Marqués de Cáceres Wines, Spanish Cuisine Highlight Dîner en Blanc

Wines from Rioja and Rueda featured at fashionable dinner.

Whenever I receive a group of wines to review, we usually gather friends and hold a wine dinner. That was the case with wines we received from the well-known Spanish winery Marqués de Cáceres. My wife, the Green Dragon, decided to add a twist, “We’re going to make this a dinner in white!”

Dîner en Blanc is a worldwide event spanning six continents in which people have a meal dressed in white in a temporary dining setup in a public space. Diners are required to provide their own food, tables, chairs, and tablecloths. So, I guess we properly should have called our event  Dîner en Blanc-ish, because we certainly weren’t going to ask our guests to sit outside in January.

This sent me on a quest for things not normally in my wardrobe, like white shoes, white pants, and a white belt. I’m sure our guests faced a similar sartorial dilemma.

Our wine lineup included a Cava, two whites from the Rueda region, and a rosé and two reds from Rioja. Guests at the dinner were asked to choose a wine and prepare a small plate to pair with it.

Marqués de Cáceres was founded by Enrique Forner in 1970. He was exiled to France during the Spanish Civil War and founded a wine business in the Rhône and Loire valleys. He later purchased two chateaux grand cru classé in Bordeaux.

Under the guidance of daughter Christina Forner, who took over the winery operation in 2007, the winery expanded into Rueda and later expanded into Ribera del Duero. Today, the wines can be found in 120 countries, and 50% of the production is exported.

As the crowd gathered and oohed and aahed over the white outfits and the stunning table decorations, we popped open the Marqués de Cáceres Brut Cava. Cava is one of my favorite sparkling wines because it is made in the traditional method, just like champagne. The energetic bubbles and creamy froth added to the festive mood as we munched on delicious Belgian endive and radicchio stuffed with either brie cheese, walnuts, and drizzled honey, or whipped feta scattered with capers and red pepper flakes. Thanks to Ronda and Joe, who traveled from Savannah to attend, for this dish.

The next course featured grilled shrimp atop a citrus salad of naval and blood oranges, shallots, olives, thinly sliced fennel, and red onion. This provided an ideal pairing for the 2021 Sauvignon Blanc from Rueda. Rueda is crafting some of the most interesting white wines in Spain. The rocky soil forces the grapevine roots deep below, digging through sandy, stony soil for water and nutrients. This results in delicious minerality in Rueda wines.

The Sauvignon Blanc is rich and herbaceous with notes of peach and pear. If you are a Sauvignon Blanc fan, give it a try. Alison created this tasty salad.

Verdejo is by far the most planted variety in Rueda. The 2022 vintage we sampled was youthful and tasty with lime and mineral notes with a slight floral accent. The grapes are harvested at night to preserve the fresh flavors. Our next dish, Salmorejo, is a traditional chilled soup made with tomato and bread and has a thick texture. Our dish was topped with chopped egg and Serrano ham. The acidity and refreshing flavor of the Verdejo were perfect to cut through the creaminess of the soup. Gracias to the Green Dragon for this dish.

Expect the unexpected with my good friend Arthur Barham of Merlot 2 Muscadine and his wife Mary. They transported us to the Spanish seaside with a show-stopping paella of saffron-infused rice cooked with chicken, chorizo, and shrimp. The dish was presented in individual cast iron pans. This popular Spanish dish was matched with the 2022 Rioja rosé. The wine is a delicate pale coral color with intense red berry flavors and great acidity. This was a truly inspired pairing.

As Rueda is known for its white wines, Rioja is recognized around the world for its red wines. The region is a DOCa, the highest quality category in Spanish wine regulation. The harvesting of wine in the area dates back to the time of the Phoenicians. The preeminent grape is Tempranillo with Garnacha a distant second.

The 2019 Rioja Crianza is mostly Tempranillo with small amounts of Garnacha and Graciano. It is aged for 12 months in oak barrels and another year in the bottle. I was pleasantly surprised by its silky texture. It was a grand match with the Ibondigas en Salsa de Almendras, tender pork meatballs poached in a creamy almond sauce accompanied by an assortment of vegetables. Diane and John made this masterpiece that melts in your mouth.

The 2017 Rioja Reserva is a bold wine made only in the best vintages from vines between 45 and 50 years old. The wine is aged for 20 months with an additional two years of bottle aging. The result is a superior wine with solid tannins yet smooth ripe fruit flavors. This wine required something bold, and Green Dragon served up smoky lamb chops with Patatas Bravas (grilled potatoes with a spicy sauce). The strong flavors of the lamb were balanced nicely by this big Spanish red.

Thanks to all our friends for making this a truly fantastic event!

Full disclosure: These wines were received as a marketing sample.

El Coto Rioja Wines Perfect For All Occasions

The many colors of Rioja wines

If you are a lover of Spanish wines, you may save your Rioja for special occasions. These wines can be big and bold with notes of leather and American oak best suited for hearty meat-centered meals. We recently tasted three wines that smashed that stereotype.

