Spanish Wines
Cava Pere Mata Trepat Brut Reserva Rosado 2015 @ $17.99: (We loved the Pere Mata Cava last November!) Vivino user Mike T: Wild and fresh aromas of blackberry, raspberry, sweet roses. Good freshness with intensity in the mouth. Textured and mouthfilling but not heavy. Tart citrus finish.
Cava: Cava is a Spanish sparkling wine made by a traditional method. It was formerly called Champaña, but in the Seventies it was rechristened “Cava" (Spanish for “cellar"). Cava can be made in selected municipalities of Aragon, the Basque Country, Castile and León, Catalonia, Extremadura, Navarra, Rioja and the Valencian Community. Despite this ostensible permissiveness, more than 90% of Cava is still produced in Penedès, where it was first made in the 19th century by Don José Raventós, who basically was a Champagne enthusiast, and also the owner of Codorníu estate. He aimed at producing a “Spanish Champagne" with nothing to envy in its French model. Despite decades of studies, investments and careful production (Cava also has production guidelines to ensure its quality, and even if they are a little less restrictive than the one for Champagne, top quality-seeking winemakers usually exceed those recommendations), Cava wine is very different from Champagne. Soil and climate in Penedès are extremely different from those in Champagne. What makes Cava a wine completely different from Champagne is that it's mainly made from Macabeo (also known as Viura), plus Parellada and Xarel-lo. (Like last November's Cava; this one is Trepat).
Bodegas Naia Verdejo 2020 @ $12.99: Winemaker notes: Bodegas Naia is a straw-yellow color. On the nose, it recalls citric aromas, stone fruits, such as peach or apricot, and notes of fennel. It is a complex wine on the nose that evolves aromatically in the glass by releasing different nuances. Balanced, dense and unctuous on the palate.
Alto Moncayo Veraton Garnacha 2018 @ $36.99: 100% Grenache from Campo de Borja in NE Spain. James Suckling: ...aromas of dark cherries, plums, raisins, sweet spices and cigar box. It’s full-bodied with chewy tannins. Rich, ripe and velvety with a flavorful, spicy finish.
Torres Gran Coronas Cabernet Reserva 2016 @ $19.99: Winemaker Notes: Dark cherry red color with garnet highlights. Intensely fruity (blueberries, cassis) with delicate spicy (black pepper) and balsamic notes. A balanced and nicely structured palate with ripe tannins well rounded by aging in excellent oak.
Faustino Rioja Gran Reserva Tempranillo 2009 @ $36.99: Wine Enthusiast: Classic Rioja aromas of vanilla, spice, tobacco and dried berry fruits carry this wine. On the palate, this warm-vintage gran reserva has energy from well-stored acidity, while the flavors include cherry, plum, mocha and a plethora of spices. Chocolate and tobacco flavors along with general warmth crowd the finish. Drink through 2030.