Good morning all,

Simon’s Wine of the Week is El Ilusionista Ribera Del Duero Crianza

This week we’re heading over to Spain, which is having a bit of a ‘moment’ when it comes to wine. There are some really interesting bottles popping up from lesser-known areas, some which have featured as past Wines of the Week. But there is lots of innovation in the famous regions as well, with young winemakers coming up and trying new and exciting things. We’re focusing on one of those more famous regions this week as we’re looking at a wine from one of Spain’s greatest red wine regions, Ribera Del Duero.

Whilst Ribera has been making wine since Roman times, it wasn’t until the 70’s that the region started to make a name for itself. Which is strange because since the mid nineteenth century Ribera has been home to what is arguably Spain’s greatest wine, Vega Sicilia (I was once lucky enough to try one of the Unico Reserva of this wine at a tasting – it smelt of mashed potato with chives). But it was the arrival of Alejandro Fernandez and his famous Pesquera wine in 1975 that put the name Ribera del Duero on the map. Today it is one of the most famous and awarded regions in Spain.

Located in Spain’s northern plateau, Ribera is mainly red wine country, hugging the banks of the Duero river (the same river as the famous Duoro river of Port fame). Most of the wine here is made from the Tempranillo grape, although here it is known as Tinto Fino. The wines are pretty much all concentrated and age-worthy, and can get very, very expensive.

Luckily, today’s Wine of the Week isn’t at that crazy price level and is excellent value for money. El Ilusionista is a Crianza wine, which in Spanish means ageing. Crianza wines require a minimum of two years ageing, one year in oak, and one year in bottle. Reserva and Gran Reserva wines are aged for longer so generally have more oak character. The El Ilusionista is aged for 14 months in oak so a little longer than required, which adds complexity and richness to the wine.

Upon pouring into the glass the wine is almost opaque with a deep ruby colour. The nose is deep, and rich with lovely ripe black fruits and dusty notes reminiscent of a hot day in the Spanish countryside. There’s a touch of spice and vanilla on the nose as well coming from the oak. In the mouth it is not too full-bodied, but nice and intense. There’s plenty of blackberry, cherry and redcurrant fruit, with more vanilla and spice from the oak.

This is going to work perfectly in any Spanish restaurant, particularly with red meat-based tapas. That said I’d really like to try it with a lamb or pork Sunday roast, or a really well-made nut roast, or with a perfectly served steak.

Have a great week,

Simon