{"title":"Ramon Bilbao","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"ramon-bilbao-crianza","title":"Ramon Bilbao Crianza","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRamón Bilbao Crianza\u003c\/strong\u003e is a 100% Tempranillo red wine from D.O.C. Rioja, aged 14 months in American oak, bottled at 14% ABV in a standard 750ml format. The 2022 vintage earned 91 points from Wine Spectator, and multiple vintages have scored 90 or above from Decanter, James Suckling, and Guía Peñín — establishing this Crianza as one of Rioja's most consistently recognized wines at its tier.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 14%  |  Origin: D.O.C. Rioja, Spain  |  Crianza Classification  |  Winery: Bodegas Ramón Bilbao\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBodegas Ramón Bilbao, located in Haro in Rioja Alta, was founded in 1924 by its namesake winemaker. The estate is now part of the Zamora Company portfolio but continues to produce wines rooted in traditional Riojan methods. For the Crianza, handpicked Tempranillo grapes are processed with plots vinified separately, each batch undergoing alcoholic fermentation in distinct vats to preserve site-specific character. The wine then matures for 14 months in American oak barrels before resting an additional 8 months in bottle prior to release — exceeding the minimum Crianza requirement. The winery also follows environmentally conscious practices throughout production.\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 blackberries and dark plums, layered with balsamic and peppery undertones. A second wave reveals vanilla, coconut, and subtle bay leaf from the American oak aging, with a light licorice thread underneath.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is fresh and juicy, delivering concentrated black fruit flavors — blackberry and spiced plum dominate the mid-palate. As the wine opens, smoky nuances emerge alongside touches of hazelnut and dark chocolate. The body sits at a generous medium-to-full weight, supported by smooth, fine-grained tannins that keep everything balanced without astringency.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Notably long and pleasant, with lingering spice, a streak of vanilla, and a final lift of ripe strawberry. The oak influence is present but well-integrated, leaving warmth without bitterness.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Ramón Bilbao Crianza\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis Crianza shows best at 16–18°C (61–64°F), poured into a standard Bordeaux glass. Fifteen to twenty minutes of breathing after opening allows the oak and fruit to harmonize. It performs well in three cocktail-adjacent wine applications: a classic \u003cstrong\u003eKalimotxo\u003c\/strong\u003e (red wine and cola), where the bold fruit holds its own against the mixer; a \u003cstrong\u003ered wine sangria\u003c\/strong\u003e, as the vanilla and dark berry notes pair naturally with citrus and brandy; and a straightforward \u003cstrong\u003eTinto de Verano\u003c\/strong\u003e, Spain's refreshing summer serve of red wine with lemon soda, where the wine's freshness shines.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroducing someone to quality Rioja without an intimidating price commitment\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeeknight dinners where you want a step above everyday table wine\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePairing with a Spanish-themed dinner party featuring tapas and grilled meats\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuilding a beginner's cellar with a reliable, well-rated Spanish red\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 Ramón Bilbao Crianza taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e It delivers ripe blackberry and plum flavors with smooth tannins, complemented by vanilla, coconut, and light spice from 14 months of American oak aging. The finish is long and warm with lingering fruit and a gentle smoky quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Ramón Bilbao Crianza compare to Marqués de Cáceres Crianza?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both are popular Rioja Crianzas made from Tempranillo at comparable price points, but Ramón Bilbao leans into riper, darker fruit and more pronounced American oak character with vanilla and coconut. Marqués de Cáceres tends to show a slightly lighter profile with more red fruit and restrained oak influence.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Ramón Bilbao Crianza good for beginners?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — its smooth tannins, generous fruit, and approachable oak-driven vanilla make it an excellent entry point for drinkers exploring Rioja or Spanish red wine in general. The 91-point Wine Spectator score on the 2022 vintage confirms its quality is not merely accessible but genuinely strong.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Ramón Bilbao Crianza made?\u003c\/strong\u003e It is produced at Bodegas Ramón Bilbao in Haro, a town in the Rioja Alta sub-region within the D.O.C. Rioja appellation of northern Spain. Haro is widely considered the historic heartland of Rioja winemaking.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Ramón Bilbao Crianza?\u003c\/strong\u003e Grilled lamb chops work exceptionally well, as the oak and dark fruit complement charred meat. Manchego cheese mirrors the wine's Spanish origins and matches its weight. Chorizo and cured Ibérico ham echo the peppery, smoky undertones. Roasted red peppers and mushroom-based tapas align with the earthy, balsamic notes on the nose.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Ramón Bilbao Crianza come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard release is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Ramón Bilbao Crianza worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e It positions squarely as an entry-level to mid-range Rioja Crianza, and its consistent critical recognition — including 91 points from Wine Spectator and 91 from Peñín — delivers strong value relative to similarly priced competitors in the category.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Ramón Bilbao Crianza?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis is a Rioja Crianza that consistently punches above its weight class in blind tastings and critical assessments. The decision to vinify individual plots separately before blending gives the winemaking team more control over the final cuvée than many producers exercise at this price level. Fourteen months in American oak — rather than the minimum 12 required for Crianza classification — adds depth without overwhelming the Tempranillo fruit. With 91 points from Wine Spectator on the 2022 vintage and repeated 90-point scores from Decanter and James Suckling across multiple years, it has earned a reputation as one of the most dependable Riojas on the market.