Decanter  |  March 2018
MATURE RIOJA
Back in the 1850s, the Marquises of Riscal and Murrieta brought Bordeaux know-how on how to age wine to Rioja. the results were so spectacular that Rioja became a recognised fine wine region in less than twenty years.
Indeed, the best Rioja wines benefit much from oak ageing and have a unique capacity to gain complexity and silkiness after many years in bottle. the 1895 Riscal or 1900 Murrieta are nowadays excellent, complex wines, ready to drink but still capable of keeping. this is why, until recently, Rioja categorised its quality wines according to ageing time (crianza, reserva and gran reserva), rather than by geographic origin or brand. Nobody knows why those wines have that capacity. Some say it is because of classic Rioja viticulture, on bush vines with no chemicals. Others speak of traditional
wine making methods, exposing the wines early to oxygenation and then to long periods in old barrels. Finally, some experts talk of exceptional terroirs. But it is also worthy of note that both red and white Rioja wines share this capacity for lengthy ageing.
read more
read less
The UK’s oldest consumer wine publication, Decanter magazine was founded way back in 1975 and is now published in 91 countries. For over 40 years Decanter magazine has been providing readers with an exciting mix of news, interviews with leading wine experts and the industry’s most popular personalities.
Each month, the expert team at Decanter offer you in-depth reviews of the finest wines and world-renowned regions. From Bordeaux to Burgundy or Rioja to the Rhône, Decanter has all the latest news, reviews, stats and on the best wines from the major wine regions around the world, and reliable vintage guides you can trust.
Whether you’re a distinguished wine connoisseur or an aspiring sommelier, Decanter magazine aims to provide you with all the information you need to make informed, confident decisions when selecting your wine, and with food pairing. Similarly, if you’re looking to experience your wine firsthand, Decanter provides you with detailed guides on the very best in wine holidays and vineyard tours.
Keep yourself up-to-date with the latest news and views from the wonderful world of wine with a monthly digital subscription to Decanter magazine - download the latest magazine to your device and enjoy immediately today!
A Decanter digital magazine subscription is a must for bona fide wine lovers or aspiring sommeliers who will enjoy:
- The world’s best-selling wine magazine - read in over 90 countries
- Suitable for wine experts, budding enthusiasts or serious collectors
- The latest news and views from the wine industry and expert sommeliers
- Detailed vintage and regional guides and dependable bottle recommendations
- Fantastic reader offers on new and exciting bottles and vintages
- Detailed guides on the very best in wine holidays and vineyard tours
- Delivered directly to your device every month
You'll receive 12 issues during a 1 year Decanter magazine subscription.
Note: Digital editions do not include the covermount items or supplements you would find with printed copies.
Articles in this issue
Below is a selection of articles in Decanter March 2018.