Burgo Viejo Reserva 2020 (Rioja) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is a lovely Tempranillo from Rioja that arrived at the LCBO last month as the Wine of the Month in the July 19th LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by Bodegas Burgo Viejo, a Spanish winery in La Rioja with roots going back to 1950. Bodegas de Familiar Burgo Viejo came together in 1987 when six families of winegrowers in La Rioja - Castillo Garcia, Galán Garijo, Gurría García, Marques Malumbres, Rivas Marques, and Ruiz Casas - brought their vineyards, winegrowing traditions, and age-old knowledge that was passed down from one generation to the next to create wines with an innovative spirit under a single brand.

Today, the winemaking process at Burgo Viejo is based on the highest standards of food safety - Brand Reputation through Compliance (BRCGS) and International Featured Standards (IFS), as well as a deep commitment to quality and meeting the needs of the market. The families at Burgo Viejo are focused on continued growth and offering products of the highest quality.

The six families combine to have more than 200 hectares of vines that are cultivated with passion, attention to detail, and care, which allows them to obtain high-quality grapes, and, in turn, craft a wide range of high-quality wines. The vineyards stretch across the entire municipality of Alfaro, from the Ebro valley right up to the slopes of the sierra of Monte Yerga, in La Rioja of northern Spain. An extensive surface area such as this offers a wide variety of soil types, micro-climates, and distinctive features, which are expressed through each varietal that is planted on these lands. The vineyards average 30 years old, with some parcels almost a century old. Burgo Viejo owns nearly all of their vineyards, allowing them to constantly monitor each site, reduce yields for optimum quality, handle any disease problems, and decide upon the right time to harvest.

It is crafted with 100% Tempranillo, using grapes that were grown in vineyards under the DOCa Rioja appellation of Spain. After harvesting the grapes during the pandemic, the grapes were destemmed and underwent light crushing. It was fermented at a controlled temperature in stainless steel tanks, followed by malolactic fermentation in concrete tanks. The wine was matured for at least 18 months in a combination of 225 L American and French oak barriques.

The hot 2020 growing season featured rainfall and early budding, which resulted in an early and uneven harvest. Some areas were severely hit by hail and mildew, which had the effect of smaller yields, while areas not impacted by these conditions had more generous yields. Furthermore, producers that harvested after the rain at the end of September benefited from northern winds, and produced balanced wines with moderate alcohol, good acidity, and deep colour. From a vintage considered "Very Good", let's see how this 2020 Tempranillo from Rioja is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

BURGO VIEJO RESERVA 2020 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#168823) (XD) - $19.95
This 100% Tempranillo has a medium+ to medium-high intensity nose that is savoury with earthy oak, tangy black plum, cran-cherry, dark berry, and coconut aromas. On the dry, medium+ bodied palate it offers delicious fine earthy oak spices, coconut, dark berry, cran-cherry, and black plum replays in a slightly tangy profile. It has crisp and juicy acidity, alongside smooth, fine-grained tannins with good structure. Spice touches on the mid-palate. Savoury, earthy oak, and coconut notes linger on the long, juicy finish. Recommended buy! Score: 89 pts

One other wine by Burgo Viejo is available in small quantities at the LCBO, while the full range can be ordered through their Agent - Dionysus Wines & Spirits.