintages on record. One bottle of Milenrama Tinto, a young red from Rioja made from 20 year old vines. Milenrama Tinto has a dark red cherry colour with violet shades. On the nose it has ripe red fruits with lactic notes and liquorice. On the mouth it is wide and long lasting with fleshy texture and notes of plums and liquorice.One bottle of Milenrama Rosado, a rose wine from Rioja made from 75 year old vines. Milenrama Rosado has a very intense strawberry colour. On the nose it has high intensity notes of fresh peach and raspberry. On the palate, it is soft and silky with a fine sweet flavour at the end. Gran Reserva: A total of 60 months, with minimum two years in barrel and two years in bottle. Rioja: Know your vintages It’s a time of change for Spain’s most famous wine region, as a new focus on terroir and different winemaking practices open the door to new styles. Sarah Jane Evans MW assesses the impact… We thought this wine was light and crispy and had a good sharp taste to it, we enjoyed this wine with a Carbonara pasta which really went well, the wine left a floral lemon taste to it which left a really nice, smooth after taste.