2020 Bodegas Beronia Tempranillo Rioja, Rioja, Spain (Alcohol 14%, Residual Sugar 2 g/l) LCBO Limited Time Offer $12.95 until April 23rd, then $14.95 (750ml bottle)
I’ve been drinking a great deal of this wine over the past six months. I guess it has become my go-to wine when I fancy something Spanish on a weekday. At $14.99, it certainly doesn’t break the bank, and with this limited-time offer of $12.99, it’s an absolute steal.
I interviewed winemaker Mattias Calleja about this particular wine in this video piece here, but I’d like to give you my personal take on it today.
I like to serve this with just a tiny bit of a chill on it, as I feel that it really brings out the juicy, fresh Tempranillo fruit character, particularly on the palate. It’s a simpler, medium-bodied wine, but it’s immensely versatile when it comes to pairings.
The nose is seriously bright and fresh, something I simply love in modern Riojas. There are loads of cherry fruit aromatics going on here, as well as a touch of floral, making the bouquet most appealing. There’s a touch of oak character, but that’s not really the focus here.
The palate has lovely soft, malleable tannins and firm acidity, making this wine incredibly easy to drink, whether all by itself or at the dinner table alongside an enormous variety of dishes. I’ve recently enjoyed it with beef tacos, grilled lamb burgers, herbed pork chops, and grilled vegetables. To be honest, it goes well with most dishes.
I’d go as far as saying that this is one of the best values in the LCBO right now, and so it comes highly recommended.
(Three and a half out of a possible five apples)
