Ugalde Crianza Rioja
| Vintage: | 2018 |
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| Description: | Haro, Rioja, Spain. end of the 19th Century. This was a time when Rioja was welcoming French winemakers from Bordeaux in search for grapes and wine to replace theirs, having been destroyed by phylloxera. Trade brought along an exchange of knowledge from which both locals and visitors benefited. One of those Rioja winemakers was Felipe Ugalde, a curious fellow from Haro who, spurred by his French colleagues' experience, decided that his objective had to be making wines of superior quality that transmitted the values of Rioja's terroir. He founded the original Bodegas Ugalde cellar and brand in 1882 which he spread to other countries by also establishing the region's first export alliance with other Rioja winemakers. He was the pioneer of the exports of wines from Rioja, the first winemaker who promoted sales to the international markets. Over 130 years later, his legacy lives only ten kilometers away from Logroo, spread among the first vineyards planted in the property. Nestled between the North shore of the Ebro River and the Eastern-most skirts of the Sierra de Cantabria, Bodegas Ugaldes team had to decide what kind of wines they would make. For that, they looked back on history and were inspired by Ugalde's vision of 1882: Bringing Rioja terroir, as the new team understands it, into each bottle of Bodegas Ugalde. This lovely blend of Tempranillo and Garnacha comes from vineyards over 10 years old. It spent 12 months ageing in American oak and 6 months in bottle. The nose is filled with ripe red berries, cherries and strawberries, enlivened with notes of hillside garrique, mineral hints and brown spices. The ripe fruits continue in the palate adding a touch of cherry cola and citrus to the effusive strawberries and cherries. The structure is excellent with rounded tannins and good acidity allowing for harmonious balance.The finish brings a touch of herbal to the mainstay fruit and supporting cast of spice, earth and savory hillside. This is fresh, nimble, captivating wine that's easy to drink with or without food (burgers, wild boar tacos, sausage/fennel pizza). Lovely, balanced, eminently drinkable wine. Decanter 93 Points - "a punchy, opulent and rather classical style with a black pepper, leather and strawberry nose, then leather and graphite on the palate. Finishes lengthily." |
| Price: | $ 19.98 |
| Price in original currency: | None |
Available from Hi-Time Wine Cellars
| Address: |
250 Ogle Street Costa Mesa, CA 92627 United States |
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| Telephone (toll-free): | 800-331-3005 |
| Telephone (regular): | 949-650-8463 |
| Fax: | 949-631-6863 |
First added to 1000 Corks on October 30, 2022.
