Montebuena Cuvée KPF 2019 (Rioja) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is a delicious Rioja that returned to the LCBO this weekend after a five year hiatus. This new vintage was released into VINTAGES as part of today's November 13 LCBO VINTAGES Release.

This red wine by Bodegas Montebuena is from the portfolio of Kysela Pere et Fils, Ltd., hence the name "KPF" on the bottle. Montebuena - meaning "good mountain" - is located on the eastern part of the ancient winemaking village of Labastida, in what is considered to be one of the best vineyards in Rioja Alavesa, and covers an area of more than 160 hectares. Viticulture in Labastida goes back several centuries, but the most interesting historical evidence of winemaking in the area is its "lagares rupestres" - man-made formations carved into large rocks in the vineyards that consisted of three holes where the grapes were pressed to obtain the juice prior to fermentation - which were in use between the 9th and 18th centuries.

Montebuena sets itself apart with its unique position where the river Ebro is closest to the Sierra Cantabria mountains, creating a blend of Mediterranean and Continental climates that prevents an excess of rain and extreme cold. Moreover, the shallow and calcareous soils limit yields and the size of grapes while increasing the volume of the skin, resulting in deeper colour and greater concentration of flavours.

Kysela's Montebuena Cuvée is made with 100% Tempranillo from 20-25 year-old vines grown in Rioja Alavesa. The grapes were hand-harvested, and after fermentation the wine was aged for 3-4 months in new French oak. Having enjoyed the 2014 Montebuena Cuvée KPF five years ago, let's see how this new vintage is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

MONTEBUENA CUVÉE KPF 2019 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#211029) (XD) - $17.95
100% Tempranillo from 20 to 25 year-old vines grown in Rioja Alavesa. Screw cap. The medium+ intensity nose is very ripe with dark red cherry, black cherry, sweet spice and sandalwood aromas. On the medium bodied palate it has smooth, lightly textured tannins and fresh, lively acidity with ripe, plummy flavours of dark red cherry, black cherry, and savoury wood spice. Very good length on the savoury, earthy, and juicy finish. Highly quaffable for everyday enjoyment. Recommended buy. Score: 88 pts

Other delicious wines from Bodegas Montebuena can be found through their Agent - Connexion Oenophilia.