I would concur that the 2010 CVA ‘La Antigua Clasico’ Reserva [Rioja] is in the LdH style camp, but for my tastes, is actually preferable since its technically sound. 13.5% abv, medium bodied, with a bouquet of rhubarb, celery and then raspberries on the palate. There is still some oak apparent on the nose, and there is some citrus zest adding a bright line here. This is a newer producer, which has gotten some strong retailer endorsements. (I went through my inbox searching on ‘Antigua’ and was surprised to find a half dozen emails discussing them in depth) Even though this is from the Rioja Alta region, its a garnacha driven blend, which is unusual. The vineyards are old - mostly 1940s to 1950’s plantings - and they are high up, leading to a harvest that takes place in November (very late for dry reds). This bottling could actually be sold as Gran Reserva, if the apropos fees were paid to the regulador, but is only presented as a Reserva, despite two years in metal then six years in wood barrels . Bottom line - this is a fine example of a brighter, lighter style of Rioja and it should age well, given it kept well over three days. The only aspect I thought it lacked was the very fine silky texture older Rioja can display. Perhaps that will come with more time in bottle, or maybe the garnacha dominant cepage might preclude that from ever happening. I’ll be keeping an eye out for offers on this going forward; it’s an A- to an A on my scorecard.
Under my doctrine of pairing items of the same language with each other, the Rioja went well with Carnitas, especially if one can trill their 'r’s.
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