{"title":"Loess","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"loess-ribera-del-duero-tempranillo-750ml","title":"Loess Ribera Del Duero Tempranillo","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLoess Ribera Del Duero Tempranillo\u003c\/strong\u003e is a 100% Tinta del País red wine from Roa, Burgos, bottled at 14% ABV in a standard 750ml format. The Loess range has earned strong critical attention, with Wine Enthusiast awarding 91 points to the producer's Collection bottling and 90 points to the Inspiration expression, signaling consistent quality across the lineup.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 14%  |  Origin: Ribera del Duero DO, Burgos, Spain  |  Style: Young Oak-Aged Red  |  Producer: Jaime Saez de La Hoya\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLoess is the project of viticulturist and owner Jaime Saez de La Hoya, whose vineyards sit on soils classified as \"Excellent\" in the zoning study conducted by the Technical University of Madrid (UPM) for the Ribera del Duero DO Regulatory Council. The grapes—100% Tempranillo, known locally as Tinta del País—undergo alcoholic fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks before being transferred to new premium French oak barrels for malolactic fermentation and approximately nine months of aging. This barrel-forward approach during malolactic conversion integrates oak character deeply into the wine's structure rather than simply layering it on top, distinguishing Loess from many regional peers that complete malolactic in tank before barrel maturation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dark plum and cassis lead, followed by cooked forest fruit and a thread of vanilla from the French oak. A subtle spice note emerges as the wine opens in the glass.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is fruit-forward and intense, with abundant red and wild blackberry flavors coating the palate. At mid-palate, toasty oak spice and a hint of dark chocolate add complexity. The wine carries medium to full body with a soft, smooth texture that avoids the tannic grip common in young Ribera del Duero reds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Long and elegant, with silky tannins and lingering notes of ripe dark fruit and warm spice. A clean, slightly smoky oak echo trails off gradually.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Loess Tempranillo\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis wine shows its best at cellar temperature, around 60–64°F, poured into a large-bowled glass to let the dark fruit aromatics develop. Thirty minutes of decanting softens the oak and opens the mid-palate considerably.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn a \u003cstrong\u003eTempranillo Sangria\u003c\/strong\u003e, the intense berry fruit provides a rich, full-bodied base that holds up to citrus and spice additions. A \u003cstrong\u003eKalimotxo\u003c\/strong\u003e—the Basque-country mix of red wine and cola—works surprisingly well here, as the wine's fruit density and oak backbone stand up to the sweetness without collapsing. For a more refined option, use it in a \u003cstrong\u003eSpanish Wine Reduction\u003c\/strong\u003e sauce for grilled lamb, where the concentrated dark fruit and spice translate directly to the plate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeekend dinner parties featuring grilled red meats or hearty stews\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroducing a Spanish wine enthusiast to quality Ribera del Duero under the radar\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuilding a cellar selection of food-friendly Tempranillo from top-rated soil\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePairing with a charcuterie and aged cheese spread\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Loess Tempranillo taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e It delivers abundant red and wild blackberry fruit with toasty French oak spice, dark chocolate, and vanilla, wrapped in a smooth, medium-to-full body with silky tannins and a long finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Loess Tempranillo compare to Protos Roble?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both are 100% Tempranillo from Ribera del Duero aged in oak, but Loess undergoes malolactic fermentation inside new French oak barrels, which tends to produce a more deeply integrated oak character. Protos Roble, from one of the region's largest cooperatives, typically shows a brighter, more fruit-driven profile with American and French oak influence over a shorter aging period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Loess Tempranillo good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes—its smooth tannin structure, balanced acidity, and layered dark fruit make it an enjoyable wine to drink on its own, especially after a brief decant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Loess Tempranillo made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Loess is produced from vineyards in Roa, within the province of Burgos in the Ribera del Duero Denominación de Origen in north-central Spain. The estate is owned and managed by viticulturist Jaime Saez de La Hoya.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Loess Tempranillo?\u003c\/strong\u003e Grilled lamb chops benefit from the wine's dark fruit and oak spice; aged Manchego cheese mirrors the toasty, nutty undertones; slow-braised short ribs echo the wine's richness and body; roasted red pepper dishes complement the berry fruit; and cured Ibérico ham creates a classic regional match with the Tinta del País grape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Loess Tempranillo come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard release is available in the 750ml bottle format.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Loess Tempranillo worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Loess positions as a mid-range Ribera del Duero offering, and the use of new French oak barrels for malolactic fermentation and nine months of aging represents a production investment typically seen in pricier bottlings from the region, making it a strong value within its tier.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Loess Tempranillo?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat separates Loess from the crowded Ribera del Duero field starts in the ground: vineyards planted on soils independently rated \"Excellent\" by the Technical University of Madrid give the wine a structural foundation that less favorably sited estates cannot replicate. Conducting malolactic fermentation in new French oak—rather than simply aging finished wine in barrel—creates a seamless integration of fruit and wood that reads as complexity rather than overlay. The broader Loess range has earned 90- and 91-point scores from Wine Enthusiast, confirming that Jaime Saez de La Hoya's hands-on viticultural approach translates consistently from vineyard to glass. For drinkers seeking a Tempranillo that punches above its weight class without resorting to over-extraction or excessive oak, this bottling delivers real Ribera del Duero character with finesse.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Loess","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44836802035881,"sku":"22269","price":27.