March Featured Wines – Celeste Verdejo Sur Lies, Rueda, Spain & Rioja Altos Ibericos Crianza, Spain

Familia Torres has very deep roots as a wine family but it was in 1870 that a winery was established when profits from the family shipping company allowed them to get into the commercial wine business. The Spanish civil war was a setback but recovery allowed them to eventually export wine in 1991. They join the world of environmentally, socially responsible and innovative producers.

2021 Celeste Verdejo Sur Lies, Rueda, Spain $17

This wine is fresh and aromatic . It is pale straw colored wine has a bouquet of nectarine, dried apricot and flint. It is generous in the mouth with flaors of honeydew melon, peach, coca butter, jasmine and a hint of marjoram. this is a great wine to serve with seafood or spicy foods. It is great with cheese. Alcohol: 13.0%

2017 Rioja Altos Ibericos Crianza, Spain $17

This is a classic, savory wine. It is considered a bright and contemporary red with smooth juicy tannins, elevated aromas and full-bodied fruit. Light aging in French and American oak creates a well-rounded palate and savory undertones of clove, green peppercorn and toasted bread. Think roasted or grilled meat. Alcohol: Alcohol: 14.5%

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

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%

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

Cune white

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.

Cune crianza

 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.

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

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

Wine label for Shaya Verdejo Old Vines white wine

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

Wine Label for Rio Madre Graciano 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%

 

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

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

Label from Marques de Caceres Deusa Nai Albarino, Rias Baixas, Spain 201

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

label for Marques de Caceres Crianza, Rioja, Spain 2008Rioja 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