Coming Home to Campo

Its been a while since the last post, but Pris and I haven't exactly been idle.  There have just been too many wines packed into too short a period, and I think we've still been recovering from the Page Wine Dinner (the review is still forthcoming).  So we got back Sunday night from a brief visit to Houston where we stayed with my brother Rick and his girlfriend Shannon.  We ate well and drank well, and the reviews are also coming soon.  When we got home from the windswept six hour drive we opened up a bottle of Campo Viejo Rioja Reserva 2005. 

The Campo Viejo is one of our everyday wines, most of which are Spanish since they're just so easy to drink.  This wine is smooth, perfectly balanced, and went down great after the trip.  The full fruit flavor held hints of cherries, blackberries, and other rich full fruits.  The Campo had a long full finish that lingered nicely.  The quality of the wine is due in part to its make up: 85% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano, and 5% Mazuelo.

We paired the wine with some olives, manchego cheese, and a Spanish casserole from Central Market.  Needless to say, the wine paired flawlessly with the respective foods.  It was an excellent finish to a spectacular weekend.

You can find Campo Viejo at H.E.B. and most other liquor purveyors.  It runs about $10 a bottle for even the Reserva, so its great as an everyday wine.  You can find out more about Campo Viejo at: http://www.campoviejo.com/home.php?idioma=en-usa