This makes me sad. Tempranillo-based reds from Spain, especially Rioja reservas and gran reservas with plenty of barrel and bottle age, are sensational. They're big, complex and comparable to expensive Left-Bank Bordeaux and Cali Cabs — and are great values. They are the best bang-for-buck reds on the planet. Fruit-forward wines with little oak can be had anywhere. I'd rather not see Rioja join that fad in too big a way. This "new" style with less aging is an easy way of making cheaper wines while charging more. Bah, humbug. (Maybe I need to get out more?)
The vanguard move away from traditional wood designations to micro-scale, fiberglass over wood, Riojas, especially Rioja Altas, is much welcomed by me.
"We need to destroy this system & start over"
This makes me sad. Tempranillo-based reds from Spain, especially Rioja reservas and gran reservas with plenty of barrel and bottle age, are sensational. They're big, complex and comparable to expensive Left-Bank Bordeaux and Cali Cabs — and are great values. They are the best bang-for-buck reds on the planet. Fruit-forward wines with little oak can be had anywhere. I'd rather not see Rioja join that fad in too big a way. This "new" style with less aging is an easy way of making cheaper wines while charging more. Bah, humbug. (Maybe I need to get out more?)
The vanguard move away from traditional wood designations to micro-scale, fiberglass over wood, Riojas, especially Rioja Altas, is much welcomed by me.