Wines Rioja Bodegas Pagos de Tahola - 2023

Bodegas Pagos de Tahola 2023 is a dry red wine from the renowned Rioja region of Spain, offering a vibrant snapshot of a classic Spanish wine style in a youthful expression. Typically, Rioja reds are crafted predominantly from the Tempranillo grape, often blended with smaller portions of Garnacha (Grenache), Mazuelo (Carignan), or Graciano, although the precise blend for this vintage is proprietary to the estate. The 2023 vintage benefits from a warm and steady growing season, resulting in ripe, expressive fruit. Vinification at Bodegas Pagos de Tahola usually respects traditional practices with a touch of modernity, favoring stainless steel fermentation to preserve fruit purity, with minimal oak aging to emphasize freshness and lively character.

La Rioja, Spain’s most iconic wine region, lies to the north of the country, nestled along the Ebro River and shielded from harsh Atlantic weather by the Cantabrian mountains. The region’s soils—comprised of a mix of calcareous clay, ferrous clay, and alluvial elements—provide ideal drainage and a significant mineral structure. Rioja enjoys a continental climate with a strong Mediterranean influence, offering warm days, cool nights, and just enough rainfall to produce balanced, elegant wines. Rioja's winemaking history dates back centuries, and it is celebrated for its refined reds, which combine rich fruit, fine tannins, and subtle earthy undertones.

This young, fruity Rioja pairs beautifully with a range of dishes. Its medium body and bright acidity make it wonderful with grilled lamb chops, classic Spanish chorizo, or herb-roasted chicken. If you’re looking to stay regional, try matching it with patatas a la riojana (potato stew with chorizo), roasted peppers, or a selection of Manchego cheese for an authentic experience.

For the best expression of its youthful vibrancy and fresh fruit character, serve Bodegas Pagos de Tahola 2023 at a temperature of 15-17°C. Decanting is not necessary, but allowing the wine a few minutes in the glass before tasting will help open up its aromatic profile. Enjoy this Rioja within the next couple of years to appreciate its lively, youthful qualities.