Drew Fuller Staff Selection • Fall 2016

One of the wine regions that I love the most is Rioja in north-central Spain. The winemaker’s respect for tradition there is strong, yet they also respect new advances in farming and winemaking techniques. The resulting wines have both ripe fruit (New World) and earthy (Old World) flavors. In addition, they follow strict ageing laws that allow a consumer to experience an older, more mature wine without having to age it for years in their own cellar. For example, at Surdyk’s you can purchase Faustino I Gran Reserva 2001 Rioja, as that is the current vintage in the market! Faustino is located in the subregion of Rioja Alavesa at an altitude of 1,200 to 1,800 feet, where the climate is very cool due to the influence of the Atlantic Ocean to the north. The wine is made up of Tempranillo (92%) and Mazuelo(8%), and was aged for a total of 41 months (17 months in 100% American oak casks, and 24 months in bottle). This reserve bottling shows compelling aromas of plum and cassis, with notes of cedar, clove and chocolate. The taste shows a perfect balance of New and Old World characteristics, with ripe fruit at first impression, followed by earth, toasty oak and clove flavors, and finishes with mocha and dried fruits with a silky smooth finish. Serve this great wine with mature hard cheeses, grilled meats, and lamb paella. Cheers!