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El Coto is the largest vineyard owner in the Rioja DOCa and is considered one of Spain’s best-known wine brands. We opened a red, a white, and a Rosada (rosé) and found a trio of accessible and affordable wines.

Sipping White Rioja

Only nine percent of wine in Rioja is white, so sampling one is a unique treat. The 2022 El Coto Blanco is primarily Viura with smaller qualities of Sauvignon Blanc and Verdejo. Viura wines are light with plenty of fruit flavor. This Blanco is a refreshing bottle with zesty citrus notes and a perfect pick with seafood. The SRP is an appetizing $11.99.

I truly enjoy rosé from Spain, called rosado. While is seems the world is engulfed with rosé modelled after the Provence style, rosado rewards us with deeper color and flavor.

Rosado From Rioja

The 2021 El Coto Rosado is made from 90% Tempranillo and 10% Garnacha from the Los Almendros estate vineyard. Round and lovely on the palate, there are flavors of red currant and strawberry. Serve chilled at your next holiday event and you’ll see it is perfect with appetizers and all but the heaviest meals. Priced at $11.99.

Made 100% from Rioja’s signature grape, Tempranillo, the 2019 El Coto Crianza receives 12 months of aging in oak. The resulting wine is well-balanced with a silky finish. You’ll find layers of raspberry, red fruit, spice and oak.

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We paired this with homemade pizza and a nice spinach salad and expect the wine will go nicely with a variety of meats and cheeses.

El Coto is a great choice for entertaining or casual sipping. These Rioja wines are sure to please and come at a price that allows you to stock up.

Full disclosure: These wines were received as a marketing sample.

WIYG: A Review Of Our Recent Sips And Pours

WIYG? That’s a question we are often asked. Here’s a look at what's in our glass. 

Caizergues 2018 Les Magnarelles, Languedoc

Languedoc is a huge region in southern France previously known for bulk wine, but now reinvented and the producer of dynamic quality wines. Wines, like this wine, can be purchased at a steal. This blend is Syrah with Carignan, Cinsault and Syrah. The tannins are laid back, indicating this may have been aged in concrete.

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This is a fresh, medium-bodied wine with dark fruit and black currant notes accented with garrigue – a blend of herbs typical in the region. Lively, fresh, and elegant. About $15, although I snagged this at a sub-$10 closeout.

Castello di Torre in Pietra 2020 “Elephas” Bianco, Lazio IGT  

Did I just buy this because I thought the Green Dragon would like the elephant on the label? Perhaps. This Italian blend combines Trebbiano, Vermentino, and the southern grape of Fiano. These grapes can produce some unremarkable wines and combining them together doesn’t improve the situation much.

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There are fresh notes of lemon, some salinity, and peaches. Great for a sunny day, deeply chilled with some seafood. Organic with a price tag of about $14. 

Weingut Hillinger 2017 Hillside Red, Burgenland

After attending an industry tasting on Burgenland wine, my eyes were opened to this region that is the top producer of reds in Austria. Hillinger is a great producer and they do it with some uncommon (outside of Austria) grapes. This easy-to-love blend features 60% spicy Syrah, 30% fruity Zweigelt, and 10% supple Merlot. Dark ruby in the glass, it has aromas of fruit and spice. On the palate, blackberries come forth with cherries, smokiness, and black pepper.

The use of oak aging is restrained, allowing for a beautiful, laid-back finish. Highly recommended. Priced at around $24. 

Montes de Leza 2021 Limited Edition Leas, Rioja

This is an unusual wine for us. We regularly enjoy Spanish wines from Rioja, but they almost always are red and mostly Tempranillo. This wine flips the script and is a white Rioja made with 100% Viura. I’ve had a chance to tour Rioja and tried some whites and they can be quite enjoyable, as is this one.

It comes from the northwest DOCa Rioja Alavesa, which is known for producing some delicate wines. Indeed, this wine weighs in with a mere 12.5% ABV, which means you can pair it with a wide variety of lighter dishes without overwhelming them. In the glass, this is a pale greenish yellow. On the tongue, this has notes of citrus and white fruits. Perfect with salads, pasta, and seafood. I scored this for a mere $12.99.

Viña Ardanza 2016 Reserva, Rioja

A family winery founded in Rioja more than 220 years ago produces this perfect red for your table.

A family winery founded in Rioja more than 220 years ago produces this perfect red for your table. La Rioja Alta, SA, is under its fifth generation of family management and is located in the Rioja Alta region.

We recently had the chance to taste the remarkable Viña Ardanza 2016 Reserva. Grapes from the Rioja Alta subregion sit at a loftier altitude in Rioja and the cooler temperatures produce higher acidity. Grapes ripen more gradually, allowing for more complex flavors.

Tempranillo (80%) is blended with Garnacha. The grapes are hand-picked and transported in refrigerated boxes (it gets hot in Spain!). The Tempranillo is aged for 36 months in American oak and the Garnacha is aged for 30 months.

In the glass, the wine is an intense garnet color. The nose gives a foretaste of what’s to come: rich fruit aromas of stewed cherries. This wine opens up wonderfully on the palate, the raspberry, and red fruit touched with baking savory spices. The oaking is refined and brings subtle vanilla to the soft, round tannins. It is a wine that is elegant and accessible yet powerful and stylish. It’s a wine you don’t want to swallow because you want the enjoyment to continue.

