Members Only
Events
Event: Old Friend in a New Color ... White Rioja
Date: Wednesday, August 2, 2006
Location: Legal Beans, 86 Garden St (Newark & Garden), Hoboken, NJ
Time: 7:00 PM
We know we love it in red, so now let’s see how its sister grapes appeal to our senses. Yes, this will be a first for many of us — White Rioja is the theme for August and I’m looking forward to exploring this not-so-popular, but, apparently, quite good, variety of white with my fellow WV’s. Well, actually, it’s more of a greenish yellow color, but I digress…
Okay, here’s the scoop; the taste of White Rioja can go one of two ways depending on how the grape is fermented. Some winemakers prefer their Rioja “pure,” meaning the White Rioja is fermented in stainless steel tanks (yada, yada, yada…) — the result is a smooth, easy-drinking white wine with subtle accents of pear. Yum! The other style of White Rioja, which occurs when the grape is barrel-fermented, tends to be full-bodied with a strong oaken flavor. I stress the oak taste in this style as, from what I read, it can be a very prominent tasting note and can be quite overpowering. So, if you’re not an oak fan, consider yourselves warned and go for the pure!
How to tell the difference between these two styles when purchasing your bottle? Um, I suggest you ask the wine store clerk…
Cheers,
Janelle
Janelle Marté, Co-founder
Rules
Wine: White Rioja
Year: Any
Region: Rioja Spain
Bottle Price: $25 and under (FYI - many fine White Riojas can be found at rock bottom prices)
Challenge: Bring the bottle chilled, please!
Other: As usual, please bring $20 for food.
