Those of you who have been following me for some time, know of my love affair with the wines of my "Fatherland", Rioja, and particularly Rioja Alavesa, or the Basque district of Rioja, Northern Spain. Today I am writing about one of my most treasured "Bodegas" (Winery). Bodegas Montecillo was established in 1847, the 3rd oldest winery in Fuenmayor, Rioja Alta, with a production of superior wines from indigenous Spanish varietals. Montecillo Gran Reserva is a blend of 70% Tempranillo, the star grape of Rioja and much of Spain. 20% Garnacha, and 10% Mazuelo and Graciano. Aged for 30 months in French Oak. In 2000' annual production was only 61,000 bottles. Small batch considering other wineries that produce 4 million bottles and MORE! What does that mean for the consumer? An unadulterated, concentrated batch of pure bliss!
This month, Montecillo Gran Reserva can be found at some of the Costco stores (incidentally, Costco is the largest retailer of wine in the U.S.) I stumbled on this batch at the Westlake store on Lindero Canyon Rd. Other fine wine retailers also carry this such as Total Wine but not at the price Costco is letting it go @ $22.99 a bottle!! At this price, one best stock up on it before it's all gone or they realize what it's really worth!!
The 2007 Montecillo Gran Reserva displays dried fruit aromas such as raisins, figs and dates structured by sawdust, and gingery oak on the nose. The palate reveals black cherry, red plum, crushed currant, and red fruits with cinnamon, and there is cherry throughout with a touch of fig and raisin in a voluptuous, long elegant finish. Serve with pintxos (tapas) grilled meats and Paella.
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