These easy drinking wines offer terrific quality for the price, and would be welcome at in my glass and at my table anytime!

The Rioja region in Spain was my initial foray beyond the realm of local California wines, and it remains a cherished favorite. I’ve consistently admired the remarkable quality-to-price ratio that Rioja wines offer, coupled with their time-honored tradition of aging before release. Whenever I have the chance to sample a Rioja wine, it’s a genuine pleasure and a journey back to that first love of mine.

About Bodegas El Coto

Nestled in Oyón, a historic city within the esteemed D.O.Ca. La Rioja region, Bodegas El Coto de Rioja was 1970. Over nearly five decades, El Coto has been on an unwavering mission to craft one of the most esteemed wine brands, not only in Spain but across the globe.

Distinguished as the largest vineyard owner in the D.O.Ca. Rioja, El Coto boasts four distinct estates, encompassing eight individual properties, sprawled across the three sub-regions: Rioja Alta, Rioja Baja, and Rioja Alavesa. Each estate is meticulously tailored to produce Rioja’s finest offerings.

They are the top wine brand in the Spanish market for Crianza and Reserva categories.

Disclosure: Wines were provided as a media samples. No other compensation was received. All opinions are mine.

In My Glass

2022 Bodegas El Coto Rioja Blanco
Blend of 93% Viura, 4% Sauvignon Blanc, 3% Verdejo from the Finca Carbonera vineyard, the highest altitude vineyard in Rioja.

Pale straw color with pear, apricot, melon, lemon verbena and subtle flint aromas. On the palate, it’s medium-bodied with refreshing acidity and pear, apricot, melon, lemon drop flavors accented with an appealing wet stone minerality. Medium finish. 12% abv|SRP – $11.99| (88 pts.)

2021 Bodegas El Coto Rioja Rosado
Produced from 90% Tempranillo and 10% Garnacha estate grown grapes from the Los Almendros vineyard, it’s salmon pink color is the result of a short skin maceration.

Salmon/pink color with inviting strawberry, red currant, white pepper, and spice aromas. On the palate, it’s medium bodied with vibrant acidity and flavors that echo its aromas. Short finish 13.5% avbv| SRP – $11.99|(87 pts.)

2019 Bodegas El Coto Rioja Crianza
Produced from 100% Tempranillo, this native varietal is fermented and aged in oak for at least 12 months with an additional six months resting in bottle, prior to release.

Pale ruby color with appealing cherry, raspberry, vanilla, and leather aromas. On the palate it’s medium-bodied with chalky tannins and juicy acidity with dried Morello cherry, red cherry raspberry, vanilla and spice flavors. Medium finish. 13.5% sbv|SRP – $16.99|(88 pts.)

I can see why El Coto is a leading brand in the Spanish market! These easy drinking wines offer terrific quality for the price, and would be welcome at in my glass and at my table anytime!

Importer: Opici Wine and Spirits