A Rioja Experience for Every Budget

Rioja shaped my wine palate. As a 20 year old living in Madrid, wines from La Rioja — the country’s Napa — and their smooth and drinkable bottles were readily and cheaply available. So, when a friend guided me to New York’s Rioja Restaurant Week from April 26-May 2, I got all geeky-excited about it. Yes, it might be a thinly — disguised marketing campaign, but it is still a great deal to be had. Participating restaurants (Tailor, Cru and more) are offering $25 or $50 pre-fixe meals paired with wines from the Rioja region or discounts on bottle of Dionysus’ nectar.

However, if you’re not feeling like shelling out the bucks for a meal or a bottle in a restaurant, you can always do your own wine tasting at home. There is a variety of very affordable Rioja wines out there. I spoke with Nathan Semler, wine consultant in New York and Barcelona native about his favorite varietals from his second home. Here are two of his favorite under $25 picks:

Rioja Vega Crianza 2005
One of Nathan’s favorite value wines from the region, this red is a classic expression of Rioja wines. It reveals vanilla and sweet oak overtones on the nose, a supple and elegant texture on the palate, and rounds out with a slightly spicy finish. Made in the Rioja Baja with 50% Tempranillo, 25% Mazuelo and 25% Garnacha, this is an extremely versatile wine that will please all palates. Retails around $15.

Bodegas Ostatu Rioja Blanco
Made with 90% Viura and 10% Malvasia, this is a fresh and zippy white from the Rioja Alavesa has a wonderful green apple feel to it. A perfect, crispy complement to the warm days ahead. Retails around $14.

Paired with some pungent cheeses, fruits and charcuterie, either of these wines will make for a perfect evening treat.