A Tale of Two Riojas: Modern vs. Classic

In recent years, Rioja has been experiencing a tidal wave of change, with many young and new winemakers eager to make their mark upon the classic region. And while Rioja might still be most well-known for the long-aged wines of the Crianza, Reserva, and Gran Reserva classification system, smaller wineries are increasingly rejecting this system in favor of the flexibility to craft wines that represent a more modern, terroir-driven perspective. The resulting “modern” Rioja wines bear the generic Rioja label, but they are anything but generic!

100 Years of Rioja

Rioja is one of the most historic—and dynamic—wine regions, beloved by collectors around the world. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the formal establishment of the appellation, which has continued to evolve in recent years with exciting new projects and ventures. In many ways, modern-day Rioja is where the past, the present, and the future come together in dynamic fashion.

Iberian Wine Discoveries and Collectibles

One of my favorite things about the Iberian Peninsula is that there’s always something new to discover. After many years on my wine journey, I’m still finding new gems here—and it's my job to know them! Sometimes it’s an undiscovered region with centuries of grape-growing history, or a reimagined variety or style. I especially love discovering new grape varieties. With so many great wines out there, it's easy to overlook hidden gems, but today I’m here to share a few for you to explore on your own wine journey. From best buy Riojas, to under-the-radar Portuguese deals, and hard to come by collectibles, this selection has a little bit of something for everyone. Enjoy!

Our Spanish and Portuguese Expert’s Wine Roundup

One of my favorite things about the Iberian Peninsula is that there is always something new to be discovered. I have been on my wine journey for a long time, and I am still always finding new things on this peninsula—and it is my job to know these things! Sometimes it is a region: a place where grapes have been grown for centuries but maybe is too isolated or too small to have rated as an appellation—that is until the world finds out the exceptional wine that is being made there. Sometimes it is the reimagining of variety or a style. And I always love discovering new grape varieties. There are so many great wines out there it is all too easy to overlook the off the beaten path wines. But I’m here today to bring you a few to discover on your own wine journey.

Hermanos Hernáiz: “Charming and Serious” Rioja from a Special Vineyard

Last year we started our relationship with the Hernaiz brothers. I am enamored with their wines. They do two of the most important things a wine can do: The first and foremost, their wines are delicious. It is a treat to drink their wines. Secondly, their wines tell a story. That is something that not all wines need to do, but for me these wines perfectly capture Rioja, the deep history of the region, and how it is trying to move forward.

Portugal in the Spotlight and Rioja's New Wave

Today's newsletter gives Portugal a long-overdue stint in the spotlight. With some of the greatest stylistic and varietal diversity in the world, it's a wine explorer's paradise… For all our Spanish aficionados, I'm also providing a fresh look at some of the most intriguing producers redefining the landscape of the country's most important region, Rioja.

Meet the Winemakers of the New Rioja

Anza is a perfect introduction to the “New Rioja.” Diego Magana is a second-generation wine maverick… I think that the curious collector will surprise not only themselves but their friends with these wines, especially if they allow them a little more time in the bottle.

Holiday Buying Guide: Kirk's Spain and Chile Picks

Kirk Walker is our Spain, Portugal, and South America Buyer—if it has a Latin flair, Kirk likely brought it to our shelves. He loves research, and he’s a great person to talk to if you want to know how, for instance, the Andes’ rain shadow affects the vines in Chile. He’s also a good person to talk to in order to understand what’s going on with sparkling wine in Spain, the new wave of dry wines in Portugal, and for all your Rioja needs (I think it’s safe to say we all have Rioja needs). If you want to talk about the context of a wine region while drinking great wine, Kirk’s your man!

Old Favorites and New Discoveries from Spain and Portugal

K&L Spain/Portugal Buyer Kirk Walker checks in on some of our longtime favorite wine producers and introduces us to a new-to-our-shelves importer who’s shaking things up in the European import world.

The Place Is the Thing with Mary Taylor Wines

Mary Taylor is an innovative producer/importer who’s taking a fresh approach to the wine business. Not unlike the wines that Kermit Lynch imports, Mary Taylor’s wines are small-production and regional; the big difference, however, is that the brand on the label is the importer, not the producer. If you are seeking well made, regionally specific wines, fear not—these are the wines you’re looking for! Once you have tried a bottle with the name Mary Taylor on it, you’re sure to try another.

Fan-Favorite, Best-Value Rioja Señor de Lesmos Back in Stock

Señor de Lesmos is back! It has not been gone for long, but it sure feels that way. It is like waiting for your favorite fruit to come back in season. There is no such thing as Rioja season, but it always feels like an occasion when these wines hit the shelf again.

A Master Class in Rioja from Miguel Merino

If there were one winery in all of Rioja that I would point to that would express what is happening in Rioja right now—old school meets new school; age-driven meets terroir-driven style—that would be Bodega Miguel Merino.

K&L Wine Merchants

www.klwines.com