This is a perfect match for roast meats, game, spicy fish casseroles, smoked and aged cheeses, and barbecues. The retail price is about $41 and is a tantalizing value at that figure.

La Rioja Alta, SA, was recently recognized as one of the world’s most admired wine brands. In the late 1980s company expanded with a new winery in the Rioja Alavesa subregion and then into Ribera del Duero, and the home of Albariño, Riax Baixas.

Full disclosure: This wine was received as a marketing sample.

Tarima 2020 Mediterráneo, Alicante

A project to reinvigorate heirloom Spanish grapes results in a delicious summer wine.

A Pair of Rare Grapes

Tarima is a project of enologist and winemaker Juan Cañizares and a brand of his winery Bodega Volver. It is designed to reposition Spanish quality wines and recover old indigenous vineyards. I’ve had the Tarima Monastrell. In Spain there are many different names for grapes. Not only do the names differ from other countries, but sometimes from regions within Spain.

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The Tarima Monastrell (also known as Mourvèdre) was delicious and rocked a crazy low price. So when my friend Arthur (of Merlot to Muscadine fame) had a bottle of Tarima Mediterráneo to try, I was scrambling to get out the wine glasses.

The Alicante region is located in Southeast Spain. In this locale, the reds are made with Monastrell and Garnacha grapes. The white grapes are even less familiar, Merseguera and Moscatel.

Tasting The Unknown

Arthur was charged up about this bottle for good reason. He and Mary recently fulfilled their qualifications for the Wine Century Club, where you have to taste and document 100 different grape varieties to earn recognition. (I’m a proud member too!) They have eclipsed the century mark and continue to seek out exotic and strange grapes.

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The blend of Tarima Mediterráneo fills the bill splendidly. It is a 50-50 blend of Merseguera and Moscatel Alejandria. Merseguera is a little-known grape variety that grows along the southeastern coast of Spain. The grape is rarely seen outside of Spain and since it is lacking in acidity, it is primarily a blending grape.

After I unmasked the second grape, I realized that I had it previously on a trip to South Africa. Moscatel Alejandria is also known as Muscat of Alexandria. Muscat is a family of grapes that has hundreds of different varieties. Muscat of Alexandria has a high sugar content and is often made into sweet golden wine.

The Tarima Mediterráneo was a magnificent taste! In the glass, it is pale gold. Aromas of orange blossom and white flowers burst from the glass. This is a balanced sipper, with just the right touch of sweetness. On the tongue, this is a joyful and expressive wine. Peach is the primary flavor for me with a good mix of apricot with a touch of herbaceousness. Give a light chill to fully enjoy Mediterráneo (about 50^oF ).

This gets two thumbs up, especially with a price of $10 to $13.

Clos Pissarra 2015 “Arrels” Garnacha, Montsant

An arresting red from Spain.

A Montsant Gem

Montsant is a Spanish wine region adjacent to the highly acclaimed Priorat wine region. It’s also an ideal location to grab high-quality wines at value prices.

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Case in point: the Clos Pissarra 2015 “Arrels” Garnacha. Clos Pissarra is owned and operated by a group of wine and restaurant industry veterans. The winery takes its name from the slate-rich soil of Priorat.

The vineyard itself straddles both Montsant and Priorat and so neither region is listed on the bottle. Its wines are produced with proprietary names.

Arrels is derived from the Catalan word meaning to put down roots. Indeed, this region is part of Catalan, with its own language that’s distinct from Spanish. According to the bottle, the composition is “garnatxa.” That’s the same as Garnacha or Grenache.

Limited Production

I’ve purchased two bottles from Clos Pissarra, and each has been delightful. This bottle is loaded with character that grabs you from the onset.

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On the nose, there is a healthy dollop of earth and cedar. In the glass, it is dark garnet in color.

Spice and plum flow freely along with some nice jammy notes. As we sipped there were nice nuances of leather and tea. The body is medium and the texture is nice and velvety. This is a great choice when you are in the mood for a red and seek something intriguing, but don’t want a heavy Cabernet Sauvignon.

This is a limited production of 459 cases and I paid $20 for it, although I failed to indicate where I picked it up. For some reason, I was wondering about the condition of the wine, but my fears were unfounded. It tasted great (and for a couple nights after), although the bottom of the bottle had a large amount of sediment.

This is a perfect bottle to enjoy some Spanish flair! It’s a bold red in an approachable style.

Exploring Spanish Wines: Rioja and Beyond

While Rioja rules Spanish imports, be sure to include these other great regions.

Historic Roots and Modern Grace

Spain is Europe’s second oldest wine-producing country but is producing some of the most modern wine on the continent. Tradition dates back 3,000 years, but Spanish wine comes in a wide gamut of styles designed to please today’s palate. We recently tasted three bottles from three different regions of Spain.

Marqués de Cáceres Verdejo 2020

This vintner is best known for wines from Rioja but in 2014,
Marqués de Cáceres purchased 300 acres of vineyards in the heart of the D.O. Rueda.

