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"Spain Rocks"
If there's one country that keeps churning out excellent wines at incredible values its Spain. Whether it's sparklers(cava), whites or reds the bargains continue. Even though this country is considered an Old World wine producer, there's as much modern wine making going on as in any New World wine region. The availability of great grapes grown in the right climates paired with current wine making techniques = superb wine. One of the best buys in sparkling wines today is Spanish cava. Cava is made in the Traditional Method just like true Champagne. This means secondary fermentation in the bottle and at a fraction of the cost. Complex, tasty and superb value. For refreshing summertime whites this country really excels. Look for wines made from the Verdejo, Macabeo and Albarino grapes. The style is crisp, clean and refreshing. The reds are coming from all around the country and even less famous regions are now churning out some real gems. Calatayud, Jumilla and La Mancha all are making complex value reds that work well with grilled foods. The Tempranillo, Garnacha and Monastrell grapes are the ones to search out. If your just starting to explore wine or even if you've been sipping for years, don't miss the opportunity to excite your taste buds this summer with Spain. Here is a list of some of my new favorites that won't break the bank.
1. Centello Brut Penedes - This Spanish sparkler has the complexity of one triple its cost. How they can make it for this price I'll never know. Fine tiny bubbles with aromatics of citrus and lime. Mouthwatering flavors of green apple explode on the palate. Crisp, dry and super refreshing. Great with brunch, appetizers or sushi. Also great in a Bellini or Mimosa. $8.99
2. Inspiracion Pampano 2009, Rueda - The wine is 60% Verdejo and 40% Viura. If you want great Verdejo you look to the region of Rueda. Pale gold in color with scents of lemon and honeysuckle. Flavors of citrus, spice and apples excite my taste buds. A nice wine in the summer heat. If you like Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc this is a must try. Pair with tilapia, scallops and shrimp. $10.99
3. Beso de Vino Macabeo 2008, Carinena - Here is another Spanish white that will surely beat the heat. The grape is the Macabeo and is somewhat similar to a Sauvignon Blanc without the grassy herbaceous quality. Pale yellow color with intense pineapple aromas. Crisp and fresh with lemon and lime flavors. A real treat for the price! Great by itself or with broiled walleye, oysters or seared yellow fin tuna. $10.99
4. Venta Morales Tempranillo 2008, La Mancha - If you're looking for a stellar value in a red this is one of them. The Tempranillo grapes are sourced from a 32 year old vineyard. They are harvested at two tons per acres which is very low. This keeps the quality way up. Deep dark color with aromas of raspberry and cherry. Flavors of ripe black cherry and spice coat the mouth in a velvety texture. Complex and super long on the finish. Buy a case! Pair with grilled pork tenderloin, BBQ chicken, grilled burgers or sip with friends. $7.99
5. Wrongo Dongo Monastrell 2009, Jumilla - Don't let the name throw you. What's in the bottle is killer and right now sitting in my wine rack. The grape is the Monastrell which is the same as the Mourvedre of France. The producer is Bodegas Juan Gil and is known for producing mind blowing Monastrell. Deep purple color with incredible aromatics of spice and blueberry. Full flavors of blackberry more blueberry and mineral tones coat the palate. Plush and round with a lengthy finish. If you love reds you can't miss this at this price. Pair with steaks off the grill, burgers, ribs or on its own. $9.99
Hope you find a favorite in the bunch.
Rock On!
Sommelier
Jeff Anderson
(Prices current as of date of newsletter. All prices subject to change.)
"Spain Rocks"
If there's one country that keeps churning out excellent wines at incredible values its Spain. Whether it's sparklers(cava), whites or reds the bargains continue. Even though this country is considered an Old World wine producer, there's as much modern wine making going on as in any New World wine region. The availability of great grapes grown in the right climates paired with current wine making techniques = superb wine. One of the best buys in sparkling wines today is Spanish cava. Cava is made in the Traditional Method just like true Champagne. This means secondary fermentation in the bottle and at a fraction of the cost. Complex, tasty and superb value. For refreshing summertime whites this country really excels. Look for wines made from the Verdejo, Macabeo and Albarino grapes. The style is crisp, clean and refreshing. The reds are coming from all around the country and even less famous regions are now churning out some real gems. Calatayud, Jumilla and La Mancha all are making complex value reds that work well with grilled foods. The Tempranillo, Garnacha and Monastrell grapes are the ones to search out. If your just starting to explore wine or even if you've been sipping for years, don't miss the opportunity to excite your taste buds this summer with Spain. Here is a list of some of my new favorites that won't break the bank.
1. Centello Brut Penedes - This Spanish sparkler has the complexity of one triple its cost. How they can make it for this price I'll never know. Fine tiny bubbles with aromatics of citrus and lime. Mouthwatering flavors of green apple explode on the palate. Crisp, dry and super refreshing. Great with brunch, appetizers or sushi. Also great in a Bellini or Mimosa.
2. Inspiracion Pampano 2009, Rueda - The wine is 60% Verdejo and 40% Viura. If you want great Verdejo you look to the region of Rueda. Pale gold in color with scents of lemon and honeysuckle. Flavors of citrus, spice and apples excite my taste buds. A nice wine in the summer heat. If you like Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc this is a must try. Pair with tilapia, scallops and shrimp.
3. Beso de Vino Macabeo 2008, Carinena - Here is another Spanish white that will surely beat the heat. The grape is the Macabeo and is somewhat similar to a Sauvignon Blanc without the grassy herbaceous quality. Pale yellow color with intense pineapple aromas. Crisp and fresh with lemon and lime flavors. A real treat for the price! Great by itself or with broiled walleye, oysters or seared yellow fin tuna.
4. Venta Morales Tempranillo 2008, La Mancha - If you're looking for a stellar value in a red this is one of them. The Tempranillo grapes are sourced from a 32 year old vineyard. They are harvested at two tons per acres which is very low. This keeps the quality way up. Deep dark color with aromas of raspberry and cherry. Flavors of ripe black cherry and spice coat the mouth in a velvety texture. Complex and super long on the finish. Buy a case! Pair with grilled pork tenderloin, BBQ chicken, grilled burgers or sip with friends.
5. Wrongo Dongo Monastrell 2009, Jumilla - Don't let the name throw you. What's in the bottle is killer and right now sitting in my wine rack. The grape is the Monastrell which is the same as the Mourvedre of France. The producer is Bodegas Juan Gil and is known for producing mind blowing Monastrell. Deep purple color with incredible aromatics of spice and blueberry. Full flavors of blackberry more blueberry and mineral tones coat the palate. Plush and round with a lengthy finish. If you love reds you can't miss this at this price. Pair with steaks off the grill, burgers, ribs or on its own.
Hope you find a favorite in the bunch.
Rock On!
Sommelier
Jeff Anderson
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