Monday, December 17, 2012

DGA Wine Club: Torre Ercilla Reserva 2006, Rioja DOC, Spain


Posted by Bill


Rioja is a well established wine region in Spain with an ancient history that can trace its origins as far back as the Phoenician settlers who likely cultivated grapes there in the 11th century BC.  The region was conquered by Romans in the 2nd century BC, and like many European wine regions, dedicated viticulture likely traces its roots back to these Roman settlements.   The first written record of viticulture in the region dates back to 873 CE, though it was not until the 1860s that the region’s wine style really emerged with the arrival of oak-aging, introduced by Bordeaux winemakers.


Crianza, Reserva, and Gran Reserva are the terms used today to denote how long the wine has been aged in barrel or bottle. Torre Ercilla is rated “very good” by the Rioja Regulatory Council because it has been aged in barrel for 2 years followed by three years in its traditional gold-netted bottle.  Nevertheless, Rioja winemakers are well known for aging their vintages until they are just right.


When pouring, Torre Ercilla Reserva has mild ruby red hue and black cherry and raspberry aromas with a hint of tobacco. After admiring the look and smell it is time to taste the silky layers of ripe cherry, red currant, and of course savory oak from the oak-aging that is characteristic of the region.  The wine is complex on the palate with a smooth, mellow finish.


Pairing with food, it goes great with lamb and game. This Reserva is full of ripe red berry fruit which accents the flavors in roast lamb, wild boar, and if looking for a lighter meal, Spanish charcuterie and cheeses.

I truly enjoyed this bottle of wine and will be on the lookout for another.

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