Featured Wines for July – 2018 Coto de Imaz Reserva Blanco & 2021 El Coto Estate-Grown Rosado, Rioja, Spain

July 3, 2023 · by BishopsStock ·

Each year I like to introduce a rose wine when I think such a change will be enjoyed. Summer is a perfect time although the French drink roses all year since they are such good “food” wines. I also attempt to find roses made in different regions and from different varietals.This month’s wines are produced by El Coto Winery in Rioja, Spain.

2018 Coto de Imaz Reserva Blanco, Rioja, Spain $18

This is a light to medium wine with defined body and fine balance. It has a zesty freshness of pineapple and lemon but a softening with creamy structure and a light nutty finish. This vintage has received high marks and is considered a great pairing for hors d’euvres and charcuterie as well as fish and chicken. Alcohol: 12.5%

2021 El Coto Estate-Grown Rosado, Rioja, Spain $11

This salmon colored rose has aromas of tangerine, raspberry and sage. It has a pleasant feel in the mouth with flavors of lemon curd, strawberry, vanilla and lavender. There is light floral finish. This favorably rated rose is a perfect compliment to salads, chicken and fresh from the dock seafood. Alcohol: 13.5%

Filed Under: Wine · Tagged: El Coto, Featured wine, Rioja, Spain

September Featured Wines – 2020 Bodegas LAN Rioja Blanco & 2015 Bodegas LAN Rioja Estate Reserve, Rioja, Spain

September 1, 2021 · by BishopsStock ·

September’s wines are from the Rioja region in North Central Spain. Rioja wine is made from grapes grown in the autonomous communities of La Rioja and Navarre, and the Basque province of Álava. Rioja is further subdivided into three zones: Rioja Alta, Rioja Oriental and Rioja Alavesa.

The selected wines are from Bodegas LAN. The name LAN is an acronym based on the initials of each of the three provinces that form the three Rioja zones: Logroño (currently part of La Rioja), Alava and Navarra. The varietals produced in this region are Tempranillo, Garnacha, Viura, Manzuela and Graciano. Bodegas LAN, Rioja Blanco (2020) is Viura and Bodegas LAN, Rioja Estate Bottled Reserva (2015) is a blend of Tempranillo and Manzuela. Both wines will be nice for the change of season.

Bodegas LAN, Rioja Blanco (2020) Spain $11

This Virua is straw yellow with green hues denoting its youth, LAN Blanco exhibits on the nose the herbal aromas characteristic of the grape variety, with hints of fresh fruit (apple, pear, lime). Medium bodied and round, the lemon zest and orange peel that prevail on the palate are a taste preview of its crisp finish. LAN Blanco pairs nicely with all kinds of hors d’oeuvres, pasta, mussels, shrimp and fish. Alcohol: 12.5%

Bodegas LAN, Rioja Estate Bottled Reserva, Spain (2015) $19

This wine is 92% Tempranillo and 8% Manzuela. It is an intense garnet color. It has aromas of red fruits, cherry, blackberry, blended with the notes of vanilla and spice from oak casks. The silky, well-integrated tannins and balsamic acidity support the full body. Structured, fleshy, filling. Elegant, balanced and harmonious. Long aftertaste. A great wine for roasted meats and cheeses. Alcohol: 14.5%

Filed Under: Wine · Tagged: Bodegas LAN, Featured wine, Rioja, Spain

August Featured Wines – 2014 Cune Monopole Viura & 2011 Cune Rioja Crianza, Rioja, Spain.

August 1, 2015 · by BishopsStock ·

2014 Cune Monopole Viura, Rioja, Spain $15

The 2013 Monopole received a 90 rating from Wine Spectator and was ranked 64 in their 2014 Top 100 Wines so the prospects for the latest vintage is very positive. This is a focused white which shows bright, juicy flavors of white peach and Meyer lemon, with herbal and mineral accents. The texture is quite rich, but crisp, citrusy acidity keeps this lively. This is a wine for sipping or can be a wonderful pairing with summer seafood.

2011 Cune Rioja Crianza, Rioja, Spain $15

2011 Cune Rioja Crianza is a smooth and supple Tempranillo. Crianza means it has been aged 2 years with at least 6 months in oak. This wine is clean and bright, with fresh red fruits, a hint of spice, lively acidity, balanced structure and a lingering finish. When I tasted this wine I had forgotten how delightful a good Crianza can be. This one would be great pairing for pulled pork or ribs.

Filed Under: Wine · Tagged: Crianza, Featured wine, Rioja, Spain, Viura

Wines of the Month – 2010 Shaya Verdejo & 2010 Rio Madre Graciano

October 25, 2012 · by BishopsStock ·

Featured wines for November are 2010 Shaya Verdejo from Rueda, Spain and 2010 Rio Madre Graciano from Rioja, Spain

2010 Shaya Verdejo Old Vines $16

This is a bright, green-tinged straw colored wine. Intense green apple, pear skin and lime aromas are complimented by white pepper and herbs. On the palate the wine is taut and refreshingly bitter, with attractive herbal and mineral accents to the ripe citrus and orchard fruit flavors. Finishes clean and long, with an echoing peppery note. Alcohol 13.5%

2010 Rio Madre Graciano $13

Rioja winemakers use Graciano grapes to add a floral bouquet to many blends. Rarely has it been used on its own. It was discovered several years ago Bodegas y Llurce Rio Madre was producing estate owned grapes on 20 year old vines that could stand on their own. This wine is rich, savory and luscious and tastes like a cross between Grenache and Tempranillo. The palate starts sweet and sappy with juicy red currant and blackberry fruit, good acidity then ends with a dash of spice sprinkled over the finish. Alcohol: 14%

Filed Under: Wine · Tagged: Featured wine, Graciano, Rio Madre, Rioja, Rueda, Shaya, Spain, Verdejo

Wines of the Month— 2010 Deusa Nai Albarino & 2008 Marques de Caceres Crianza

August 7, 2012 · by bishopsstockgallery ·

Featured wines for August are 2010 Deusa Nai Albarino and 2008 Marques de Caceres Crianza

Marques de Caceres Deusa Nai Albarino, Rias Baixas, Spain 2010

Rias Baixas it the Spanish “Denominacion de Origen” (DO) for wines located in the Northwest region of Galicia, Spain. Albarino grapes are the most renown from this region. Deusa Nai clearly reflects true Albariño’s character. Thjis is a Limited production wine – just 6,600 cases. It has an attractive golden straw color with pale green highlights. The bouquet is fresh and fragrant with mineral notes mingling with a hint of grapefruit and mandarins. This wine has full flavor and refreshing acidity. Deusa Nai wines marry well with fish and seafood. It is ideal for sipping as an aperitif then serving with a meal. Alcohol: 13.5% $17.00

Marques de Caceres Crianza, Rioja, Spain 2008

Rioja is the DO for wines grown and produced in La Rioja in north central Spain. Most of the grapes grown in the region are Tempranillo and Garnacha. This is a rich, full-bodied wine made from 85% Tempranillo, and 15% Garnacha and Graciano grapes. Aging in oak give this wine great depth. It has spicy aromas, berry fruit flavors and a velvety finish. There is a hint of roasted coffee and delicate spice. The balance is smooth and the tannins very soft. This wine needs to be opened an hour or so before drinking. It is a great pairing for grilled meats and hearty meals. Alcohol: 13% $14.00

Filed Under: Wine · Tagged: Crianza, Deusa Nai Albarino, Featured wine, Marques de Caceres, Rias Baixas, Rioja, Spain