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Auckland, North Island, New Zealand
Wine tour operator, wine writer and lapsed physiotherapist. "Nature abhors a vacuum. I personally hate dusting."

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Sunday, January 1, 2017

Bodegas Franco-Españolas - red wines from Spain





Late last year I had the privilege of tasting some wines from Spanish producer Bodegas Franco-Españolas.
Founded in 1890 in Lograno, Spain Bodegas Franco-Españolas is one of the oldest wineries in the famous Rioja region.
Following the disastrous Phylloxera plague that affected many vineyards in France, French expat Fréderique Anglade Saurat departed France for Spain and founded Bodegas Franco-Españolas with some Spanish partners. By 1922 Bodegas Franco-Españolas became entirely Spanish owned and is now run by second generation Carlos and Rosa Eguizabal.



Bodegas Franco-Españolas Rioja Bourdon Gran Reserva 2007
A garnet red and opaque wine made of Tempranillo, Mazueleo and Graciano.
Aromas of cedar, sherry and black pepper. Gamey and astringent. A complex and elegant wine with flavours of ripe plum, cherry, liquorice and spice with persistent tannins and a dry finish. Only 5,000 cases produced.

Bodegas Franco-Españolas Rioja Bourdon Crianza Tinto 2013
Made from Tempranillo and Garnacha. Aromas of spice, cedar and a slightly minty Cab Sav hint.
Palate of ripe plums, medium bodied style with flavours of cherry with a hint of toasted almond and Christmas cake.

Bodegas Franco-Españolas Rioja Bourdon Reserva Tinto 2011
Aromas of spice, plum and sherry. Blend of Tempranillo, Garnacha Tinto and Mazuelo. Medium bodied with flavours of plum pudding, Black Doris plum, liquorice, black tea and red fruit compote. Dry finish.