A little over 100 miles northwest of Madrid, Rueda is a
flat high plain with a continental climate and some
Atlantic maritime influences. The region is best known
for Verdejo, which challenges Albariño for the title of Spain’s best white wine.

This Verdejo has an elegant and subtle nose of white fruit. In the mouth, it is lively with flavors of citrus and grapefruit. It was more flavorful than we expected and was a good match with our charcuterie.

Marqués de Cáceres Rioja Crianza 2017

This wine is 85% Tempranillo with the rest being Graciano and Garnacha Tinta varieties. The wine is aged in small barrels of French oak for 12 months and in the bottle for 14 or more months. Rioja is traditionally known for aging in American oak, but this is 60% French and 40% American. There is also a mix on the age of the barrels themselves, with 25% being new and the others seeing up to three wines.

I expected a heavy vanilla flavor (from American oak) but was impressed by the spicy and full-bodied nature of the wine. There is ripe fruit and elegant tannins. The finish is long and rewarding.

Finca La Capilla Ribera del Duero Crianza 2016

When I visited Spain a number of years ago, Ribera del Duero was one region that made a surprising impact on me. The wines were downright majestic and were previously unknown to me.

Located in northern Spain on a plateau with an average altitude of 2,600 feet, growing conditions are challenging. The winters are extremely cold and hard and summers are hot and dry. The grapes used are primarily red, with Tempranillo (or Tinta del Pais as it’s known locally) being the most popular.

This is an intense wine, with a blast of toasted oak mingling with fresh fruit. We enjoyed this with a pork chop but probably would have fared better with a big slab of grilled steak. It is an elegant and enjoyable wine.

La Capilla is a boutique winery, recently purchased by Marqués de Cáceres, on 160 acres particularly suited to Tempranillo. The resulting grapes are rich in powerful tannins, full of color, and with good structure. This was a limited-production wine with only 180 barrels produced.

Full disclosure: These wines were received as a marketing sample.

Beronia 2017 Rioja Crianza

Double you pleasure with this Rioja Crianza and “baby” 375 ML bottle.

Spain’s Icon

Rioja is an iconic Spanish wine. It comes from Spain’s first premium wine region and has earned loyal fans around the world.

We recently opened the 2017 Rioja Crianza from Beronia and it came with a twist – you’ll have to read on for that. First to the wine.

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Rioja is the most famous wine region in Spain and produces about one-sixth of Spain’s quality wines. Tempranillo accounts for more than 90% of the grapes grown. The classic flavor of Rioja relies on oak aging, traditionally in American oak, and the emphasis is more on earthiness than on fruit.

Digging The Oak

The love of oak barrels goes back to the French who settled there for a brief period in the 19th century when phylloxera wiped out vineyards in France. The French winemaking experience gave the winemakers in Rioja a jumpstart.

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The Beronia is a blend of 94% Tempranillo, 5% Garnacha, and 1% Mazuelo (also known as Cariñena or Carignan). This bottle is aged in a blend of French and American oak.

American oak gives big bold flavors, while French oak imparts more finessed tastes. Crianza wines in Rioja must age at least 12 months in the barrel and 24 months overall – so the type of cooperage really makes a difference.

A Contemporary Take On Rioja

The Beronia is a more contemporary take on Rioja. It isn’t highly tannic. Instead it is pleasant blend of cherry and raspberry with bright fruit notes accented by vanilla. Herb and spice threads intertwine to give another layer of enjoyment. This is a downright pleasing wine that would do well with a variety of dishes including roasts, cheeses, and pizza. We found it beautiful all on its own.

Now about that twist. This has been a weird year. In the past, wine tastings with the friends would mean grabbing a bottle as you walked out the door. Now you must master the logistics and safety aspects. Fear not, Beronia has produced a 375 ML bottle of their outstanding Rioja Crianza. If you are invited to a driveway party, or a socially-distant party where you are avoiding a whole troop of people handling the same bottle, voilà! It is perfect for single serve meet-ups with friends at a distance.

The SRP for the 750 ML bottle is $14.99, while the 350 ML bottle goes for $7.99.

Full disclosure: These wines were received as a marketing sample.

Ancient Soils In Cariñena Yielding Modern Expressions Of Garnacha Grape

Tabbed as an up-and-coming wine region in Spain, Cariñena has roots dating back to the Romans.

Birthplace Of Garnacha

Cariñena is a 32-square mile patch of dry rocky soil in Northwest Spain. It’s located in the autonomous community of Aragon, which was once a medieval kingdom.

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It is said that this is the birthplace of Garnacha, known in France and other countries as Grenache. A theory that the variety came from Italy was recently debunked when DNA evidence showed that the Italy’s Cannonau grape isn’t the same as Spain’s Garnacha.

Whatever you call it and whatever the origin, there’s no denying that the grape flourishes in Spain’s climate. The country is bounded by two completely different seas, buttressed by mountains, and blessed with large valleys created by rivers resulting in ideal growing conditions.

