Writing a Wine of the Week column couldn’t be easier when you have a wine like Izadi Rioja Reserva to chunter on about. Another of the old faithful that we’ve stocked forever and one that we can have the utmost confidence in recommending to anyone for just about any occasion. We spent the bank holiday weekend in St Andrews and with a need for some bottles for the evening ahead I happily put my hand up (I always enjoy poking my nose around other wine shops). A bottle of Izadi was a no-brainer and of course it stole the show ahead of the others I picked up. The Izadi winery was founded in 1987 by Gonzalo Anton as a modern breakaway from the traditional style of wine produced by other members of his family. In order to qualify for Reserva status in Rioja the wine undergoes ageing in 225 litre American oak barriques for 14 months and over two years further in bottle before release. Made from 100% Tempranillo this for us has become a real benchmark in quality Rioja. Shiny ruby red in colour. Rich aromatic intensity and a nice balance of red fruit, liquorice and spices, with hints of smoke in the background. Elegant and round on the palate with a long aftertaste full of floral and ripe fruit notes.
http://oldlockett.making.me.uk/shop/izadi-rioja-reserva/
