The Date and Time:
The Event: To celebrate the 40th anniversary of Bodegas Beronia in Ollauri, Rioja. The head winemaker Matias Calleja Ugartewas invited for a small press tasting and lunch.
The Venue: Patria Restaurant
The Target Audience: wine press
The Availability/Catalogue: only the older wines are not available; the rest are through the LCBO delivery streams.
The Quote/Background: Beronia is now owned by Gonzalez Byass. Both firms are repped in
The Wines: There were two white wines and a rose.
**** BEST -- Four Stars (
-Beronia Tempranillo Barrel Fermented 2011, +723643, $17.95 – Sept 28/13 Vintages
-Beronia Gran Reserva 1973, not available (5% viura was added for acidity)
-Beronia Gran Reserva 2006, +9440965, $34.95 – March 2014
***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (
-Beronia Barrel Fermented Viura 2011, $17.95 private order
-Beronia Tempranillo 2010, +243055, $11.65 LCBO
-Beronia Crianza 2009, $16.95 consignment
-Beronia Reserva 2008, +50203, $18.95 Vintages
-Beronia Gran Reserva 1994, not available
*** GOOD -- Three Stars (
-Beronia Viura 2012, +190801, $14.95 – arriving in Jan 2014
-Beronia Rosado 2012, +323519, $14.95 Vintages
The samples of the Beronia Gran Reserva 1982 were oxidated.
The Food: we could have any wine we wanted from the tasting, so some of us lined up tasting samples to go with each course. Course One featured pan con tomate, quince jam, seleccion de embutidos (with serrano), and dates with bacon and Manchego. Course Two had shaved fennel and Manchego with artichokes, pasta with clams and chorizo, and an empanada with braised meats. There was a dessert but no wine to go with it.
The Downside: it was a hot day with no air conditioning. I got there early and positioned myself under a fan, after testing the air currents. I was also the only one wearing sensible shorts.
The Upside: a chance to hear and speak with Matias.
The Contact Person: jason@woodmanwinesandspirits.com
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 92.
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