The Telmo Rodriguez website states that Corriente is a, “Good everyday wine. Corriente is our tribute to an unofficial and traditional wine classification in use in our region during the early XXth century, which we found very interesting: ‘Corriente’ (common, everyday) wines vs. ‘Selecto’ (select) wines. A wine that is neither deceitful nor ostentatious, Corriente is a simple and approachable wine that represents a region, its culture and of course its wine.” Approachable, yes. Simple? I beg differ. I suppose if I was tasting the range of wines made by Mr. Rodriguez on a daily basis, I might agree. Since, unfortunately, I am not tasting his wines every day, I found Corriente charmingly delicious. The aromas are a complex mélange of blackberry, black currant, thyme, lavender, sandalwood and vanilla. In the mouth the wine is smooth and luscious with black fruits, woody spices, finishing with ripe, dusty tannins. It is a handpicked blend of Tempranillo, Garnacha, and Graciano from old bush vines in the cool Lanciego zone of Rioja Alavesa; fermented in concrete tanks and stainless steel followed by 12 months in oak. Delicious with grilled meats or stews or just enjoy.
Telmo Rodriguez, Rioja (Spain) 2018
By Rebecca Murphy