£10.99–£12, Majestic, Sainsbury's, Waitrose, Amazon, Ocado
It’s more than six years since I last recommended a Beronia Rioja here, so it’s time I did again – and as it’s Beronia's 50th anniversary this year, let's raise a glass to their next 50 years.
It’s also timely because it’s Easter. I’ve chosen the Tempranillo Crianza, with its balance of bright, crunchy, berry fruit, spicy oak, sweet leather, herbs and deftly modulated tannins, because it has the oomph to fit with many a roast.
I’m thinking of lamb especially, spiked with rosemary, garlic and anchovy, sweet smoked paprika or cumin, or, as I shall be having, a leg of French lamb (agneau fermier des Causses du Lot) marinated in kefir and fresh herbs and accompanied by a crunchy, spiced carrot salad (an Olia Hercules recipe).
But it would also fall in with pork, beef or a good nut roast (Great British Chefs has a recipe online that I like) and goes well with chorizo, black bean and black garlic stew, other bean casseroles and nutty hard cheeses.
Just to fill you in on the oak, since it's integral to Beronia’s style: the Crianza is aged for 12 months in barrels made from American oak staves and French oak ends.
14%. Suitable for vegans. Empty bottle weight: 412g.
Beronia Rioja Crianza Tempranillo 2019, Rioja, Spain
£9 in any 6 bottles until 8 April (hurry!) then £12, Sainsbury’s; £10.99 in any 6, Majestic; £11.99, Waitrose (which also has the Reserva currently on offer at £10); £11.99, Amazon; £12, Ocado.