If last week we were focussing on the classics that Rioja has to offer, this week we are looking to the modern approaches that are diversifying the offering from this region. This week's wine of the week is also a pretty popular bottle in the shop already so hopefully a lot of people will be chuffed to see it with the 10% off. This week we have...
 
Lacrimus Rex Rioja Tinto
 
Last time we talked about Tempranillo and American oak, this time we are talking Garnacha, Graciano and French oak. Before we get to the details, where does this wine come from? Well, Rioja, obviously. But more specifically, Rioja Oriental. Rioja is split into three sub regions, Rioja Alavesa, Rioja Alta and Rioja Oriental. Each have their own unique qualities that they give to the wine.
 
Rioja Oriental (previously Rioja Baja) is the largest area in Rioja. It is very hot and dry and is lower in altitude than it's neighbours. This makes it a much more suitable climate for the Garnacha grape than Tempranillo. However, in the 80s, due to the demand for Riojian Tempranillo a lot of Garnacha vines were uprooted and replaced. In recent years people have started to realise that this was a little bit (a big bit) of an error and we are starting to see a resurgence of Garnacha from this area, just like this week's wine.
 
But this wine isn't all about Garnacha, 25% of the blend is Graciano. Graciano is often a sidekick (although it is starting to make a little bit more of a name for itself on its own) and is particularly loved in Rioja because of its ability to blend well with both Tempranillo and Garnacha. It is deeply coloured and even in small quantities can make a real impact to a blend. Because the different grapes in the blend have different temperaments they are fermented separately and not blended until this is complete.
 
This wine is aged in French oak, rather than the traditional American oak, for 9 months. This also means that it cannot fit into the classification system that I talked about last week. Where once this would be avoided as the wines would not be considered to be as good if they were 'Cosecha', this idea is now changing. More and more winemakers are ignoring the 'traditional' ideas of aging and proving that good wine does not need to be a 'Reserva' or 'Gran Reserva'. In fact one of our most expensive bottles of Rioja is also considered a Cosecha.
 
All of this means you have quite a different wine to the one that you had last week. It has a softer texture, full of red berries and a fresher, younger style. It is still a rich wine which will pair well with a whole host of different foods, including your Sunday lunch or a plate of tapas if that is what you fancy. There is a reason it is one of my bestselling wines and if you want to be in the know then this is the week to find out because...
 
it should be £11.00 but this week it will £9.90
 
Available to try today and tomorrow in our Saville Street Shop OR you can buy online and have it delivered straight to your door. Click here to find out how..