May Featured Wines – 2023 Ozu by Otazu Chardonnay & 2021 Ozu by Otazu Premium Cuvée, Navarra, Spain

May 5, 2025 · by bishopsstockgallery ·

For May we are featuring wines from Navarra, Spain. Navarra is located in the north of Spain, bordering France, the Basque Country, and Aragon. The region’s diverse topography, from the Pyrenees Mountains to the Ebro Plains, creates a wide variety of terroirs. Navarra experiences a unique blend of Atlantic, continental, and Mediterranean influences.The region is divided into five sub-regions, each with its own unique characteristics.The producer of the wines is Bodega Otazu. located in the town of Otazu. They produce premium wines expressing its origin and the essence of the terroir they are coming from. The grow all of their grape varieties – Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Berués – on a single estate of 116 hectares (just under 3oo acres.) Bodega Otazu is one of the 20 Spanish wineries which were given the highest certification and recognition in Spain – Pago Appellation of Origin – guaranteeing the selection as well as the unique and outstanding personality of each of its wines.

Our white selection is Ozu by Otazu Chardonnay 2023. The winemaker describes this Chardonnay as “fresh and friendly.” It is 100% Chardonnay. The red selection is Ozu by Otazu Premium Cuvée 2021 which is 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot and 33% Tempranillo. The winemaker describes this with a palate that is round, elegant and fresh. The label of these wines is inspired by the figure of ‘Ariadna’ by Manolo Valdés, a figure that tells the story of how Ariadna and the God of wine, Dionysus, fell in love and conceived Enopion, the one who brought down to Earth the techniques of winemaking.

Ozu by Otazu Chardonnay 2023, Navarra, Spain $14

This Chardonnay is lemon yellow, clean and bright in color. It has a floral nose, with citrus notes.In the mouth it is fresh and friendly. Consider this a perfect pairing for seafood, grilled and baked fish, white meats as well as milding seasoned pastas, salads and rice, foie gras and fresh sheep’s cheeses. Alcohol: 13%

Ozu by Otazu Premium Cuvée 2021, Navarra, Spain $15

This cuvee is a blend of 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot and 33% Tempranillo. It is a ruby red color
The nose presents notes of red fruit and wild berries, spicy. The palate is round, elegant and fresh. This is a great pairing for sausages, red meats and game and for all kinds of cheeses, risottos and fish such as tuna or smoked fish, dark chocolate Alcohol: 15%

Filed Under: Wine · Tagged: Featured wine, NAvarra, Otazu, Ozu, Spain

September Featured Wines – 2022 Nisia Verdejo Old Vines, Rueda, Spain & 2021 Kid Sister Cabernet Sauvignon, Navarra, Spain

September 1, 2024 · by bishopsstockgallery ·

With meteorological autumn starting today, September 1, fall is here. Summer weather does not leave for some time but the idea of fall makes me think about seasonal changes in our wine selection. This month we have selected wines from 2 different wine regions in Spain – Navarra and Rueda. We have had wines from both regions but different grapes from different producers.

2022 Nisha Verdejo Old Vines is produced by Bodegas Vatan for Jorge Ordonez Selections in the Rueda region. Rueda is in the Castile y Leon region in north central Spain. Rueda is Spain’s most famous white wine region. Winters are long and cold while summers are hot and dry. The soil in this region is resistent to Phylloxera which destroyed vineyards in France over 100 years ago. Many of the artisan wines, such as those imported by Jorge Ordonez Selections, continue to be grown as they were traditionally a centutry ago. Ordonez was one of the first importers to introduce Spanish wines to the United States.

2021 Kid Sister Cabernet Savignon is produced by Bodegas Nekeas in Navarra in the north of Spain. This region has an ancient history but is still little known. We have had Tempranillo and Garnacha from Navarra but Cabernet Sauvignon is also widely produced. This wine is also imported by Jorge Ordonez Selections.

