The latest from Sierra de Toloño in Rioja Alavesa

by Miquel Hudin | 15-04-2021

An imposing as well as important piece of Rioja’s geography are the Cantabrian Mountains in the north that act as a guard against the worst of the Atlantic Ocean’s intentions. It isn’t just one range... more » An imposing as well as important piece of Rioja’s geography are the... more »

In The Glass: El Coto – Crianza 2016

by Miquel Hudin | 09-01-2021

As has been made very clear, while we may have left 2020 behind us, 2021, the impending “Year of the Ox” on the Chinese calendar, isn’t really going to be that much different, at least... more » As has been made very clear, while we may have left 2020... more »

A better understanding of Rioja’s “Viñedos Singulares”

by Miquel Hudin | 17-08-2020

In 2019, the first “Viñedos Singulares” or “single vineyards” in DOC Rioja were certified. This first batch saw 84 vineyards certified under the new scheme, covering 154ha, which I think by any measure would be... more » In 2019, the first “Viñedos Singulares” or “single vineyards” in DOC Rioja... more »

DOC Rioja’s “Institutional Wines” for 2020

by Miquel Hudin | 13-07-2020 ~ 1 Comment

DOC Rioja has announced the latest wines that will represent "typicity" in their respective category for the next year. From 163 submitted samples by 53 different wineries, they parred this down to eight individual wines... more » DOC Rioja has announced the latest wines that will represent "typicity" in... more »

The absolute best Rioja wines! (available in the UK…)

by Miquel Hudin | 24-02-2020

If you’re going to hold a tasting that focuses on one of Spain’s oldest quality wine regions, a sure-fire way to juice it up a bit is to have the venue be one of the... more » If you’re going to hold a tasting that focuses on one of... more »

25 years of Torre Muga

by Miquel Hudin | 14-10-2019

Mid-October in Barcelona is still Mediterranean in terms of weather as summer clings to the days but is yet graced by a glint of cool air coming in at the fringes of the season. This... more » Mid-October in Barcelona is still Mediterranean in terms of weather as summer... more »

Not Tinto, Blanco. Tempranillo Blanco

by Miquel Hudin | 12-04-2019

1988 was nuts. There was the Iran-Contra Affair, the Eritrean War for Independence, the Nagorno-Karabakh War, a Kuwait Airways hijacking, an Iran Air flight shot down “accidentally” by the US, the Soviet Union launching its... more » 1988 was nuts. There was the Iran-Contra Affair, the Eritrean War for... more »

Bodegas Roda – Sela 2015

by Miquel Hudin | 29-07-2018

I’ve been following the evolution of this Sela from Bodegas Roda for some time now and you can read up what I wrote about the 2013 and 2014 vintages. For anyone unfamiliar with the winery,... more » I’ve been following the evolution of this Sela from Bodegas Roda for... more »

Bodegas Roda – Sela 2014

by Miquel Hudin | 30-06-2017

I was quite excited to receive this recent sample as I’d tasted the Sela 2013 sometime back and found it to be not only a great wine, but also a great value. I’m not really... more » I was quite excited to receive this recent sample as I’d tasted... more »

Rare wines grapes of Rioja: Maturana Tinta & Mazuelo

by Miquel Hudin | 15-04-2017

It may seem like a tired trope to bang on the fact that most people, when hearing the regional name, “Rioja” think that all wines are made from Tempranillo, but it’s the most common word... more » It may seem like a tired trope to bang on the fact... more »