Master of Wine Pedro Ballesteros Torres and DOP Cariñena recently presented a master class on Cariñena, touching on its history and guiding a tasting of current wines. Cariñena is the second oldest DOP in Spain, being established in 1932. People have been loving the wines from this region for many centuries prior.

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Fountains Of Wine, Yes!

The region, near the Sistema Ibérico mountains, was well known to the Romans. As far back as the 3rd century they were known to enjoy the local wine mixed with honey. The region, and Spain for that matter, has a rich and sometimes tumultuous history.

Once the Kingdom of Aragon, in the 15th century King Ferdinand I declared a preference for Cariñena wine “above all others.” Perhaps the most interesting historical fact is that in the 1585 King Phillip II of Spain was welcomed to Cariñena with two fountains flowing with wine, one white and one red. At this time, wines from Cariñena were renowned around the world.

The Decline And Rise Of Cariñena

A decline in the Spanish wine industry started in the 19th century with the Napoleonic War. A series of wars followed by repressive dictatorships meant that for almost 40 years the only highly recognized wine from Spain was sherry. That script has been flipped as wines from Cariñena are again capturing world attention.

Garnacha requires a lot of heat. Monks from Monasterio de Veruela are believed to be the first to produce wine from the grape. “Garnacha is quite adaptive,” says Ballesteros Torres. “We have many different clones in Cariñena compared to the rest of the world.

“If you want to know what Garnacha tastes like,” said Ballesteros Torres, “look at where it comes from.” The different clones result in different aromatic definitions and textures. In France, Grenache has more tannins. In Cariñena the wine has more balance and more acidity, the result of different soil types.

The altitude impacts the flavors as well, ranging from robust, fruity wines on the plains at about 1,300 feet above sea level. Climbing higher, vineyards on the slopes of the rugged Sistema Ibérico mountain range at more than 2,600 feet produce more lifted, high-toned expressions. The Ciezo wind, which can blow across Cariñena at more than 60 miles per hour, offers relief from the extreme heat and keeps the summertime humidity around 50%.

Contrasting Styles

Perhaps it is surprising that Cariñena, the grape not the region, isn’t the most planted variety in this area. Also known as Carignan it is considered the Cinderella grape, which is only now being translated into unique and interesting wines. Garnacha is the most widely planted grape in Cariñena, which is home to more old vines Garnacha than any other region in Spain.

We popped open the 2016 Bodega San Valero Celebrities Old Vines Garnacha with an Impossible Black and Blue Burger accompanied by sweet potato fries. This Celebrities bottle is 100% Garnacha. It’s priced at $12.99 and is a joyful wine to drink. This is an example of a fresh and fruity Garnacha, which we found was a fun pairing for our burger and would be delicious on just about any wine occasion.

The 2013 Monasterio de la Viñas Gran Reserva is a blend of Grenache (60%), Tempranillo (30%) and Cariñena (10%) from vines that are between 40- and 50-years old. This is in the classic Spanish style which goes beyond fruit to a more austere result. It has plenty of oak and complexity. It is priced at $21.99.

Cariñena is has been named a region to watch as winemakers build upon centuries of tradition with new and exciting expression of its famed grapes. With wallet-pleasing prices, its an ideal chance to begin your exploration of Spanish wines.

Full disclosure: We received these wines as marketing samples.

Let Your Holidays Shine With These International Sparkling Wines

Are you anxious to celebrate the holidays and ring in a hopeful new year? Take your pick from these seven sparklers from around the globe.

Global Values In Bubbles

As thoughts turn to holiday celebrations after a difficult 2020 (hang in there, people!), it’s time to reach for a bottle of bubbly. Champagne is the most famed sparkling wine by far, but there are plenty of options for bubbles that won’t put a hurt on your bank account. We recently received seven non-vintage sparklers to review which are sure to tickle your nose and bring a smile to your face. Each is priced below $25.

La Vielle Ferme Réserve Brut and Réserve Rosé

La Vielle Ferme is the best-selling brand of French wine in the United States. It consistently delivers great taste and affordability. We tasted two different bubblies, both created with a unique process. The technique, dubbed Méthode Contemporaine, captures CO₂ during the fermentation process and reintroduces it right before bottling.

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These bottles, each with an SRP of $14.99, have plenty of pop. The Réserve Brut is 100% Chardonnay that undergoes battonage (stirring on the lees) for an extra dollop of complexity. Lots of peach and limestone with this bottle. The rosé is Grenache Noir (40%), Cinsault (40%), and Pinot Noir (20%). Look for raspberries and a dash of citrus on the palate. These wines are dependable and delicious.

MAN Sparkling Chenin Blanc Brut and Méthode Cap Classique Brut

We had no idea South Africa had sparkling wine – until we visited there a few years ago. We were introduced to Méthode Cap Classique wines, the country’s finest sparkling wine produced in the traditional method. Minds blown! MAN Family Wines is known for producing widely distributed quality South African wines at value prices.

We had never had a sparkling Chenin Blanc before and really savored this bottle from MAN. Locally known as Steen, the grapes were grown in a dry-farmed vineyard in the Agter-Paarl region. Perfect with seafood, it has luscious notes of tropical fruit. SRP is $15.99.

