1997 Bodegas Breton Lorinon Tinto Crianza Rioja

A gorgeous ruby red robe sets the tone for the 1997 Lorinon Crianza from Bodegas Breton. A warm, amplifying, almost huggable bouquet follows, conveying scents of red current, cassis, tobacco, spice, and of course, plush, sweet oak. On the palate, this Crianza is silky, smooth and flavorful. Like all Breton offerings, it finishes quite dry, aptly expressing the natural apple-like acidity for which this estate is revered. Allow the wine at least an hour to breathe before serving at cool room temperature (60-65° F is optimum).

Steaks and chops are natural accompaniments to the 1997 Lorinon Crianza, but penne pasta, served with a heady white bean sauce is one of our favorite meals with this warm, lovable Breton offering. Made with copious quantities of celery, garlic, onion, red pepper and white beans, this dish brings out the depth as well as the freshness in the Lorinon Crianza. Garlic roasted chicken, ribs and ham are other good choices. Just about any dish with black beans and tomato (providing cumin is used sparingly) will also provide a good foil. Spicy Mexican dishes are also another possibility. Enjoy!

Bodegas Breton is a small well-respected estate in the Rioja Alto, one of the world's most beautiful wine regions. Founded in 1983, the Breton partnership includes a 100 acre estate called Vina Lorinon just outside of Logrono along the south bank of the Ebro River, and the legendary Dominio de Conte vineyard whose average vineyard age is the oldest in Rioja. Both cites specialize in the cultivation of the traditional Rioja varietals: primarily Tempranillo, followed by Mazuelo, Graciano and Garnacha for the reds and Viura and Malvasia for the whites. Although of relatively recent origin, Breton takes a very traditional approach to its wines. The philosophical objective is preservation of the elegant, balanced "Rioja Alta" style and the longevity for which traditional Riojas are famous. Since its first release, Bodegas Breton has gradually sought higher extract in its wines to complement the impressive acid structure obtained in their mature, low yielding vineyards. Bodegas Breton produces a number of red and white Rioja in any given vintage. Yet, it is the Lorinon Tinto Crianza that many hail as 'the most serious wine of its type produced in Rioja today". This special wine spends 15-18 months in seasoned American oak barrels. Breton also produces small quantities of its single vineyard offering, Dominio de Conte.