This week two wines from Faustino Rivero, a dynamic family-owned company based in Rioja. The fifth generation has expanded the business to include wineries in other less well-known regions of Spain, including Navarra, Utiel-Requena and Rías Baixas. Both wines are available in Tesco.
The Albariño comes in an unusual blue bottle, but don’t let that put you off; this is a nice wine. The Rioja comes in a more traditional package. A Crianza spends less time in oak barrels than a Reserva or Gran Reserva which can be a good thing. The wine is given a smooth sheen by the maturation without picking up too many oaky flavours.
Faustino Rivero Albariño Rías Baixas 2023
12.5% abv, €16, Tesco
Fresh and vibrant with juicy light pear and apple fruits. While this would make a nice sipping wine, it would also go well with most seafood dishes and white meats.
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Faustino Rivero Ulecla Rioja Crianza 2021
13% abv, €12 (€10 with Clubcard), Tesco
Smooth and rounded with generous red cherry and damson fruits. Enjoy this with most red meats or firm cheeses. Locally a roast of lamb would be very popular.
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