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The Méthode Cap Classique Brut is also 100% Chenin Blanc and aged four months in French oak. For added complexity, it spent a total of 18 months on the lees. The time and effort is worth it. On the palate there are persistent bubbles with lime, pear and toast notes. A wonderful value at $24.99, this is a great celebratory bottle.

Marqués de Cáceres Cáva Brut

Why do we love Cava? Simply because it’s awesome. Cava is Spain’s traditional method sparkling wine that is produced mainly in the Penedès region.

Marqués de Cáceres is one of the best-known names in Rioja, and this Cava will not disappoint. The grapes are the traditional trio of Xarel.lo, Macabeo, and  Parellada and are hand harvested from vines that average 25 years of age. Apples and floral notes delight the palate as you enjoy the fine, streaming bubbles SRP $14.99.

Alma Negra Brut Nature

This wine from Argentina captivated us from the start with its label. Alma Negra means “dark soul” and the label features a mysterious, shadowy mask.

Inside the stylish bottle is Malbec and Pinot Noir. We enjoyed this with a patio dinner and could have easily consumed a second bottle. The taste is flowing with strawberry and lime accented with a crisp acidity.

This is a wine from Argentine wine icon Ernesto Catena and is a steal at $21.99.

J. de Villebois Crémant de Loire

We’re big fans of crémant. By law, sparkling wine cannot be called Champagne unless it is produced in France’s Champagne region. There’s plenty of good bubbly from other areas of France and in many cases it’s called crémant. You can get the French grooviness with a crémant without the Champagne price tag.

The wine is 60% Chenin Blanc, 35% Chardonnay and 5% Cabernet Franc. It’s aged for 12 months in underground limestone caves.

We uncorked this tasty bottle to celebrate the birth of our first grandchild. This wine has bountiful, foamy froth and delicate bubbles. On the palate it’s creamy with distinctive vanilla notes.

At $20.99, it is a stylish sparkling wine. Perfect to toast that special occasion.

Full disclosure: These wines were received as marketing samples.

Hammeken Cellars El Gringo 2019 Dark Red Tempranillo, Castilla

This wine salutes the epic Westerns shot in the Spanish desert of Tabernas.

Showdown At High Noon

Fans of Western movies might be surprised to learn that classics like A Fistful of Dollars and 100 Rifles were filmed all or in part in a Spanish desert. Stars like Clint Eastwood, Raquel Welch and Burt Reynolds tramped those dusty trails.

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More recently television shows like Dr. Who and the sixth season of Game of Thrones were filmed there. In an homage to the Western flicks, Hammeken Cellars released El Gringo.

Finger On The Trigger

El Gringo is made with Tempranillo, one of Spain’s best-known red grapes. This is a Vino de la Tierra wine, also known as a wine with protected geographic indications. In short, this is a step down from the DO designation in the Spanish wine quality ladder, but a rung above the plain old table wine. Castilla La Mancha is a huge region in the central part of the country where temperatures can range from 5^o Fahrenheit to a blistering 113^o.

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We brought this wine out as we were having a socially-distanced dinner with friends on the patio. The Green Dragon, my wife, called for an easy-drinking red wine to accompany our Three-Herb Bean and Pasta dish.

Spurs That Jangle

I had expected a light-bodied, fairly sedate wine. I should have known better. Like the hombre depicted on the label, the wine is bold and memorable. The alcohol is on the high side at 14%, which isn’t uncommon for wines coming from La Mancha. The wine retails for $15.99.

The wine is 100% Tempranillo, which is sometimes called Cencibel in La Mancha. The grapes are grown on plains and rolling hills that range from 1,600 to 4,900 feet.

In the glass, the wine is an almost impenetrable ruby-purple. The wine is medium to full-bodied. The flavors are deeply extracted, with a fruit-driven core of cooked cherries and crushed berries. Flavor notes of toasted oak, mocha and vanilla enhance the experience.

The script for our tasting had a different ending than the Tabernas Desert Westerns. No one got shot, instead, we enjoyed a long, rounded finish as the sun set below the horizon.

Full disclosure: We received this wine as a marketing sample.

Spanish Wines From González Byass Deliver Value and Flavor

If you seek great buys on distinctive, food-friendly wine, look no further than this trio of Spanish wines.

Beyond Sherry

González Byass is one of Spain’s best-known sherry producers, with roots that date back to 1835. Today the company has broadened its focus and the brand has grown with14 wineries in Spain, Chile, and Mexico, as well as a range of prominent spirits.  

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Always on the quest for quality wines which represent great value, we uncorked these three Spanish bottles from González Byass. We found a range of styles that are pleasing to anyone’s budget.

Sparkly And Light

We love sparkling wine. There’s no better way to set the stage for an evening of entertaining than popping a bottle of bubby. One of the world’s best values in sparkling wine is Cava. We love it for the reasonable price compared with Champagne, but also because it is made in the traditional method, with a second fermentation in the bottle – unlike some other styles of sparkling wine.

