Our Professional Review — Oscar Garcia Moncada
In September 2022, I had the pleasure of traveling to Rioja, Spain, to visit one of my favorite producers: Bodegas Perica. Located in the picturesque village of San Asensio in La Rioja Alta, Bodegas Perica has been a bastion of winemaking tradition for three generations. The winery was in the midst of harvest, and I was fortunate enough to participate—gaining firsthand insight into the rigorous grape selection process that defines Bodegas Perica’s approach.
Anyone who has experienced a wine harvest understands the backbreaking labor involved in hand-harvesting: long hours, quick reflexes, and relentless speed. Yet despite the physical demands, the reward is undeniable—gathering at the end of the day to share a hearty meal and plenty of wine with a community united by purpose and passion.
David García Ábalos, the current owner of Bodegas Perica, and Zigor Cornago García, Director of Commerce, graciously gave me a personal tour of the winery, cellar, and production facilities. Perica stands out for using only estate-grown grapes from its own vineyards—a true commitment to quality and terroir. The winery also ages its Crianzas in 225-liter French oak barrels, and notably, many of its wines undergo extended aging beyond the minimum requirements set by the Rioja DOCa.
Founded in 1912 by Don Juan García, Bodegas Perica now cultivates over 150 hectares of vineyards in the prestigious Rioja Alta subregion, known for producing some of the finest expressions of Tempranillo.
This visit was especially meaningful to me, as it culminated in a tasting straight from the barrel to select the next wine for a private label project with 67Wine. After exploring a range of vintages and barrels, I ultimately chose the 2020 vintage. For me, it hit all the right notes—vibrant fruit, layered aromas, balanced structure, integrated tannins, and just the right touch of acidity. This wine is layered with nuances of tobacco, perfectly matured red fruit, and a touch of vanilla.
This superb Crianza, aged for up to 16 months in barrel followed by further aging in bottle, overdelivers in both quality and value. It drinks more like a Reserva—a testament to the exceptional fruit quality grown in Viña Olagosa in La Rioja Alta and to the meticulous work of the Bodegas Perica winemaking team.
Tasting Notes
Color: Medium garnet
Nose: Enticing aromas of red and black fruit — strawberries, raspberries, black cherry, and blackberry — with subtle hints of tobacco, cedar, and vanilla.
Palate: Medium-bodied with great balance. Acidity, tannins, and alcohol are all in harmony. Black cherry, strawberries, and raspberries intermingle with notes of tobacco, dried mushrooms, and a touch of eucalyptus.
Finish: Clean and pleasant with a long-lasting mouthfeel.
Oscar Garcia Moncada, 67Wine
Food Pairings
Steaks, grilled tuna, roasted poultry, BBQ, and burgers.
Product Details
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Producer: Bodegas Perica
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Vineyard: Viña Olagosa
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Appellation: Rioja DOCa, Rioja Alta, Spain
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Blend: Tempranillo, Garnacha, Mazuelo
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Aging: Up to 16 months in 225L French oak barrels
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Vintage: 2020
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Style: Medium-bodied, elegant Rioja Crianza
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Format: 750ml
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