There are so many reasons why we love this Valserrano Rioja. From the first aromas of berry and smoke to the smooth finish as I inhaled the last drop. This is definitely a go to wine if you enjoy bold, balanced Tempranillo. Do yourself a favor and pick some up. 

Valserrano Crianza 2015 Rioja

Valserrano Crianza 2015 Rioja

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Wine is actually the reason I started Vine + Plate. My love of wine and how it can enhance a meal, gathering, and experience became my passion a few years ago.

Wine is one of the most complex substances on the planet.

In it’s most simple form, it’s just grapes. But not just any grape will do.

Only ONE species of grape is used for most wines made in the world. Vitis vinifera.

Out of that come the subspecies that you and I call grape varieties and there are thousands of those.

I love how Matthew Rhys describes wine in the intro of one of my favorite wine shows “The Wine Show”. You can find it on Hulu. I LOVE THIS SHOW.

He says “Wine is about Weather, Soil, Grapes and People” ♥️ 🍷

I love how that makes me feel. Every time I open a bottle of wine I’m experiencing the weather, soil, grapes and people that came together for that one special harvest and created what is in my glass.

Click below to go straight to the Wine Notes.

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Valserrano Crianza 2015 Rioja

I bought this wine at our local Total Wine & More. If you go to the wine on their site, scroll to the middle of the page and click the Producer Story tab to see the a short video from the wine maker.

Tasting Notes:

Producer: Valserrano, BODEGAS DE LA MARQUESA
Year: 2015, an excellent year for Rioja
ABV: 14.5%
Region: Rioja Alavesa
Country: Spain
Grape: Tempranillo and Mazuelo
Aged: 16 months in American and French Oak then vat stored before bottling.

Here’s what we tasted in this bottle 🍷

In the Glass: medium deep red with ruby/garnet color
Aromas: Cherry, black-cherry, plum, vanilla, spice and a hint of smoke, leather
Taste: medium plus body, high tannin, high alcohol, with a dry, light acid balanced juicy finish.

Pairings: Grilled meats, especially pork, lamb and beef. Of course, paella and rich fish stew. Spanish cheeses, especially Manchego.

Bottom line: For $17 bucks you can’t beat it. It drinks like wines that are much more expensive. Try it. I want to know what you think.

Hey, I’m Lisa and I’m glad you stopped by. I love food and wine and making things that people love. Speaking of love, that’s my hubby with me in this photo. We were in one of the many tulip fields in Holland in 2018.  Such beautiful colors and these fields stretched for miles and miles. Anyway, thanks for checking out the recipe. I’d love to hear how it goes when you make it so come back to the recipe and leave a comment and rating. Also, don’t forget to share your photo on Instagram and tag #vineandplate so I can brag about you 😉 …. Read More

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