Friday, 29 November 2013

Fine Wine Friday: Viña Ardanza

What better excuse to open a fine bottle of something than a day that happens just 52 times a year?  Put down the Thursday wine and stick the Wednesday beer back in the fridge. It's Friday!

As part of my wine studies, I've recently been delving deeper into the world of Fine Wine. So far it's been an experience I can only describe as bloody brilliant! Certain things have stood out more than others, but it seems my palate is leaning more and more towards Rioja, and one in particular has caught my attention

Vina Ardanza 2004 Reserva, aged for at least 3 years, at least one in oak, is a staple of Majestic Fine Wine shelves up and down the country. Why? Because it's a damn fine wine!

Rich garnet in colour, the core is spreading nicely, with a rim of brick red that's turning ever so slightly darker. One the nose there are aromas of sweet red fruits followed by spice and the distinct Rioja leather characteristics. On the palate there is a wonderful combination of initial red fruit flavours followed by dark plum and black cherry, all encompassed nicely by sweet spice, tobacco, leather and very well structured tannins.
This wine is drinking perfectly now (though you may want to decant it for an hour to let it properly release it's winey goodness) but will certainly age nicely for at least another five years.

Vina Ardanza is available for £23.50 or £18.50 when you buy two from Majestic. Or if you're feeling a little bit fancy, it also comes in magnums for £37!

What have you been drinking on this Fine Wine Friday? Let us know in the comments. 

No comments:

Post a Comment