'96 Marques de Riscal Rioja Riserva

[ddf68]

Had this over the weekend with grilled ostrich in a blackberry brandy sauce. Plenty of black cherry, well balanced, and a bit of leather on the finish.

My question is this: the wine list had some notes for each of the wines and this wine was described as the only wine produced outside of France ever to receive a French "Appellation Certificate". The author was not available to explain. This makes no sense at all to me. Anyone else?

ddf

[Scoop]

You are quite correct: It makes no sense whatsoever under AOC/DOC ("Appellation") rules in force across the European Union. Maybe it won some sort of French award, but an "appellation" is tied to geography, so the Spanish (in this case, Rioja Riserva) designation can't be French, too.

It must be some sort of misunderstanding/translation goof.

Cheers,

Scoop

[Innkeeper]

We thoroughly enjoyed an '05 tonight with an upscale mac & cheese, and spinach. Excellent. $12.99 at NH Lig Store.

[TheEngineer]

IK, I agree that this house is always a great buy at those prices.