Monte Real Rioja Reserva 2001
Winery
Founded in 1890 Bodegas Riojanas control over 300 hectares of vineyard and own some of the largest holdings of the rarer Mazuela and Graciano grapes in the region (as well as the more usual Tempranillo), which are said to give depth of flavour.
The Artacho family acquired the entire company in 1930 and repositioned its activity from bulk sales to premium wines, with special focus on Reserva and Gran Reserva. Some other vineyards, including both the Albina and Monte Real, were acquired around that time and these two names were given to their most famous wines.
Vineyard : Somewhere
Rioja
Rioja is Spain's most famous wine region, with a history that stretches back centuries. Located south of the Cantabrian Mountains Rioja benefits from a continental climate. The mountains help to isolate the region which has a moderating effect on the climate. They also protect the vineyards from the fierce winds that are typical of northern Spain. Most of the region is situated on a plateau, a little more than 1500 ft above sea level. The area is subdivided into three regions - Rioja Alavesa, Rioja Alta (where the best wines are produced) and Rioja Baja. The Rioja Alavesa and Alta, located closer to the mountains, are at slightly higher elevations and have a cooler climate.
Tempranillo is the most important and best quality red varietal. Other grapes used include Garnacha (Grenache), Graciano, and Mazuelo. A typical blend will consist of approximately 60% Tempranillo and up to 20% Garnacha, with much smaller proportions of Mazuelo and Graciano. Each grape adds a unique component to the wine with Tempranillo contributing the main flavors and aging potential to the wine; Garnacha adding body and alcohol; Mazuelo adding seasoning flavors and Graciano adding additional aromas.
With Rioja Blanco, Viura is the prominent grape (also known as Macabeo) and is normally blended with some Malvasía and Garnacha Blanca. In the white wines the Viura contributes mild fruitness, acidity and some aroma to the blend with Garacha blanca adding body and Malvasia adding aroma.
Rioja red wines are classified into four categories. The first, simply labeled Rioja, is the youngest, spending less than a year in oak. A crianza is wine aged for at least two years, at least one of which was in oak. Rioja Reserva is aged for at least three years, of which at least one year is in oak. Finally, Rioja Gran Reserva wines have been aged at least two years in oak and three years in bottle. Reserva and Gran Reserva wines are not necessarily produced each year. A distinct characteristic of Rioja wine is the effect of oak aging. First introduced in the early 18th century by Bordeaux influenced winemakers, the use of oak and the pronounced vanilla flavors in the wines has been a trademark of the region. In recent times, more bodegas have begun using French oak which is more subtle than its toastier American counterpart.
