Era Costana Rioja Crianza 2006

This Rioja Crianza is produced by Bodegas Ondarre, whose production, according to its website, is "solely composed of Reservas, Cask-fermented Whites and Cava sparkling wines, with a limited number of bottles".  I wonder where the Crianzas fit in then?  The difference between a Crianza and a Reserva is a year of ageing (with the extra year to the Reserva).  There may be a slight increase in the fruit quality in the Reservas as well.  It may not seem like much, but it's enough to warrant a different classification.  I'm probably splitting hairs and being pedantic - I'm sure it's just an issue of the website not being entirely accurate.  Not a big deal, although I'm finding it increasingly irritating.

The wine itself is lovely actually.  I find that I rarely dislike the Riojas that I buy in the supermarket.  I usually go for Reservas and Gran Reservas because it's a good chance to enjoy a wine with a few years of age without spending a fortune.

This Crianza though is a more lively wine, all strawberryish-vanilla oaky fruit and a good bit of acidity.  Very drinkable, and on a day where I didn't really even fancy wine (we opened it to cook with, although that wasn't why I bought it).

This is currently on offer for £4.99 (from £9.99), and I don't think you can really beat that for value.  With these offers always going on, you never need to pay more than £5 or £6 for a Rioja of acceptable quality.

Bodegas Ondarre

Era Costana Rioja Crianza 2006

Rioja, Spain

Sainsbury's

£4.99 (£9.99)

3/5