
Rioja is a wine region located in Spain. There are three principal wine regions in Rioja, Rioja Alavesa, Rioja Alta, and Rioja Baja, each producing unique wines. The majority of the territory is a protected designation. Rioja is located just south of the Cantabrian Mountains and runs along the Ebro River. Rioja is home to the Oja River and is situated on a plateau that sits 1,500 feet above sea level.
The soil in Roja is clay based and has a high concentration of iron and chalk with a significant concentration of sandstone, limestone, and alluvial silt.
Wines produced in Rioja are a blend of a variety of grapes and can be either be white, red or rosé. The region has 57,000 hectares that produce 250 million liters of wine every year. 85% of that is red wine. The harvest time in Rioja is September to October with Rioja Alta harvesting the latest in late October.
Rioja enjoys a continental climate with cold winters, and warm summers. The higher elevations have a cooler climate. The mountains isolate the region, which has a moderate effect on the climate. Although gusty winds are common in northern Spain, the vineyards are protected by the same mountain range.
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Wachau Riesling is dry and often defined by high levels of dry extract (due to a lengthy ripening period) and a pleasing freshness (due to dramatic temperature swings between day and night). Sedimentary soils of sand and stone give Kirchweg Riesling a dense mineral texture and fine fruity flavors.
Review:
I love the deep and delicate, peachy nose of this extremely attractive Wachau dry riesling. Wonderful fresh fruit with a touch of mint and lemon balm on the ripe but rather sleek and very precise palate. The power and concentration show themselves first at the stunningly long and pristine finish.
-James Suckling 96 Points
Bastgen Blauschiefer Riesling is 100 percent Riesling.
Bright, clean, fresh and zesty. Grapefruit like flavors. Fruity aromas and a nice minerality, typical of the Riesling grape grown on blue slate soil. Round, rich and a very long finish.
They meticulously tend 4.5 ha (11.11 acres) of which 80% is Riesling. The soil is made of slate. Their vineyards are located in Kesten and Brauneberg, on a steep terrace, and planted to 50-year old vines. Fortunately for Bastgen, they own part of the famous Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr. The vines produce very small, ripe berries that are very tasty. Excellent with oysters, seafood and deliciously refreshing on it's own.