Spanish Wines - Tasting 3 9 2010

Spanish Wine Tasting March 9, 2010

For this tasting we sampled wines mainly from the north of Spain. While we did taste some Tempranillos, we also tasted other varietals such as Mencia and Hondarabbi Zuri. Overall, there was not a single favorite wine as tasters preferred different characteristics in their wines. However, every single wine was appreciated and I would recommend trying in the future. Enjoy!

1. Bodegas Hidalgo La Gitana Manzanilla ~ $15
Jerez or Sherry, Andalucía
Palomino Fino

A lovely example of a Manzanilla Sherry. It had a pale, light straw color and a wonderful salty tang with a nutty undertone. I was surprised by how many at the tasting enjoyed this wine, as many don't like fortified wines such as Sherry. Great with Tapas.

2. Talai Berri Oreka 2007 ~ $18
Getariako Txakolina, País Vasco
Hondarrabi Zuri

Beautiful pale gold color. This had a great refreshing nose with a combination of lime and slate. Flavors of lime and green apple combined nicely on the palate with a slightly minerally finish. Great for a summer day!

3. Paco & Lola 2007 ~ $18
Rías Baixas, Galicia
Albariño

A slightly darker hue of straw. This wine was richer, with lemon and a touch of honey on the nose. It tasted strongly of lemon and perhaps stone fruit (apricot or peach) with a nice gravelly/mineral undertone. A very nice wine to have with seafood.

4. Bodegas Martín Códax “Cuatro Pasos” 2006 ~ $14
Bierzo, Castilla y León
Mencía

A fantastic little red wine from the Bierzo region featuring the Mencía grape. A clear red color with a floral/red fruit earthy nose. The floral component expanded on the tongue bringing in clear flavors of violets. It finished with an earthy edge which complemented the strawberry/red fruit. A great deal.

5. Celler de Capçanes "Mas Donis Barrica" 2005 ~ $14
Montsant, Catalonia
Garnacha, Syrah

I like to think of Montsant as "Priorat-lite". It produces wine right next to the famous region using the same varietals and a similar careful attention to detail, but at half the price. This Garnacha based blend embodies the region. It is a darker, richer red color with a bit more opacity. The nose is a lot of black fruit and pepper. The palate continues with the black fruit, almost blueberry, as well as a lot of earthy finish. This has quite a lot of tannic structure. A good wine for grilling.

6. Arzuaga "La Planta" 2007 ~ $15
Ribera del Duero, Castilla y León
Tempranillo or Tinto Fino

This 100% Tempranillo straight from the Castilian heartland of Spain. It has a brick-red color and a lot of clarity. The nose had strawberry/raspberry with a little smoke. On the palate, the red fruit characteristics expanded to include cherry. There was a hint of vanilla from the oak barrel. A great introduction to the varietal.

7. Marqués de Murrieta Reserva 2005 ~ $20
Rioja, La Rioja
Tempranillo, Garnacha, Mazuelo

This is a typical Rioja blend from one of the most venerable producers in the region. It has a nice clarity and a classic bright red color. The nose was redolent of red berries and a hint of spice. It tasted of red fruit but with spice. There was a lovely mineral edge underpinning the whole wine with a satisfying finish. Overall, a great example.

8. Montsarra Cava ~ $16
Penedés, Catalonia
Macabeo, Xarel.lo, Parellada

A honey/straw colored sparkling wine. This was a classic, creamy example of a Cava. It had a nice yeasty/nutty nose, but the palate had apple and almond edges underscored with a creamy richness. Tasty.

~ Many thanks to Erica, David, Lindsey, Deborah, Dyan, Kari, Jayla, Chris and Emma for joining me on this Spanish adventure.