Gran Familia White Rioja 2008

Name: Gran Familia

Colour: White

Country: Spain

Region: Rioja

Year: 2008

Producer: Castillo de Fuenmayor

Grape Varieties: Malvasia, Viura

Alcohol: 12%

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Purchase Price: £4 (ASDA)

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Notes:Maker's tasting notes – Softly aromatic with hints of fruits and fresh flowers. Fruity and fresh on the dry palate with pleasing citrus notes. White Rioja is a delicious revelation to many wine drinkers. Castillo de Fuenmayor, located near Logroño at the heart of Rioja Alta, uses knowledge and skills passed down through generations together with modern winemaking techniques to make excellent wines widely acclaimed by press and the public alike. The famous vineyards of Rioja Alta are recognised as the finest in the region. The climate of moderate rainfall and long hot summers is perfect for producing high quality wines. The majority of this white Rioja was fermented in stainless steel to help retain the fresh flavours of the Viura and Malvasia grape varieties. 15% of the wine was matured in French oak barrels for 6 months to give body and very light oak flavours.

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Somnambulist's verdict: White Riojas tend to be a bit of a lottery in my experience, but since the Gran Familia Red was such a bargain find, it seemed worthwhile trying the white…and rather pleased that I did. It has a very enticing bouquet, a gentle citrusy mix of grapefruit and mandarin, and a fresh and tangy taste that’s both subtle and full – a bit like sucking on a cube of mandarin jelly (if there is such a thing!). The slight disappointment was the finish. If anyone remembers Parma Violets, they’d recognise that chalky, perfumed flavour in a flash. Nothing that can’t be undone by an olive or two, so don’t let it put you off! Thumbs up to this one…

Gran Familia Rioja 2008

Name: Gran Familia

Colour: Red

Country: Spain

Region: Rioja

Year: 2008

Producer: Castillo de Fuenmayor

Grape Varieties: Tempranillo 90%, Graciano 10%

Alcohol: 12.5%

Purchase Price: £4-5 (Asda)

Notes:

Maker's tasting notes – Gran Familia is a classic Rioja red wine in the much-loved smooth, mellow style. It comes from one of the region's very best bodegas. Our winemakers select high quality Tempranillo and Graciano grapes and the wine is matured in our cellars for 8 months to create the perfect balance of luscious fruit and silky tannins. Full-bodied with plenty of meaty, warm, ripe red fruit flavours. Drinking well now, but will improve in your cellar for up to three years.

Somnambulist's verdict: Another great find in the search for value at £5 and under. Everyone who has tried this at the Somnambulistic table has really enjoyed it. A+ for value-for-money.

Marques de Caceres Crianza 2005

Name: Crianza

Colour: Red

Country: Spain

Region: Rioja

Year: 2005

Producer: Marques de Caceres

Grape Varieties: 85% Tempranillo, 15% Garnacha Tinta & Graciano

Alcohol: 13.5%

Purchase Price: EUR 7.62 (Carrefour)

Notes:

Maker’s notes – Attractive, bright ruby red colour. Refined bouquet of black cherries and blackberries with a soft touch of aromatic Mediterranean herbs. Lusciously fresh and fruity in the mouth where rich fruit (cherries, strawberries, raspberries) and notes of cinnamon mingle to give a pleasant fullness with a backbone of silky-smooth tannins. Long-lasting, unctuous finish. A splendid vintage that is velvety-soft and elegant.

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Somnambulist's verdict: No doubt this is a good Rioja but I think the winemaker's notes above are going a bit over the top. The flavours are all there but if anything it's a bit on the arid side of dry. Certainly value for money but think I would spend more and go with the marvellous Reserva or Gran Reserva next time.

Gran Condal Reserva 2003

Name: Gran Condal Reserva

Colour: Red

Country: Spain

Region: Rioja

Year: 2003

Producer: Bodegas Rioja Santiago, S.A.

Grape Varieties: Tempranillo, Garnacha

Alcohol: 13%

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Purchase Price: EUR 8.99

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Notes:

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Maker’s notes – A red wine with an intense ruby red colour, deep aroma, round and velvety on the palate. Full and balanced aftertaste. Very select. The wine is aged for more than three years, at least one of which is spent in American oak barrels.

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Somnambulist's verdict: Not a bad regular drinking wine, but I didn't find it as 'round and velvety' as the maker claims (a bit edgy if not given a bit of time to breathe). Misses the smooth yet complex combo of my favourite Rioja's.