2022 Nisia Verdejo Old Vines, Rueda, Spain $16

Nisia Verdejo has a bouquet of Bosc pear, nectarine and brined green olives paves the wayfor peach, honeydew melon, fennel bulb and vanilla bean flavors. There are notes of white chocolate and lemon zest that offer a vibrant finish. Alcohol: 14%

2021 Kid Sister Cabernet Sauvignon, Navarra, Spain $12

Expect this Cabernet Sauvignon to have fruit-forward profile with flavors of blackcurrant, plum, and perhaps a hint of green pepper. The wine should have a medium body, smooth tannins, and a clean finish, making it approachable and enjoyable.Alcohol: 14%

Filed Under: Wine · Tagged: Featured wine, Kid Sister Cabernet Sauvignon, NAvarra, Nisia Verdejo, Rueda, Spain

Featured Wines for February – 2019 Kila Cava Brut & 2022 Breca El Nacido, Catalonia, Spain

December 7, 2023 · by bishopsstockgallery ·

This month I am offering a sparkling wine which I do not do very often. After getting through the holidays with people asking for sparkling wine suggestions, I decided it was time to have our wine club members enjoy a Spanish Cava if they have not discovered this lovely sparkler. The word “Cava” means cave or cellar where the Spanish aged the wines. Macabeo, Parellada and Xarel·lo are the varietals mostly used in Cava Bianco. Cava Rosado uses Garnacha tinta, Monastrell, Trepat, and Pinot Noir varietals. Our February selection Kila Cava Brut Bianco will be great for a Valentine’s Day toast! If you like Cava, we have several others to try.

2019 Kila Cava Brut, Catalonia, Spain $15

This Spanish Cava boasts impressive balance between its flavors of pear, white flowers, and zesty citrus and its firm, crisp finish.This is Cava has subtle flavora and a firm finish. A pleasant toast or a nice pairing with a festive dessert and you could think it is Champagne!

2022 Breca El Nacido, Catalonia, Spain $15

This Garnacha is a young, primary fruit expression of the oldest clones of Garnacha in the world, The altitudes of Catalonia produce a wine of tremendous character and concentration, balanced by fresh acidity that provides balance, and drinkability, and elegant minerality.

Filed Under: Wine · Tagged: Breca, Catalonia, Featured wine, Kila Cava, Spain

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

October Featured Wines – OT Vins El Cep, Penedes, Spain & Maria Cruz Garcia, Tempranillo, Narvarra, Spain

October 2, 2022 · by BishopsStock ·

OT Vins El Cep, Penedes, Spain (2021) $12

This X-arel-lo has fragrant fresh pear and honeydew melon on the nose, along with a subtle floral nuance. On the palate it is silky showing good depth and a touch of waxiness to the ripe orchard and citrus fruit flavors. The melon note comes back on a smooth, persistent finish that features a refreshing bitter orange zest flourish. A lovely all around white. Alcohol: 12.5.%

Maria Cruz Garcia, Tempranillo, Narvarra, Spain (2019) $14

This is a a dark, plump and powerful Tempranillo with lots of intensity due to the blackberry and black plum fruit and accents of wild herb. The tannins are gentle and firm on the finish, amplifying the dark fruit flavors and making your mouth water for a big bite of lamb or steak.it is fermented and aged in steel tanks with no outside yeasts. Alcohol: 14.1%

Filed Under: Wine · Tagged: Catalonia, Featured wine, Maria Cruz Garcia, MAry Taylor Wine, Narvarra, OT Vins El Cep, Penedes, Spain

June Featured Wines – Arrumaco, Garnacha Rosé, Galicia, Spain & Mary Taylor, Pedro Gonzalez Mittelbrun, Castilla y Leon, Spain

June 1, 2022 · by BishopsStock ·

The rose we selected, Arrumacco (2021), is produced in Galicia on the Northwest coast of Spain which borders Portugal to the south. This region offers a mild Atlantic climate and sandy soil. As you know roses can be made from Garnacha, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Syrah, and Carignan. The Spanish call roses “rosado” and this selection is made with Garnacha grapes

