Textbook example of the Tempranillo aromas and flavors you anticipate in a Rioja. It is 100% Tempranillo made to be relatively simple on your palate and easy on your pocketbook. Nothing to write about with exclamation points in your wine journal, but no need for frowning emojis either. Good weekday tipple from a consistent maker. Typically $14-18.
Fruit-forward, modern Rioja made for drinking young when all you want is a tasty wine that does not demand deep contemplation. This is young “joven” style Rioja (joven is Spanish for “young”) made with limited time in mixed oak barrels—American oak staves, French oak ends—to get oak impact in six months. Intended as an introductory effort leading to Beronia’s more serious, and more tannic and complex wines, for which you might pay up to double the price.
The Beronia company was founded in 1973 by a group of businessmen from the Basque Country and who would come to La Rioja on holiday. Sharing a love of food and wine, they created their own gastronomic society, or txoko as it is called locally. Next, they decided to produce their own wines to enjoy with the local cuisine, specializing in Reserva and Gran Reserva wines, for which they are now famous. This is a toddler Rioja compared to those efforts.
In 1982, the winery joined the González Byass Family of Wines and expanded into international markets. Today, Beronia is one of the best-known Spanish wineries in both international and domestic markets, producing pure, traditional Rioja wines with its own personality and Beronia style.
Rioja is the best-known Spanish wine region. It lies in the valley of the Ebro River with the Cantabrian Mountains to the north and the Demanda range to the south. The region encompasses more than 165,000 acres of vines that produced more than 68.6 million gallons of wine in 2023. By contrast, the next year saw challenges, and the region produced 50 million gallons.
The region is traditionally believed to get its name from the Oja River (Río Oja in Spanish), but some sources indicate a Latin-Basque origin. Rioja is divided into three zones: Rioja Alavesa, Rioja Alta, and Rioja Baja (renamed Rioja Oriental in 2018). Bodegas Beronia is located in the village of Ollauri in north-central Spain and in the heart of Rioja Alta. Rioja Alta sits on the western edge of Rioja and is higher in elevation—hence the name—and is known for its Old World-style wines. The higher elevation means a shorter growing season and wines with bright fruit flavors that are lighter on the palate.
Beronia Tempranillo Rioja, España 2023: Deep ruby color; blackberry, black plum, cherry, blueberry, cocoa, vanilla, coconut, light spice on the nose and palate.
Dry; gentle tannins; enough acidity to be brisk without demanding attention. Medium body, juicy and round in the mouth rather than grippy or structured. Clean, mouthwatering finish that lingers long enough to be noticed. This is a value-focused Rioja to be enjoyed early. At three years, this is likely at its affable peak. Not a great Rioja, but more than adequate for a swirl you bought with spare change in your pocket. 14% ABV
Pairing—Grilled red meat, lamb, pasta with red sauces; grilled poultry, Ibérico sausage, seared pork tenderloin; mushroom and Mediterranean vegetable dishes. Meat-lover pizza, burgers and sliders, Spanish tapas, meatloaf. Cheese—Aged Manchego (6–12 months), Idiazábal, Mahón, Zamorano, young Ossau-Iraty, aged Gouda, Edam. Avoid pungent blues, very fresh goat cheese, and washed-rind cheeses.