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The Vilarnau Brut Reserva is made with 50% Macabeo, 35% Parellada, 15% Xarel.lo – the three classic grape varieties for Cava. Cava Reserva must have a minimum of 15 months of lees aging in the bottle. This is a fresh and fruity wine and while a Brut (or dry) wine, there is a hint of sweetness that will make this popular with most dinner guests. This is an immensely food-friendly wine. At SRP of $15, you can buy six bottles or a case for your next special occasion. We love the eye-catching bottle too.

The most famous white wine in Spain is Albariño.The Pazo de Lusco Albariño comes from  Rias Baixas in the country’s northwestern coastal region of Galacia. This is a wine perfect for seafood or poultry. It has flowing minerality with notes of apple and citrus in the glass. Cold maceration and extended aging on the lees give this wine complexity we hadn’t expected. This is another outstanding bottle at a price of just $21.

A Modern Take On Rioja

For a recent International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association webinar on Rioja, I poured the Beronia 2015 Rioja Reserva. Spain’s most noted red wine, Rioja wines are made primarily with Tempranillo and are known for long aging in American oak barrels.

The Beronia Reserva flips the script for a more modern take on Rioja. The aging is for 19 months in a mix of French and American oak.  American oak is more assertive and leans toward flavor of vanilla and coconut while French oak subtle with notes of savory spice and a silky texture. This contemporary take on Rioja with a lighter hand on oaking is delightful.

The blend for the Beronia is 95% Tempranillo, 4% Graciano, and 1% Mazuelo. The wine is a beautiful deep, black cherry color. It is a medium-weight wine with notes of mint and coco floating over ripe fruit with a touch of spice. This is a balanced wine with rounded texture, fine tannins and a lithe acidity. It is wonderfully drinkable and perfect for roasts, grilled meats, and cheeses. SRP is a very palatable $20.

This trio from González Byass offers value and three distinct styles that are food-friendly and perfect for entertaining or a meal at home with family.

Full disclosure: This wine was received as a marketing sample.

Bodega San Valero Delivers Cariñena Wine Goodness To The World

Located in the Aragón region of Spain, Bodegas San Valero is both a historic winery and a pioneering wine group that includes 500 winegrowers.

75 Harvests

In 1944 a group of 60 winegrowers in Cariñena, who mainly produced bulk wine, founded Cooperativa Vinícola San Valero. Seventy-five harvests later, that number has grown to 500 members who are focused on technology and vineyard management to produce quality wines.

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Cooperatives allow grape growers to band together to share production facilities and market their wines more efficiently. Under the banner of Bodega San Valero, Cooperativa Vinícola San Valero has been exporting its wine for 25 years reaching more than 30 countries.

Bodega San Valero and its partners cultivate more than 8,500 acres on a high plateau in the Cariñena wine region. The vineyards are planted at 2,600-foot altitude with a significant diurnal temperature swing and cool, dry Cierzo winds from the north. The conditions, along with mostly stony soil, result in wines with fresh minerality, structure and deep expression.

During our recent #winestudio education program we were able to experience the breadth and quality of the Bodega San Valero wines. Our culinary team created outstanding dishes to pair with these Spanish beauties.

Cava In Cariñena?

We flagged Cariñena as an up and coming region in a recent story. We love Spanish wines and bottles from Cariñena display variety and an ever-improving quality. What caught me off-guard was learning that Cava is produced in the region.

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During my visit to Spain, I toured wineries in Penedès – the home of Spain’s famous sparkling Cava. Ninety-five percent of Spanish Cava originates in Catalonia – but it is produced in Cariñena as well. Bodegas San Valero has several labels, including Grand Ducay, which is its Cava brand.

We sampled the Grand Ducay Brut Nature Blanco and Rosado. Both are made in the traditional method with fermentation in the bottle. The Blanco is made with Macabeo, Parellada and Xarel.lo, traditional Cava grapes. The Rosado, a beautiful rosé sparkler, is made with Garnacha (Grenache).

Paired with Maryland-style lump crab cake, tri-color potatoes and roasted broccoli and cauliflower, both wines were delicious. At a price tag of $11 SRP, these are affordable enough to make any day special with bubbles.

Don’t Forget The Garnacha

One of the hallmarks of the wine revolution in Cariñena is the diversity of grapes and wines produced. You best not forget the reputation of the region was built on Garnacha and its namesake grape, though.

We uncorked wines from three different vintages: The Celebrities 2019 Garnacha, Celebrities 2016 Old Vines Garnacha and the 2017 Cariñena. Our culinary team whipped up gazpacho, rosemary grilled lamb chops and vegan Patatas Bravas.

The 2019 Garnacha is smooth and accessible, while the Cariñena is a spicy and engaging wine. Formerly a workhorse grape added to blends, the Celebrities single varietal Cariñena shows it can shine on its own. My favorite was the Old Vines Garnacha – the extra aging and select vines make this refined and elegant. All three of these bottles retail for $15, an amazing value.

International Varieties Emerge

Our Cariñena education continued as we uncorked a quartet of bottles featuring international varieties. Featured wines were the 2018 vintages of the Celebrities Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. We capped our tasting adventure with 500 Manos, a special Bordeaux-style blend. Affordability is the byword in Cariñena, with the Celebrities Merlot, Syrah and Cab just $15 and 500 Manos $5 more.