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/loess_ribera_del_duero_tempranillo__35070.jpg?v=1730470852"},{"product_id":"loess-verdejo-750ml","title":"Loess Verdejo","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLoess Verdejo\u003c\/strong\u003e is a 100% Verdejo white wine from D.O. Rueda, Spain, bottled at 13% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Awarded 90 points by Guía Peñín for its 2019 vintage, this expression draws its character from unirrigated vines planted on riverside terraces above the Duero, producing a wine of uncommon concentration and freshness for the region.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 13%  |  Origin: D.O. Rueda, Castilla y León, Spain  |  100% Verdejo  |  Producer: Bodegas Loess (Bodega Miguel y Ruano)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBodegas Loess sources its fruit from vineyards planted in 1998 on terraced slopes overlooking the Duero River. The soils—a complex mix of sand, pebbles, clay, and limestone—are farmed without irrigation, forcing roots deep and naturally limiting yields. After harvest, the grapes undergo cold maceration below 8°C in stainless steel tanks to preserve aromatic intensity. Fermentation follows at a controlled 16°C in stainless steel, after which the wine rests on its fine lees for approximately one month with regular bâtonnage. This lees contact builds the wine's distinctive roundness and textural weight, distinguishing it from more austere, early-release Verdejos in the D.O. Rueda appellation.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e The nose opens with ripe white peach and pineapple, layered over a subtle balsamic backdrop. As the wine breathes, more delicate white fruit and herbal inflections emerge, reflecting the Verdejo grape's characteristic aromatic complexity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is fresh and bright, with juicy stone fruit flooding the mid-palate alongside crisp citrus. A well-integrated acidity carries through the center, while the month of lees aging delivers noticeable body and a round, almost creamy texture that peaks with a gentle bitter almond note. Structure here is medium to medium-full—more substantial than many entry-level Rueda whites.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Long and persistent, with lingering citric freshness and a faint balsamic herbal quality that recalls the wine's aromatic profile. A clean, slightly bitter edge provides welcome grip and keeps the finish from fading too quickly.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Loess Verdejo\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eServe well chilled at 8–10°C to highlight its aromatic intensity and fresh acidity. A slight warm-up in the glass after a few minutes reveals additional textural richness from the lees aging. For cocktails, Loess Verdejo works in a \u003cstrong\u003eWhite Wine Spritzer\u003c\/strong\u003e where its fruit-forward profile holds up against soda water; a \u003cstrong\u003eVerdejo Sangría Blanca\u003c\/strong\u003e built with sliced peach, lemon, and a splash of elderflower liqueur; or a \u003cstrong\u003eSpanish Rebujito\u003c\/strong\u003e, the classic Andalusian mix of white wine and lemon-lime soda, where its natural acidity keeps the drink balanced.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWarm-weather dinners featuring grilled seafood or tapas spreads\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroducing Spanish white wine to friends accustomed to Sauvignon Blanc\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePairing with light appetizers at an outdoor gathering\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a wine lover who appreciates terroir-driven whites under a recognized D.O.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Loess Verdejo taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Loess Verdejo delivers ripe peach, pineapple, and citrus flavors with a round, lees-enriched mouthfeel and a long finish marked by fresh balsamic and herbal notes. It balances bright acidity with more body than many typical Rueda whites.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Loess Verdejo compare to Sauvignon Blanc?\u003c\/strong\u003e Verdejo is often compared to Sauvignon Blanc for its aromatic intensity and fresh acidity, but Loess Verdejo tends toward riper stone fruit and a rounder mid-palate rather than the grassy, high-acid profile of classic Loire or Marlborough Sauvignon Blancs. The lees aging and limestone-influenced terroir give it a textural weight that most unoaked Sauvignon Blancs lack.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Loess Verdejo good for sipping on its own?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes—its balanced acidity, fruit complexity, and lees-derived texture make it an engaging sipper, especially well chilled on a warm day. It rewards attention without demanding food alongside.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Loess Verdejo made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Loess Verdejo is produced by Bodegas Loess (Bodega Miguel y Ruano) within the D.O. Rueda appellation in the Castilla y León region of north-central Spain. The vineyards sit on terraced slopes directly above the Duero River.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Loess Verdejo?\u003c\/strong\u003e Grilled prawns or langoustines benefit from the wine's acidity cutting through their richness. Manchego cheese at a young to semi-cured stage echoes its creamy texture. Green salads with goat cheese and citrus vinaigrette mirror the wine's herbal freshness. Patatas bravas or fried calamari contrast nicely against its bright acidity. Ceviche or tiradito align with its citrus and stone-fruit character.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Loess Verdejo come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e Loess Verdejo is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle format.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Loess Verdejo worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Loess Verdejo positions as a mid-tier Rueda Verdejo that over-delivers on complexity thanks to its lees aging and old-vine sourcing, reinforced by a 90-point Guía Peñín score. Within the D.O. Rueda category, it represents strong value for drinkers seeking more depth than basic, high-volume Verdejos.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Loess Verdejo?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhat separates Loess Verdejo from the crowded field of D.O. Rueda whites is its combination of site-specific farming and deliberate winemaking. The unirrigated vines, rooted in the sand-and-limestone terraces above the Duero, produce naturally concentrated fruit that cold maceration and controlled fermentation translate into genuine aromatic complexity. A month of bâtonnage adds a layer of textural richness rarely found in Verdejo at this tier. Backed by a 90-point Guía Peñín rating, it stands as a credible example of what Rueda's Verdejo grape can achieve when treated with the same seriousness typically reserved for Spain's top red-wine appellations.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Loess","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44836802068649,"sku":"22268","price":15.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/loess_verdejo__76311.jpg?v=1730470855"}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/loess.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}