Vibrant Rioja

This spring, my plate was both joyful and full….so here I am in June to report on a great visit to Vibrant Rioja NYC in May.  I arrived for the last hour of the event for some rapid fire tasting. With little time, I focused beyond reds on Viura-a mildly acidic and aromatic young white (also called Macabeo, one of the three grapes used to make Cava).

Here are a couple I starred in my tasting notes, just in time for the hot days ahead.

-Dinastia Vivanco Blanco 2010 -a blend of Viura, Malvasia and White Tempranillo. True to form-a lovely fresh, aromatic, and crisp dry white (Opici Wines, $13).

-Cortijo Blanco 2010-100% Viura. Gorgeous nose, burst of grapefruit, solid acidity. (Ole Imports, $10).

-Carlos Serres Onomatica 2006. 100% Viura with notes of citrus, honey and nutmeg. Hand picked grapes (Testa Wines of the World, $40). Memorable.

The wines were lovely, but what I enjoyed most were the vibrant people I met.  Xavier Flouret, (CEO and Founder of Cognac One) proudly showcased his eponymously named “X” brand and Luis Hilario Silva demonstrated Bodegas Faustino,  Palm Bay’s old school classic (and # 1 selling) Rioja. My visit was short but Rioja made a lasting impression. Thank you Rioja for welcoming me and my joyful plate to a fantastic community of people.

For more information, check out http://www.vibrantrioja.com/home.html.