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 – 2012 La Miranda de Secastilla Garnacha Blanca & 2012 Honoro Vera Merlot

February 1, 2014 · by BishopsStock ·

2012 La Miranda de Secastilla Garnacha Blanca, Somontano, Spain $15

This month the white we are offering, 2012 La Miranda de Secastilla Garnacha Blanca, is produced in Somontano in Northern Spain by Vinas Del Vero. This is a unique wine since the Garnacha Blanca is only cultivated in Spain and is not widely known. It is an aromatic wine with apple and citrus notes. On the palate this is a soft wine with a moderate, balanced acidity. It is a food friendly wine and an excellent pairing for spicy foods or simple grilled fish. Alcohol: 13.5%

2012 Honoro Vera Merlot, Jumilla, Spain $11

This wine is produced by Bodegas Juan Gil. We have offered several wines from this producer and find all to have great quality and value. Merlot is not a native grape in Spain but growing conditions in the Jumilla region are very favorable for the varietal. This 100% Merlot is an intense, juicy mouthful of red berry and blackberry. It has some spice and a smoky finish. This is also a versatile wine that pairs with pastas, soups and roasted or grilled meats. Alcohol: 15%

Filed Under: Wine · Tagged: Bodegas Juan Gil, Featured wine, Garnacha Blanca, Jumilla, Merlot, Somantano, Spain, Vinas Del Vero

Wines of the Month – 2011 La Cana Albarino & 2011 Honoro Vera Monastrell

March 30, 2013 · by BishopsStock ·

Featured Wines for April – 2011 La Cana Albarino, Rias Baixas, Spain & 2011 Honoro Vera Monastrell, Jumilla, Spain

2011 La Cana Albarino, Rias Baixas, Spain $20

This wine is part of the Jorge Ordoñez Selection. Ordoñez is one of the best ambassadors of Spanish wines in the world. He has developed his project of producing his own wines from different Spanish denominations of origin. They are wines of extraordinary quality and personality, particularly, Albariños from La Cana. This is a very cool white. The aromatics are white peach, pear, honey, apple and a curious ginger-like component. The mouth follows suit, with a bright citrus-lime acidity and a complex white fruit arrangement. There is good, palate-pleasing heft and weight, but it is not ponderous. Albarino is a great white when you want a switch from Sauvignon Blanc and still want complexity and depth. This is one of the better ones around. It’s from Rias Baixas in the northwest corner of Spain, north of Portugal. Use anytime you would pour a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. Alcohol: 12.5%

2011 Honoro Vera Monastrell, Jumilla, Spain $11

In Spain, Mourvedre is known as Monastrell or Mataro, and it is planted heavily on the southeastern Mediterranean coast, including the appellations of Jumila and Yecla. Good examples come from Bodegas Castano and Bodegas El Nido. This Monastrell is opaque ruby in color with aromas and flavors of cherry, licorice, black tea, with spice and violet accents. It is spicy and energetic, finishing with zesty cut and good lingering sweetness. You get no heat from this appealingly open-knit wine’s alcohol; it’s an outstanding value that pairs well with rustic fare like meat-based stews and roasts. Alcohol: 15%

Filed Under: Wine · Tagged: Featured wine, Honoro Vera Monastrell, Jorge Ordonez, Jumilla, La Cana Albarino, Rias Baixas, Spain

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