Wine of the Month - November 2011
2009 Rioja "Livor" Ijalba - $10.99
November is here… the leaves have turned, the nights are closing in and every wine supplier tells us that their wines are great “for Thanksgiving”. Well, as we taste yet another pedal-to-the-metal California Cabernet, we think that we’ll be the judge of that, thank you very much.
The obvious choices to match with your holiday bird + trimmings have traditionally been such stalwarts as Riesling, Alsace whites, Beaujolais (even overrated Nouveau) and Pinot Noir. For the reds in particular, freshness of fruit, soft tannin, good acidity and a cranberry/red cherry/tart raspberry character seem to work best with the richness of the meal. So, why a Rioja? Not an obvious choice perhaps, but this one has all the above characteristics in abundance, so it was an easy decision.
Ijalba is a certified organic and sustainable producer (since 1994) in Rioja Alta. This 100% Tempranillo was fermented entirely in stainless steel and bottled young to
preserve its intense aromatics of spicy dark fruits and deep floral overtones. “Livor” means purplish, which indeed applies to this wine’s youthful appearance and character.
Enjoy this delicious, well-priced wine with you and yours this Thanksgiving. We wish you all a happy one.
November is here… the leaves have turned, the nights are closing in and every wine supplier tells us that their wines are great “for Thanksgiving”. Well, as we taste yet another pedal-to-the-metal California Cabernet, we think that we’ll be the judge of that, thank you very much.
The obvious choices to match with your holiday bird + trimmings have traditionally been such stalwarts as Riesling, Alsace whites, Beaujolais (even overrated Nouveau) and Pinot Noir. For the reds in particular, freshness of fruit, soft tannin, good acidity and a cranberry/red cherry/tart raspberry character seem to work best with the richness of the meal. So, why a Rioja? Not an obvious choice perhaps, but this one has all the above characteristics in abundance, so it was an easy decision.
Ijalba is a certified organic and sustainable producer (since 1994) in Rioja Alta. This 100% Tempranillo was fermented entirely in stainless steel and bottled young to
preserve its intense aromatics of spicy dark fruits and deep floral overtones. “Livor” means purplish, which indeed applies to this wine’s youthful appearance and character.
Enjoy this delicious, well-priced wine with you and yours this Thanksgiving. We wish you all a happy one.
