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Our T.V. dinners of instant noodles and microwaved leftovers could really use some flair — Spanish flair to be precise. We often dream of snacking on seafood paella and some Jamón Ibérico, but it's the vino from Rioja, Spain we're really after. The gorgeous northern Spanish wine region is home to some of the world's most interesting grapes, and now we can experience them at home with a bottle of La Maldita Red, available at the LCBO.
This gorgeous, easy-drinking red is fresh and vibrant, making it a versatile wine for pairing and enjoying with friends around the dinner table. Its bright acidity and silky tannins are the perfect addition to a number of meals. We especially like it with Mediterranean-inspired pasta, cured meat and did someone say tapas? This wine calls for great bites shared with even better company — and at a value like that ($14.50), you can keep sipping with your compadres well into the night.
Introducing, La Maldita Red ($14.50), available at the LCBO now
A unique take on a red wine from the old vines in Tudelilla and Central Rioja, La Maldita Red may be easy to drink, but its story is one of perseverance and hard work. Until half a century ago, its Garnacha grape was the most planted grape variety in all of Rioja. However, it earned the nickname 'La Maldita' — meaning 'the little cursed one,' for its difficulty to produce high-quality wines — and eventually, the grape fell into obscurity.
Only a few thousand hectares of Garnacha remain. Here, old vineyards at high altitudes are secluded in rocky terrain. Winemaking at this level is not for the faint of heart, but it is a living heritage that La Maldita Wines is striving to recover to its fullness. Their dedication to growing and producing Garnacha is bringing the grape back to its glory. And there's no glory in things that come easy.
This determination has proven to be a worthwhile endeavour with La Maldita Red receiving 90+ points from The Wine Advocate himself, Robert Parker (an incredible score for a wine of that price). Hard to make, easy to drink — La Maldita Red is a wine you can respect, and above all else, enjoy.
Get your bottle of La Maldita Red here
To learn more about La Maldita, click here.
