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August/September 2014 
You Say Rosé, We Say Rosado
What better way to enjoy the last few weeks of summer than with a crisp, refreshing pink wine? Rioja Rosado wines are full of succulent red berries, and offer elegant texture and well-balanced acidity, ideal for summer picnics and get-togethers. They carry exuberant aromas of cherry and strawberry, with a dry finish. Sound delish? Try them with one of our signature Rosado recipe pairings for a cool summer treat!
Win an Awesome Wine Fridge!
Need a vault to store your best liquid libations? As a thank you for being a loyal member of our Rioja community, we are offering you the chance to win a Wine Enthusiast Silent 28 Bottle Touchscreen Wine Refrigerator.
Enter now!
One Trip to Rioja and You’re in Love!
After visiting Rioja, i-Wine Review’s Mike Potashnik and Don Winkler featured their trip in the article, “Rioja Wine and Tapas,” in which they discussed touring Calle del Laurel and deliciously pairing Rioja wines with classic Spanish tapas. While exploring the beautiful wine region with her husband, San Jose Mercury News’ Laurie Daniel wrote the article, “Wine: 9 gorgeous summer rosé wines under $20,” which includes details of her travels and her love of pink wines, especially Rioja rosados. Lastly, Robin Kelley O’Connor, on behalf of Italian Wine Merchants, shared his experience on a Rioja trade trip in his article, “Rioja, Land of Enchantment and Well-Ordered Wine” posted on the retailer’s blog Inside IWM. Robin fondly proclaims, “I’ve always been a great fan of Rioja wines and this journey through the region only enhanced my position that Rioja makes the best wines in Spain and clearly shares the global stage with the other top wine-producing areas of Europe.”
Evan Sklar for The New York Times
Fun Facts
We’ve shared lots of cool information about Rioja, but how about these simple, fast facts you probably didn’t know?
- Rioja was the first wine region in Spain to receive the prized designation of Denominación de Origen Calificada (DOCa). This seal recognizes Rioja for its consistent production of Spain’s finest wine and ensures the origin, quality and authenticity of every bottle.
- Rioja is the only wine region in the world to release its wines when they are ready to drink – and only when they are ready drink.
- Riojas are the ideal food wine – cool growing conditions produce elegantly fruity, well-balanced and structured wine with moderate alcohol. For this reason, Riojas pair well with limitless flavors and cuisines.
Northeast
Midwest
Rioja Tasting at Harry’s Wine & Liquor Shop –
Fairfield, CT
August 30
2-5 pm
Complimentary
Details
Rioja Tasting at Calvert Woodley – Washington, DC
September 12
4:30-7:30 pm
Complimentary
Details
Wines from Rioja on the 19th Annual Haskell’s Bacchus Wine & Brew Cruise – St Paul, MN
August 20
5:30-9 pm
Cost: $45 Members, $55 Non-Members
Details & Tickets
Wines of Rioja at the Windy City Wine Festival – Chicago, IL
September 5 from 4-10 pm
September 6 from 2-8 pm
Cost: $30 in advance, $38 at the door
Details & Tickets
West Coast
Rioja Across the Country
Rioja Wines at Los Angeles Food and Wine –
Los Angeles, CA
August 21-23
7-10 pm
Cost: $125-$250 per person
Details & Tickets
Rioja Wines at The Taste at Paramount Pictures Studios – Hollywood, CA
August 31
11:30 am-3 pm
$100 per person
Details & Tickets
“Think pink” at Tommy Bahama restaurants with Rioja Rosado specials running through mid-October. Click here to find locations across the country.
For our friends in the Lone Star state, Kroger stores will hold tastings at locations throughout Texas on August 30. Check out our event page for details.
Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak and Stone Crab loves Rioja! Enjoy a glass of Beronia Reserva by-the-glass at all locations.
For all our upcoming events,
visit our online calendar.
Bison Kebabs with Roasted Cherry and Hazelnut Couscous
Small plates are all the rage right now, and perfect for a summer get-together with friends. Get creative with your ingredients, and try bison as a beef alternative. Check out this small plate recipe for spiced bison kebabs, nutty couscous and mint dipping sauce from our friends at Juicy Peach Diaries. Pair with a glass of Rioja Reserva wine and enjoy!
Welcome to our newest column, Ask Ana! Have questions about the Rioja region, Rioja wines, or wine in general? Ask Ana Fabiano, our Rioja expert. Send us an e-mail with your question to askana@riojacommunity.com and you may see it in the next newsletter!
What is a special distinguishing quality of each of Rioja’s three sub-regions?
Rioja Alavesa: This is land and people that have always lived for and from the vine. It breathes in their souls, hearts, and their care for the land and very pampered vines.
Rioja Baja: The altitudes here and sprawling vistas are spectacular, not to mention the varieties of peppers.
Rioja Alta: Okay, I have to say it…placing our treasured vine aside here, you can see some of the most romantic wine villages and vineyards in the world! Special hideaways, too.
Ana Fabiano is the Trade Director for the U.S. Rioja campaign, Brand Ambassador for the DOCa Rioja, and author of the award-winning book The Wine Region of Rioja. She has traveled extensively throughout Rioja is passionate about this region of the world.
A Match Made in Heaven
Rioja and Honest Cooking paired up for "A Match Made in Heaven," where food and wine bloggers across the country wrote posts inspired by “Rioja and Tapas,” including recipes, menu ideas and wine pairings.
Check out the beautiful and delicious posts here!
