Opera and Wine

you know how it is when you come out of the Royal Opera House and you fancy a light canapé and some excellent wine? well, last week I spent a most enjoyable evening with a beautiful (half) bottle of Decenio Rioja Reserva, Bodega Las Orcas, Spain. Surroundings were most inductive to a relaxing half hour after a brilliant evening, they have a very good wine list too in the Amphitheatre, well worth a visit.

With a developed nose of black fruits, tobacco and leather, on the palate this is beautifully elegant and light on its feet. It's wonderfully balanced and super-smooth.

you can also buy it from Roberson Wines in Kensington High Street 

As regulars to my musings are aware I do love a good Rioja  and have enjoyed some good supermarket offerings these past couple of weeks too. Gone are the days when ordering a Spanish wine meant grimacing at the tartness while you wondered if you should have just plumped for the Sangria and be done with it.

Worth a mention is Tesco's El Pinsapo Rioja, great value for money and a super slurp.

Aromas of red berries underscored by liquorice and vanilla notes, complemented by soft spice and red cherry flavours. Made from Tempranillo and Garnacha grapes from Spain's famous Rioja region. An ideal partner to pasta, tapas and most cheeses

Co Operative's Marques de Valido Rioja Reserva 2009 enjoyed over valentine's weekend. Forget flowers and chocolates . . . .

Sainsbury's Campo Viejo Rioja Tempranillo - another great wine - smooth and highly drinkable, getting that for my Mother on Mothering Sunday - she doesn't drink, but I love it.

Looking forward also to my next wine review on London's Best Smooth Jazz, listen in for my 'wine of the week' while we enjoy some smooth soulful grooves. You'll notice host Rod has a new particularly nice wine glass for the small sample I allow him. Check us out.