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ramon Bilbao","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44838002196649,"sku":"37067","price":17.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Ramon-Bilbao-Crianza__05133.jpg?v=1730504423"},{"product_id":"ramon-bilbao-verdejo-rueda","title":"Ramon Bilbao Verdejo Rueda","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRamon Bilbao Verdejo Rueda\u003c\/strong\u003e is a 100% Verdejo white wine from D.O. Rueda, Spain, bottled at 13% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Produced by Bodegas Ramon Bilbao under winemaker Sara Bañuelos — named Young Winemaker of the Year at ProWein 2024 by Master of Wine Tim Atkin — this Verdejo earned a Silver medal at the International Wine Challenge for its 2023 vintage.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 13%  |  Origin: Rueda, Spain  |  Varietal: 100% Verdejo  |  Winery: Bodegas Ramon Bilbao\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBodegas Ramon Bilbao, long established as a respected name in Spanish winemaking, sources its Verdejo grapes from vineyards within the D.O. Rueda appellation — Spain's most celebrated region for the Verdejo grape. The winemaking process uses carbon dioxide and nitrogen blanketing throughout to prevent oxygen contact, preserving aromatic freshness and promoting longevity. Slow, cold fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks, followed by a period of fine lees contact that adds textural complexity before bottling — a step that separates this wine from more basic Rueda Verdejos.\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 green pear and grapefruit before unfolding into jasmine, melon rind, and nectarine. Subtle herbal notes — fennel and fresh-cut grass — add a vibrant, aromatic dimension.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e On entry, crisp green apple and zesty citrus lead into a round mid-palate with surprising body for the category. Lime, celery, and sage flavors emerge alongside a hint of tropical fruit, balanced by snappy acidity that keeps the wine focused and lively.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Clean and crunchy, with a medium-length finish that recalls blanched almonds and citrus pith. The acidity lingers without sharpness, leaving a refreshing, dry close.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Ramon Bilbao Verdejo\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eServe well chilled between 8–10°C for maximum aromatic expression; this Verdejo drinks best young and fresh. A Verdejo Spritz — combining the wine with a splash of soda water and a grapefruit twist — highlights its citrus character beautifully. It also works in a classic White Wine Sangria, where its herbal and tropical notes complement fresh fruit. For a simple aperitif serve, try it in a Hugo cocktail variation, substituting elderflower liqueur with the wine's own floral aromatics over ice.\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 entertaining on a patio or terrace\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePairing with a seafood-focused dinner party\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroducing someone to Spanish white wines beyond Albariño\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEveryday weeknight drinking when you want quality without fuss\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 Ramon Bilbao Verdejo taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e It delivers crisp green apple, zesty lime, and fresh herbs on the palate, supported by lively acidity and a clean, dry finish. Subtle tropical fruit and sage notes add depth without heaviness.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Ramon Bilbao Verdejo compare to Marques de Caceres Verdejo?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both are 100% Verdejo wines from D.O. Rueda and occupy a similar price tier, making them frequent shelf neighbors. Ramon Bilbao's fine lees contact tends to give it slightly more mid-palate weight and textural complexity, while Marques de Caceres often leans toward a lighter, more purely citrus-driven profile.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Ramon Bilbao Verdejo good for sipping on its own?\u003c\/strong\u003e Absolutely — its balance of fruit, acidity, and herbal character makes it a satisfying standalone pour, especially when served well chilled. It requires no food accompaniment to be enjoyable.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Ramon Bilbao Verdejo made?\u003c\/strong\u003e It is produced by Bodegas Ramon Bilbao in the D.O. Rueda appellation of Castilla y León, Spain, a region recognized as the premier source for Verdejo grapes on the Iberian Peninsula.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Ramon Bilbao Verdejo?\u003c\/strong\u003e Grilled prawns or shrimp benefit from the wine's citrus acidity cutting through richness. Goat cheese salads mirror its herbal, tangy profile. White asparagus — a classic Spanish tapa — echoes the wine's own vegetal undertones. Sushi and lighter ceviche dishes complement its clean, crisp palate. Herb-roasted chicken works well, as the sage and fennel notes in the wine align with savory herb seasoning.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Ramon Bilbao Verdejo come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard bottling is a 750ml format, which is the most widely available size.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Ramon Bilbao Verdejo worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e It positions as an entry-level to mid-range Rueda Verdejo, punching above its weight thanks to the lees contact and careful oxygen-free handling during production. The Silver medal at the International Wine Challenge and the pedigree of winemaker Sara Bañuelos reinforce its standing as strong value within the category.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Ramon Bilbao Verdejo?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhat distinguishes this Verdejo from the crowded D.O. Rueda field is the combination of meticulous, oxygen-free winemaking and fine lees aging — steps typically reserved for more expensive bottlings. Winemaker Sara Bañuelos, recognized at ProWein 2024 as Young Winemaker of the Year, brings a modern, precision-driven approach that shows in the wine's aromatic clarity and textural polish. The 2023 vintage's Silver medal at the International Wine Challenge confirms this is not just affordable Verdejo but genuinely well-made Verdejo. For anyone seeking a reliable, expressive Spanish white that rewards both casual and attentive drinking, this bottling consistently delivers.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ramon Bilbao","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45064128954537,"sku":"40297","price":13.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/RamonBilbaoVerdejoRueda.webp?v=1735958705"}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/ramon-bilbao.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}