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Famed for the quality of its wine,
the La Rioja region produces what are probably the best known wines
of Spain. The capital of the region
Logroño is the
distribution hub for most of La Rioja's wine. Red wine is most
notable with some excellent vintages available. Most Rioja wines (
with the exception of vino joven or young wine)are aged in oak
barrels and then in the bottle to produce the deep smoky flavours
which go so well with meat and chicken. The amount of ageing
denotes one of the three types available. Crianza is aged for a
minimum of one year in the barrel and six months in the bottle,
reserva for a minimum of one year in the barrel and two years in the
bottle and lastly, gran reserva which is aged for at least two years
in the barrel and three years in the bottle.
Wine tasting tours are very popular and its possible to purchase
some very acceptable bottles straight from the producers who abound
in the area. You will see signs everywhere offering some of
the most popular names. In most cases, you will be able to
sample the wines before purchasing. If you are buying wines to
mature, only go for the reserva and the gran reserva which will
continue to mature for up to ten or even fifteen years. The
white wine made mostly from the Viura grape tend to be of the
yellowish/green rather than a pure white. These wines are not
as renowned as the reds but there are some pleasant
whites available including Faustino V11 which retails in the UK for
about £7.00. Some of the rarer old reds can cost up to £60 a
bottle.
Mini
Cruise and tour of the Basque Country and La Riojag(17218240)a(1198213))
Travelsphere have
a great six day mini cruise and tour which includes the Basque
Country and wine tasting in La Rioja from only £349.
What's Included
- Return overnight cruise
ferry crossings
- Two nights’ inside cabin
accommodation including breakfast (upgrades available)
- Three nights’ hotel
accommodation including breakfast
- Services of a Travelsphere
Tour Manager
- Excursions and tours as
detailed
- Port taxes
Itinerary
DAY 1
Set sail late afternoon from Plymouth for your overnight
crossing to Santander.
DAY 2
Early afternoon arrival in Santander. Transfer to Bilbao for a three
night stay. Enjoy an included guided tour of the highlights of this
fascinating 700 year-old city.
DAY 3
Relax or join us on an optional guided tour of the elegant resort of
San Sebastian, situated on a shell-shaped bay guarded by the
tower-topped hills of Mount Urgull and Mount Igeldo and looking out
over the picturesque island of Santa Clara.
DAY 4
Our included excursion takes us along the Rioja Wine Route to visit
the Marqués de Riscal, the region’s oldest winery to enjoy a tasting
of the famous wines. Our next stop is the beautiful medieval hilltop
town of Laguardia before continuing to the quaint town of Haro with
its lively old quarter full of wine taverns and mansions.
DAY 5
After breakfast, we return to Santander with free time for a stroll
around the town, before setting sail on the return cruise this
afternoon.
DAY 6
Morning arrival in Plymouth
For More
Information Click Here
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The climate and
soil type of La Rioja, can be split into three regions with
slightly varying climates. The areas are known as Rioja
Baja (low) Rioja Alto (high) and Rioja Alavesa.
These three areas produce wines of different qualities.
The Rioja Alavesa area makes most of its wine from the
tempranillo grape. This combined with the climate and
soil of the area produces a fruity wine which is normally
drunk while still young. The heavier reds come mostly
from the Rioja Baja area. These high alcohol deep
flavoured wines are the characteristics most associated with
Rioja. Most of the Rioja Baja wines are produced from
the gamancha grape variety. The wines considered
the stars of La Rioja are mostly those found in the
Rioja Alta area. This area also uses the
tempranillo grape but because of the type of soil and slight
differences in climate, a superior more expensive wine
is the outcome. |
DVD's
If you enjoy wine,
you'll enjoy some of these great dvd's from Amazon.
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