One match in the thread for rioja? Interesting. The bad news about rioja is that with 100% American oak deployed almost universally, they can be quite lumbering in their youth (see what I did there?). The good news is that even the best of them can be bought on the cheap with age (relative to alternatives). If you give them enough time they can be fantastic wines.
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I actually think that to some extent it is as much about winemakers as area/appellations these days. Yes some areas and grapes will better fit such a requirement, but there seem to be so many winemakers (often younger) that have been inspired by the lighter popular styles that have gained attraction over the last decade+, hence you can find “elegant” wines made from most grapes and areas these days.
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Matthiasson zinfandel can scratch that itch
For me, Battuello Vineyards Valdiguié fits the bill.
I’ve been scratching my Pinot Noir itch with a beautiful Pinot from Alsace. Sophie Schaal from the village of Hunawihr. Low twenties per bottle.
Yes, having had both the '12 and '13 Lopez de Heredia Bosconias on successive nights last week, I think that’s a good call. The '13 had seemed quite oaky on the first night, but two nights later, from the fridge, that was much diminished and the fruit had filled in. Very elegant.
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particularly Italian
I think Michael referenced it upthread, but Valtellina (esp. Sassella and Grumello) has some lovely, elegant expressions of Nebbiolo
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Ronchi di Cialla fits that description very well.
I’m enjoying a 2023 Tablas Creek ‘Cotes de Tablas’ tonight and I think it fits what you’re looking for.
Yeah, I’d say Valtellina as well as Frappato from Sicily.
Austrian Blaufränkisch try producers like:
Wachter Wiesler
Prieler
Rosi Schuster
Nittnaus
Moric
Ernst Triebaumer
German Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir):
Bernhard Huber
Rudolf Fürst
Jülg
Rings
Lassak
Wasenhaus
Spanish Mencia:
Raul Perez
- Ultreia
- Vizcaina
Cezar Marquez
Spanish Caino Tinto:
Finca Genoveva
Beaujolais has already been mentioned:
Jean Foillard
Rhone:
Herve Souhaut - Souteronne Gamay andhis various juicy but classy Syrah wines.
Croatia:
Vinas Mora - Kamen (Babić grape)
A few of the mentioned producers such as Wasenhaus or Lassak f.e. lean a little into the natural camp and can taste a little „wilder“ (in terms of a little VA or grip that just adds drinkability or interest, nothing super funky). Jean Foillards clean natural touch would describe it quite well, an example that many might know.
Some of the grapes like Blaufränkisch, Mencia, Caíño, and Babic show a tad more spice than Pinot, some herbal nuances also (mostly the spanish grape varieties), tending a little towards an elegant Syrah maybe.
Tasted a 2023 Domaine Comte Abbatucci Faustine Vieilles Vignes yesterday. This Corsican red could meet the brief.
At Hisa Franko we were served a Pinot Noir from Pasji Rep, which is a Slovenian producer. Worth seeking out. It’s etched into my memory here many years later.