Winemakers of the Haro District, Rioja

From 1934 to 1980 an elevated rail line, now called the High Line, connected the rail yards of mid-town Manhattan to an industrial district along the lower West Side of Manhattan.  Constructed 30 feet above the ground, it avoided dangerous street crossings, and routed between 10th and 11th streets in its more northern sections the railway avoided association with the unpopular elevated sections of New York's subway system.

After much controversy and considerable effort and six years, the third and final section was completed. The aerial park is just under 1.5 miles.

I had the opportunity to attend the Rioja Railway Wine Experience which allowed me to taste Rioja's most exceptional wines. Since this region was changed forever thanks to the Industrial Age and specifically the train, it was a perfect location to experience these incredible wines. I had previously published a Master Class podcast from this same day. If you missed it, and are interested in hearing more about these wines, scroll back to episode 109.

I recorded this podcast alongside my partner in wine crime, Debbie Gioquindo, the Hudson Valley Wine Goddess. Be sure to check out her podcast also! And special thanks to her, since I lost my, alright, I accidentally deleted my, audio for this podcast and she generously shared it with me!  

We interviewed the following wineries. Thanks to Debbie Gioquindo for the tasting notes, as I also have no idea where I placed mine! Be sure to visit her website to read more about these wineries and listen to her podcast! 
Vina Pomal Bodegas Bilbainas
2018 Vina Pomal Blanco A blend of Malvasia and Viura with each grape bringing a different element to the wine. Very aromatic, fresh and vibrant. SRP $20
 
2014 Vina Pomal Reserva This is 100% Tempranillo aged for 18 months in American oak and 2 years in the bottle. Lots of dark fruit and cocoa with soft tannins. SRP $20
 
2011 Vina Pomal Gran Reserva This is a blend of 90% Tempranillo and 10% Graciano aged for 2 years in American oak and another 3 years in the bottle. Elegant with layers of black and red fruit. This will pair with many foods. Drink now or age.
 
Bodegas Roda
2010 Bodegas Roda Roda 107 Made with 3 year old vines, although made with young vines this wine is complex. Notes of vanilla, bright red raspberry, blackberry layers and bursts of white pepper on the finish.
 
2015 Bodegas Roda A blend of 86% Tempranillo, 8% Granacha and 6% Graciano from vines older than 30 years. Ripe red fruit with cherry dancing throughout. Hints of cinnamon and clove on the finish.
 
2016 Cirsion This wine is made with individual selections of the oldest vines. It is not made every year. The 2016 is a blend of 89% Tempranillo and 11% Graciano. Earthy notes with black and red fruit. Powerful yet delicate with fine tannins, hints of licorice notes dance on the palate. SRP $325
 

Bodegas Muga
2015 Bodegas Muga Torre Muga This is a blend of 75% Tempranillo 15% Mazuelo and 10% Graciano. It spent 18 months in new Allier French oak barrels and 6 months in oak vat. It’s big, it’s nice, easy drinking with black fruit and nice black pepper spice on the finish. SRP $110
 
2010 Bodegas Muga Prado Enea Gran Reserva A blend of 80% Tempranillo 10% Garnacha with the balance of Mazuelo and Graciano. Aged for 9 months in new French oak and then 27 months in second-fill French and American oak barrels. Then the wine is bottled and aged 36 months in the cellar before released. This particular vintage was a “perfect” vintage in their eyes. Beautiful plum and dark fruit with the black pepper spice and soft on the palate.
 
2015 Bodegas Muga Reserve Another wine made with a blend of 70% Tempranillo 20% Garnacha and 10% Mazuelo and Graciano. This was aged 24 months in 70% French oak barrels and 30% American oak barrels. Then aged for another 12 months in the bottle before release. Nice red and black fruit, cherry, blackberry, violets and white pepper on finish. SRP $30
~Slainte! 
 
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