What could be better on a Thursday evening in spring than a wine dinner in Winchester, with a room full of happy guests, the buzz of conversation, glasses being poured, and the added magic of having the winemaker from Finca Allende, Miguel, with us to bring every bottle to life.
Finca Allende – A Different Approach to Rioja
Finca Allende isn’t just another Rioja producer. Their philosophy is rooted in expressing vineyard character above all else—working with old vines, low yields, and a deep respect for the land around Briones. There’s a real Burgundian mindset here: individual vineyard wines, minimal intervention where possible, and a focus on purity, texture, and longevity.
Spanish Tapas & Rosado – A Surprising Start
We kicked things off in true Spanish style with Gildas—salty, punchy, and impossible to stop eating. Alongside it came the Rosado 2018, and this is where the first surprise of the evening was revealed. In the glass, it shows a noticeably deeper colour—almost edging into light red territory—far from the pale Provençal style many guests might usually reach for. But that extra colour brought flavour, texture, and presence.
For a number of people in the room, it was a bit of a revelation: proof that rosé can be serious, characterful, and incredibly food-friendly without losing its sense of freshness.
White Rioja Pairings – Fresh, Textured & Complex
The food followed a Spanish thread throughout the evening – bold flavours and comforting dishes. The Salt Cod Scotch Egg with Chorizo Jam was a brilliant example: indulgent and packed with flavour. Alongside it, the Blanco 2022 and Mártires 2023 showed two sides of white Rioja—from fresh and structured to textured and quietly powerful.
Mártires in particular got people talking. I personally think this could be called white Burgundy in a blind tasting.
Hearty Rioja Wines – Pork Belly & Depth of Flavour
Things turned properly hearty with the 12-hour Braised Pork Belly and White Bean Stew, and the Tinto 2015 was right at home here, with its savoury development, depth of fruit and silky structure, proving just how well a ‘house-style’, affordable Rioja can sit at the table.
The wine’s natural acidity beautifully cut through the fat of the belly, yet didn’t exaggerate the juicy acidity of the tomatoes in the stew.
Rioja at Its Best – Lamb & Single Vineyard Wines
Then came the star moment: Lamb Rump with Patatas Riojana—Rioja meeting Rioja, on the plate and in the glass. The Mingortiz 2016 brought finesse and lift, while the Calvario 2012 went deeper, with layers of complexity and the tannin structure for years of further potential ageing.
Having Miguel talk us through the vineyards behind these wines—how soil, aspect, and vine age shape what’s in the glass—was one of those moments where the whole concept of viticulture as a form of agriculture really made sense.
A Special Surprise – Aged Rioja Magnums
As if the line-up wasn’t already generous enough, Miguel had one more trick up his sleeve—producing a few surprise magnums of 2004. These were wines with real presence: showing impressive depth, savoury complexity, and beautifully resolved yet still structured tannins.
It was a brilliant reminder of Rioja’s ability to age, and a real treat.
A Perfect Finish – Manchego & Quince
We finished, as all good Spanish meals should, with Manchego and quince—simple, delicious, and exactly what was needed. If this is what Rioja is all about, take my passport and sign me up!
Enjoyed this Rioja wine dinner? Explore our upcoming wine dinners in Winchester and discover more tasting events at The Chesil Rectory.
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Wine Dinners & Tasting Events
Join us for an unforgettable evening of wine dinners and tasting events, where carefully curated menus meet exceptional wines. Each event is a unique opportunity to explore hand-selected vintages, expertly paired with seasonal dishes crafted by our chefs.
