Two Riojas

[Georgie]

I bought two different bottles of Rioja, thinking I would make a recipe and a half of the Sangria IK gave me on the Novice forum. I figured I could conduct a little side by side taste test whuile I was at it. The first one, 1997 San Pedro Vallobera Crianza Rioja was fruity enough for me to like it quite well. The second, 1998 Montecillo Crianza was drier and I could taste that saddle leather taste Hotwine and others have mentioned. I didn't like this one as much. So, putting a whole bottle of the Vallobera and about one third bottle of the Montecillo together for the Sangria worked very well. The Sangria is delicious! I think it will improve even more overnight as the fruit flavors infuse the wine. I paid $6.99 for the Vallobera and $12.99 for the Montecillo.