With almost five decades of wine making, Bodegas Beronia is renowned for it Rioja. Their flagship winery is located in La Rioja, Spain. It is nestled seamlessly into the hillside, preserving the natural beauty of the landscape. The winery sits beneath a plant-covered roof, partially underground, allowing energy saving through the force of gravity and thermal inertia in the winemaking process. Their winery promotes sustainable architecture and agriculture that minimizes their environmental impact.

Rioja is located in Northern Spain, and is undeniably the most famous Spanish wine region, with a global reputation of trust and quality built over 2000 years of winemaking.

The Beronia winery took its name from the ancient Celts known as the ‘Berones’, the former guardians of today’s La Rioja region.

2017 Beronia Reserva Rioja ($24.99)

In Spain, a “Reserva” wine must have a minimum of three years of aging, with at least one year in barrel and the remainder in bottle. This Rioja Reserva is produced from 93% Tempranillo, 1% Mazuelo and 6% Graciano. This wine spent 18 months in mixed French and American oak barrels and then was left to rest in the bottle for 18 months before being released to the market.

This Beronia Reserva Rioja is medium ruby in color with aromas of black cherry and peppery notes. On the palate it has good black fruit flavors, medium tannin, nice acidity, hints of licorice and a nice finish.

2013 Beronia Gran Reserva Rioja ($29.99)

In Spain, a “Gran Reserva” wines are aged in barrel for two years followed by three years in the bottle prior to release. This Rioja Gran Reserva is also produced from 95% Tempranillo, 1% Mazuelo and 4% Graciano. It spent 27 months in French oak barrels and completed its ageing with another 36 months in the bottle prior to release.

This Beronia Gran Reserva is deep garnet is color with aromas of black cherry and brown sugar. On the palate has flavors of sour cherry and spices while being smooth with its mellow tannin. It has a long and balanced finish.

These Rioja wines from Bodegas Beronia are both excellent. They are attainable and affordable and this a great fit as the Behind the Cork™ Wines of the Week. Cheers!

Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received these samples at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Samples Provided by Gonzalez Byass (via Donna White Communications)