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

December 7, 2023 · by ·

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.

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

July 3, 2023 · by ·

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%

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

October 2, 2022 · by ·

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%

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

June 1, 2022 · by ·

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

September 1, 2021 · by ·

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%

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Curbside Pick-Up for Wine Club

July 29, 2020 · by ·

 

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.

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Featured Wines for December

December 1, 2019 · by ·

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%

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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 ·

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%

 

 

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April Featured Wines – 2015 Herencia Altes Garnatxa Blanca & 2015 Herencia Altes, Terra Alta Garnatxa Negra, Catalonia, Spain

April 1, 2017 · by ·

2015 Herencia Altes Garnatxa Blanca, Terra Alta, Catalonia, Spain $12

Terra Alta is not yet a well-known Spanish wine region – tucked away in the south eastern corner of Catalonia it borders Aragon and Valencia. Terra Alta is one of the largest areas in Catalonia under vine with plenty of old Garnatxa bush vines. Herencia Altes wines are known for quality and authenticity.

Made from Grenache Blanc grapes, this is a very aromatic white wine with notes of melon and white fruits on nose. On the palate it is balanced with a medium body and a nice crisp freshness. This pairs well with tapas and grilled seafood – scallops or shrimp. Alcohol: 13.5%

 

2015  Herencia Altes Terra Alta Garnatxa Negra, Catalonia, Spain $12

The grape used in this wine is what the Spanish winemakers call Garnatxa – a Spanish Grenache. The color is intense and lively with a core of garnet with a bright ruby rim. It has a stony minerality overlay black fruits and spice on the nose. On the palate, the wine is full bodied with luscious sweet fruit and soft tannins. Fresh berry fruit and toasty notes enrich the structure and natural complexity of the old vines. The winemaker says this is “A full and round sensation, to be enjoyed with grilled meat of all sorts.” Alcohol: 14.5%

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

August 1, 2015 · by ·

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.

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