Wine Talk by Art of the Table
November 29, 2010
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Well let's face it, we keep talking about Spanish wines
because they are such good value!
Spain is such a diverse and romantic country, it should only make sense that a nation with such diversity would produce wines with unique character based on region. Though this is certainly true, Spanish winemakers have a pride of country, and that shows in every carefully crafted bottle of wine,
no matter what region it's from.
Don't get me wrong though, Spanish wines are as diverse as Spanish architecture. Some are massive, modern pieces of art with unique attributes and fundamental structure. Others are crumbling Romanesque ruins without foundation, but still absolutely, breathtakingly beautiful. Spanish wines are quickly becoming what I consider to be the best bang for the buck, whether you are spending $8 a bottle or $70, it's hard to disappoint even the most discerning palate and wine lover.
Amy and Brandon had a realization earlier this fall that the shelves were being taken over by Spanish wine. Delicious, great prices and really easy to drink & to pair with food. The Spanish wine section has grown at Art of the Table,
and hey, we're very cool with that.
Here are a few to strongly consider a trip down to the shop for:
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In the red corner...
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Vina Gormaz ~ Ribera del Duero
Ribera Del Duero is often considered the source for the world's most concentrated and elegant Tempranillo. Yep, I got that off the back of the bottle...here's what's up with this guy. It comes from 100% 50 year old vines and sees no oak. The earthiness comes from the soil and age of vines, the fruit-forwardness comes from the lack of oak and the spicy character comes from the wine being made with care and highlights from the region. This is a wine to consider as a case purchase with the holidays coming up. Delicious, it pairs with a wide variety of cheeses, grilled and seasoned meats and perfectly drinkable as an after dinner conversation wine too.
$13.50/$11.48(with 15% discount price with case purchase)
Finca Villacreces "Pruno" ~ Ribera del Duero
Made from Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, this particular wine is what I would call more "new world". It's a little jam and a little chocolate, and super concentrated. Yup, delicious. Here's what is also cool; beneath the new world tones is an underbelly of leather, cedar and earthy goodness. It is one of the most complex wines in the store at this price.
$19.25
Condado de Haza ~ Ribero del Duero
The second in command bottling from Alejandro Fernandez who owns 4 small wineries in the region. We think the Condado de Haza is by far the best bottling for the price of all the wines Alejandro produces. And as for the wine? it comes from a south facing slope along the Duero River where these Tempranillo vines were planted in 1989. The soil content is incredibly rich, and the wine sees 15 months in oak. Concentrated and wonderful? Yes, oh yes. I could drink this wine every single day if given the chance.
$35.00
Mas Doix Salanques ~ Priorat
Ok, shifting gears to Priorat for a little bit. Priorat is in the region of Catalonia and lies up in very high altitude with high winds and poor soil content. Wait, why would I want to drink a wine from there? Many vines do not last in Priorat, but the ones that do are old, thick and gnarly ~ and that's why the wine is so good! Deep ol' roots make their way through rock and clay to find whatever enriched soil they can find. It makes them tough and produces highly concentrated grapes that are thick skinned and naturally tannin driven. Garnacha, Carinena, Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon make up the cepage for Mas Doix Salanques. The result is loads of tannic black fruits with hints of tobacco, rock and clay, and tones of new leather. I think this wine is awesome.
It is what I'll be bringing for Christmas.
$30.00
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And in the white corner...
| Mizaran Macabeo ~ Vino de la Tierra de Castilla (La Mancha)
A complex wine with a rich golden color. It amazes me that these features are prevalent in this wine, knowing that it has no influence of oak. Tropical fruits take over on the palate with banana and pineapple taking the lead and a hint of pear following close behind. I think the most unique thing about this wine is the hint of floral notes that poke through on the finish. This is a seafood lovers wine.
I had it with seared Halibut tacos on corn shells with
mango/habanero salsa. It was so gooood.
$12.00
Legado del Conde Albarino ~ Rias Baixas
Rias Baixas is on the Atlantic side of Spain, in the southern part of the Galacia region and lies atop Portugal's northern border. Albarino represents over 90% of all vines planted in the region. It is by far the most popular wine of the region, and with good reason. Legado del Conde's Albarino highlights lemon zest, pear and honeysuckle on the nose while the palate gives lemon and orange with bitter fruit pits, dusty minerality and a super clean dry finish. I can't think of a better dish to pair with than grilled lobster alongside
a simple pasta with olive oil and fresh veggies
...any excuse to drink this wine is ok with me.
$19.75
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Reminder that this Wednesday, December 1is our annual Big Fat Reds wine tastingand you're still in luck as there are some seats left!
*** It will be tons of fun and the wines are stellar!However we need to know if you're coming by tonight (that's Monday!) by 8pmCall over to Amy @ 301.1885
Sincerely,
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