Ontanon Rioja

We were privileged to be invited out to Rioja last weekend by Conrado, our host and friend from Bodegas Ontanon.

Conrado is known to many of our customers as we were lucky to have him here at our November 2017 wine tasting which was regarded as a treat to taste his fantastic range of wines and his friendly, informative insight into wines of Rioja.

Our day started with a picturesque drive to the village of Quel, where we stood at a viewpoint, with Eagles circling high above and overlooking the vast expanse of the vineyards. We then drove through the vineyards which also is home to many fruit trees, including peaches, cherry, olive and cherry due to the terroir which provides ideal growing conditions.

When we reached the height of 850 metres we climbed to a Pergoda and this housed the most wonderful tasting table where the Ontanon wine show began. Kicking off with a refreshing vibrant Clairette rose, followed by Crianza and the their delicious Reserva. With typical Spanish style our host produced tortilla, made by the Chef at the winery, local Manchego cheese, warm fresh breads and delicious Iberico ham. A memorable feast delicious wines, a spectacular view and the perfect host.

As we made our way slowly back down the dirt track road we came upon a Shepherd with his flock and sheep dog, installing to us the marriage of lamb and Rioja.

The next surprise was a trip to the local caves where in years gone by the donkeys transported the wines in baskets and tipped these into the top of the caves where the gradient naturally let the grapes and juice run into troughs and the wines were processed in the perfect temperature of the caves.

We finished our trip by driving back to Logrono and having the Grand tour of the Bodega and hearing their story and viewing the amazing sculptures. This was followed by a four course dinner, cooked by in house Chef, Rosa and tasting the whole range of the Ontanon story. Starting with Tempranillo Blanco, not everybody realizes a white wine can be made from Tempranillo and indeed a relatively new addition then Vetiver, another white full of body and complexity. The reds did not disappoint, Ontanon Crianza 2015, Antologia 2015. Then their newly released Reserva 2010 and Gran Reserva.

A truly exciting day, with memorable wines, food, views and many thanks to our lovely host Conrado.

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