Know your étiquette! Rioja Reserva

With Jerez in Andalucía, Rioja is Spain’s oldest Denominación de Origen dating back to 1925.

It shares with Calalunya’s Priorat the distinction of being the only Denominación de Origen Calificada. For many, it’s name is interchangeable with the term Spanish red wine.

There’s no doubt that its number one status has been challenged and that it’s had to respond to criticism of certain aspects of tradition.

Telmo Rodríguez is one of those special producers moving things forward - here and elsewhere in Spain - by being sensitive, skilful and intelligent in looking back.

Here, though, is a chance to peer behind the label to get a basic handle on the region via a very tasty 2014.

For those wishing to track down wines from Remelluri and other labels from Telmo Rodriguez, the wine is imported into Australia by The Spanish Acquisition.