Faustino VII Rioja Tempranillo 2011 - Review

When we lived in France we used to go shopping in Spain quite often, mainly because it was only a short drive, and because almost everything was cheaper in Spain.
Being lovers of red wine, and living in a huge vineyard we drank lots of lovely French wine, but we also enjoyed wine from Spain.
Mr.R especially liked Rioja, I wasn't as much of a fan as he was.
Anyway, during a recent shopping trip Mr.R returned with a bottle of Spanish wine, Faustino VII Rioja Tempranillo 2011, which reminded us our our life in France. Yep, a bottle of Spanish wine brought back memories of living in the South of France. Hehe!

What did we think of the Faustino VII Rioja Tempranillo 2011?
We liked it. Actually, despite it only being a couple of days ago that we drank it, I can't really remember what I thought of it, and neither can Mr.R. Ha!

The bottle label says -
Faustino VII, with its inviting fruity flavours, is perfect to go with starters, everyday red meat dishes and poultry. An ideal wine for barbeques and social occasions. 13%.

More information about this wine -
Established in 1861, and owning over 758 hectares in Rioja, Faustino is one of Spain's greatest family owned bodegas. 
Based in the Alavesa region of Rioja Faustino exports to 79 countries, and is the number one exporter Worldwide of Gran Reserva. The group ensures selection of the best land, vines and practices. This enables a high degree of quality control and consistent high quality from grape to bottle. They are product of their respect for the environment and their contemporary biodynamic and classic winemaking practices.

The 2011 Faustino VII is made from 100% Tempranillo and aged in American oak for ten months before being bottled.
Nice ripe cherries, some dried berries, tobacco, spice, and a little vanilla.
Medium-bodied Rioja with good structure and red fruits lingering on the finish.
Faustino VII is the entry level Rioja from this famous Bodega.
Despite it's status as a vin joven (young wine) it is made with great care and benefits from some ageing in both barrel and bottle.
The wine is ruby in colour, having lost the purple intensity of extreme youth and the palate has rich jammy fruits with slight hints of sweetness, vanilla and spice on the finish, evidence of the 10 months it has spent in new American oak.

Do you like Rioja?
Have you tasted Faustino VII Rioja Tempranillo 2011?