Rioja Vega Crianza

If you want a straightforward glass of Crianza Rioja, that soft, round and elegant red wine where Spain wins so many friends, then try this from Rioja Vega, a bodega that has been raising their game over the last decade or so. Generous, round and quaffable is the style of Rioja wine they make, taking top-quality grapes at the peak of ripeness and giving the wine a year in used-oak barrels to give a supporting role to that lovely vanilla flavour that rounds everything off. Perfect to drink with a lamb casserole, roast lamb or even beef or cheese, Riojan reds like this work very well with a wide variety of food matches. 

Vegan friendly wine.

Initially started as the dream of one man, Don Felipe Ugalde in 1882, this winery has seen ongoing growth and development over the years. Don’s aim was simple, to be one of the countries most prestigious Bodega’s. Although his winery passed down the family line, it was through marriage that it became united with Bodegas Muerza, hence losing its identity. Today it is owned by the group Principe de Viana (who acquired it in 1983). This saw investment in new equipment, staff and in 2001 a new winery, 10km outside Logrono, complete with an underground ageing cellar. The new cellars incorporated modern equipment such as self-weighing hoppers, pneumatic presses and self-emptying stainless steel vats. This level of development has allowed not only the fruit from their own vineyards to be processed but also that of surrounding contract growers. Hence the winery has been able to produce this range of great value for money wines.