Blame it on Rioja

James Oliver Cury, executive editor of Epicurious.com, wrote in his Epi-log blog recently, wondering, “When will wine prices go down?” It seems like in recessionary times everyone is looking for good values, and it’s been a mission of mine to track down what Rioja has to offer in that vein.

With Thanksgiving fast approaching, I wanted to write a little bit about a feast-friendly wine called Seis de Luberri 2006 from winemaker Florentino Martinez Monje. This is classic Rioja Alavesa, with a modern focus. Made from 100% Tempranillo, Seis is stainless steel fermented, then aged for six months in French and American oak (hence the name, “Seis,” which is Spanish for six). It’s a super jammy wine, with strong notes of raspberries and strawberries and a great background of spicy wood tones. This is technically considered a Joven, since by law Crianzas must be aged at least twelve months in oak, but it’s definitely one of the most complex ‘quaffables’ I’ve encountered from Rioja, ever.

It’s imported here by Andre Tamers at De Maison Selections, an under-the-radar importer of French and Spanish wines who has one of the top palates in the business.

Seis de Luberri is available for online purchase at Amanti Vino in New Jersey for $19.99 a bottle.

OR, if you happen to find yourself in Brooklyn this week, and want to save on delivery costs, Seis de Luberri 2006, is one of ten featured Thanksgiving “Wines for the Feast,” at Dandelion Wine, a.k.a. Dandy in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, $21/bottle. *

*Present a printed copy of this post at Dandy to receive a 10% discount on this wine, while supplies last.

Dandelion Wine is located at 153 Franklin Street, between Java and India in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Or call 347 689 4563, and ask for Lily.