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%