In 2012 Spanish wine accounted for 10% of the Irish market, approx 866,430 cases. Of that the Rioja accounts for approximately 40% all Spanish wines, sold on the Irish market, roughly 350,000 cases. The Irish LOVE wines from Rioja and here at Movies & Booze, Rioja is one of our most asked about wines, which is why, this week, we are featuring a red and a white from Rioja. Cune, is one of the oldest Estates in Rioja. A family owned Estate it dates back to 1879 when the winery was founded by two brothers from Bilbao. Today the fifth generation of the same family run the business.
Last week I attended a vertical tasting of wines from the Cune Estate. In other words, we looked at a range of vintages to see how they were performing. We tasted a selection of their famous Vina Real wines ranging in age from 41 to 7 years of age. Of the range tasted, the 1981 was magnificent, still fresh and vibrant 33 years later. The 1988 was a VERY good vintage and showed well; but the star of the show was the 1973 Cune Vina Real Grand Reserva, over 40 years old and still incredibly complex and velvety.
CUNE is a premium Rioja house and their wines are worth a try. They will be going on offer nationwide in SuperValu from 12th June – 2nd July which is worth keeping an eye out for.
2012 CUNE Barrel Fermented White Rioja €17.99
Stockists: Supervalu (on offer 12.6.14 to 02.07.14 at €12.99 save €5)
Two mountain ranges the Cantabrica and the Pyrnees, protect the wine zones of North Central Spain, providing favourable conditions for red and white wine grapes. The best known of these zones is undoubtedly Rioja. It's vineyards are found in the southern part in la Rioja itself. The area is made up of three sub regions Alta, Alvesa and Baja.
This wine is made from the Viura grape the synonym used in the Spanish DOCa of Rioja for Macabeo, which is the most popular grape of northern Spain. and has been aged in new American oak casks for four months. Fermenting the white grapes in Barrells gets the most out of the aromatically modest Viura.
A marvellously rick and creamy, soft-fruit style white Rioja. With aromas of peaches and honeysuckle and citrus fruit on the palate, this wine benefits from fermentation in cask, which makes it softer. A long finish with lovely toasty oak and vanilla flavours, this is a classic Spanish white wine style.
2010 CUNE DOCa Rioja Crianza €16.99
Stockists: Supervalu (On offer 12.6.14 to 02.07.14 to € 11.99 save €5)
Spanish wine laws have been harmonized to make sure that the terms 'Crianza' and 'Reserva' have the same minimum standards. This classification is used to define the age and in principle, drinkability of a wine. Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reserva are terms used to describe wines that have been matured in a certain way for certain length of time. The idea behind these is to present consumers with an instantly drinkable wine, rather than selling them a bottle that they may have to keep for years until it is ready.
A Crianza wine must have had a minimum of two year's ageing, whether in tank, barrel or bottle with a minimum of six months in oak. For Reserva the rules are more precise, they must be of good quality and red Reservas must have at least three years ageing (of which one must be in oak barrel) and white Reservas at least two years ageing (of which six months must be in oak).
Wines of the highest quality, top quality from extremely good vintages are aged for at least two years in oak barrel and three in bottle for reds. Whites for a total of at least four years (with a minimum of six months in wood).
Red grapes are Tempranillo and Garnacha Tinta. Some are made from Tempranillo only but most are a blend. Graciano is also used as it gives excellent flavour and colour, Masuelo (known in France as Carignan) can also feature.
Traditionalists like to use native grapes i.e. preferring to us Graciano rather than Cabernet Sauvignon. Cune would be a more traditional producer.
This delicious wine is made from Tempranillo aged for one year in both American and French casks. Lovely developed leathery aromas with a delicious, concentrated black plum fruits with mixed spice on the palate. Firm and friendly tannins, juicy berry and peppery finish. Moderate in alcohol, yet a powerful and masculine style. Wine Advocate gave this wine 90 points. Food match: Roast Chicken, Roast Pork, Beef and Lamb.
For wine events go to the wine diary at www.jeansmullen.com
This weekend Ballymaloe House will be organising the second edition of their very successful Literary Festival of Food and Wine from 16th – 18th May 2014 For details of the wine and drink events http://www.litfest.ie/events/wine-drink