The red selection takes us back to Mary Taylor Wines. Once again we will follow her approach to finding wines indigenous to a specific region. Mary Taylor, Castilla Y León Pedro Gonzalez Mittelbrun (2018) is produced by Pedro Gonzalez Mittelbrunn from Prieto Picudo grapes grown in Castilla y León from vines that are up to 100 years old. This region is just east of Galicia. Tempranillo are the most produced wines but Mittlebrunn convinced fellow growers to keep the heritage of the Prieto Picudo “growing.” You can see why Mary Taylor selected his wine as one of her imports.

Arrumaco, Garnacha Rosé (2021), Galicia, Spain $10

Lighter in color and body than many other Spanish rosés. Loaded with intense raspberry and plum aromas that follow to a crisp yet silky palate. A light mix of peach pit and stalky fruit aromas form the opening on this standard summer sipper. Excellent on its own and with a wide range of lighter fare. The perfect summer sipper and tapas wine. Alcohol: 12.5%

Mary Taylor, Pedro Gonzalez Mittelbrun (2018), Castilla y Leon, Spain $11

The unique, rare Prieto Picudo grape is a small grape with big flavor producing wines with bold flavous that age well. It is well balanced with a beautiful red color. It has ripe and fresh red fruit aromas. While this feels like a light Spanish wine, it is fresh and powerful on the palate with a lingering finish. It pairs with most summer food. A good sipper. Alcohol: 13%

Filed Under: Wine · Tagged: Featured wine, MAry Taylor Wine, 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

Curbside Pick-Up for Wine Club

July 29, 2020 · by BishopsStock ·

Until we are able to deliver wine club selections with First Friday tastings, we offer curbside delivery right at our front door from 4 until 7 PM.

Filed Under: · Tagged: Basque Region, Castilla y Leon, Featured wine, Spain

Featured Wines for December

December 1, 2019 · by BishopsStock ·

Marques de Caceres, Cava Brut, Catalonia, Spain$12

Marques de Caceres, Cava Brut, is a pale straw color revived by fine bubbles. There is a bouquet of citrus fruits with notes of brioche. It is charming and round in the mouth with a refreshing, balanced structure and a lively finish that highlights its fine bubbles. A festive toast! Alcohol: 12%

Caves Naveran Cava Brut Rose, Catalonia, Spain $16

Caves Naveran, Cava Brut Rose has aromas of orange and vanilla that turn more burnt and smoky as this Pinot Noir-Parellada brut rosé opens up. The highly foamy mouthfeel carries rustic, spicy citrus flavors. This cava pairs well with salmon and other meaty fish. Alcohol: 12%

Filed Under: Wine · Tagged: Catalonia, Cava, Featured wine, Spain

October Featured Wines – 2016 Bodegas Avancia, Valdeorras Cuvée de O Godello, Galicia, Spain & 2013 Casa Los Frailes, Monastrell-Garnacha, Valencia, Spain

October 1, 2018 · by BishopsStock ·

2016 Bodegas Avancia, Valdeorras Cuvee de O Godello, Galicia, Spain $18

This is 100% Godello grapes. It is a rich white that offers a thick, polished texture, with bright flavors of peach, tangerine and tarragon. Firm acidity is well-integrated, giving way to peach and mineral notes on the finish. This wine is from Jorge Ordonez Selections Drink now through 2024. A great seafood pairing. Alcohol: 13%

2013 Casa Los Frailes, Monastrell-Garnacha, Valencia, Spain $12

This Spanish red blends two indigenous grapes with very different profiles complementing each other to provide a very balance wine, pure expression of Mediterranean character. Monastrell is straight, fluid and long lasting, on the other side Garnacha variety is round, volume and sweet. The ageing of both grapes provides a great integration and complexity. Alcohol: 13.5%

Filed Under: Wine · Tagged: Featured wine, Galicia, Spain, Valencia