For the Celebrities wines we dined on Estofado de Carne con Verduras, Spanish beef stew with vegetables. We also enjoyed Papas Aliñás, Andalusian-style potatoes popular as tapas. The 2018 Celebrities Merlot has warm notes of red berries, cherry and cedar with noticeable tannins. Certainly a step up in complexity from a simple Merlot. The Cabernet has a black fruit profile with blueberry, cassis and blackberry. There are loose tannins and a smooth texture.

The culinary team (and I) picked the Syrah as the favorite of this trio. It has bold flavors of plum and raisin with some spice on the back end.

The 500 Manos is a special bottle. Its label has a close-up photo of a hand (“manos” is hands in Spanish) clenching some soil. The 500 hands represent members of the cooperative.

It is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah. This is a limited production of 98,000 bottles and Bottle #56 sure tasted fine. It has an initial rush of ripe berries and rhubarb followed by dusty earth notes and beautiful tannins. An expressive and refined wine – it is usually shared just with the Bodegas San Valero partners.

Not only did we enjoy a tour of Cariñena wine – but grand epicurean tastings as well. Our meal for the 500 Manos was NY Strip Steak served with Thai Green Chile Pesto, lemon-parsley potatoes and grilled corn with lime compound butter. The wine and meal were spectacular.

The wines of Bodega San Valero pulse with the flavors of adventure and life. They are fun, affordable and eminently food-friendly. Explore these tasteful Spanish wines and unlock a new experience.

The Many Faces Of Garnacha And Grenache

Whether you call it Grenache or Garnacha, the grape is one of the oldest and widest planted in the world. We uncork three bottles to explore this popular grape.

From Workhorse To Wonder

As one of the world’s most popular grapes, Garnacha can be found far and wide, from Europe to the US and South Africa to Australia. The largest concentration of vineyards are found in Spain (where it is called Garnacha) and France (where it is called Grenache).

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Displaying ripe, fruity and aromatic aromas, it is often blended with other grapes that have more tannins or color. GSM (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre) blends are popular across the globe. Old-vine Grenache is highly prized for its concentrated flavors. Known at one time for inexpensive, high-alcohol wines or being used mainly in blends, today winemakers are crafting expressive and unique Grenache wines.

Garnacha/Grenache is actually a family of grapes that includes Red Grenache, White Grenache (Grenache Blanc), Grey Grenache, Alicante Bouschet (Garnacha Tintorera) and Hairy Grenache. I haven’t yet tasted Hairy Grenache, which is a mutation of Red Grenache that is resistant to drought.

Getting Into Garnacha

Outstanding examples of Grenache can be found in the southern Rhône Valley and the Roussillon region in France, Australia and Spain’s Priorat region. Grenache is a popular pick for rosé wines. We recently tasted through three enjoyable bottles.

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Château Rombeau 2015 Andréa Vielle Vignes, Côtes du Roussillon -- This is a funky White Grenache that is a delight. It is a blend of 31% White Grenache, 29% Grey Grenache, 14% Marsanne, 13% Malvoisie, and 13% Vermentino. We enjoyed this with a turkey dinner and the savory notes blended perfectly. There are grapefruit highlights and peppery touches. It’s a unique glass that shows how beautiful wines with White Grenache can be.

Paniza 2015 Última Garnacha, Cariñena -- This is a flavor-packed full-bodied wine with deep cherry flavors and chocolate and earth flavors. The finish is long and coating. Última is a limited edition, made from the last Garnacha grapes of the season, harvested in the highest parts of the vineyard. It will make you a Garnacha believer.

Viñas del Vero 2016 La Miranda Secastilla Garnacha, Somontano -- This wine comes from the Somantano region in northern Spain at the base of the Pyrenees Mountains. It is a blend that includes Syrah and Parraleta, a native Spanish grape. This wine has a full body with berry and plum flavors with an enjoyable earthiness.

Garnacha/Grenache is on the upswing. From 2014 to 2016, its market share has grown by 34% in terms of value. Since it’s yet to become a mainstream variety in the minds of American consumers you can easily grab a bottle for less than $25. There are many tasty options in the $15 range.

Call it Grenache or Garnacha, it’s just the wine to please your curiosity and appreciation for good wine.

Full disclosure: These wines were received as marketing samples.

Technorati Tags: garnacha,grenache,wine,wine tasting

Ribera del Duero and Rueda Regions Showcase Distinctive Flavors Of Spain

Wake up to the possibilities of Spanish wine by exploring the Rueda and Ribera del Duero regions.

Reaching The High Plateau

Hear me, you wine lovers. If your knowledge of Spanish wine is limited to one very popular region, a cavalcade of sensational Spanish wine is passing you by.

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We explored Ribera del Duero and Rueda during a recent wine dinner and an online tasting hosted by Snooth and Ribera y Rueda wines. Rueda and Ribera del Duero are sister wine regions located on high plateaus along the Duero River in North-Central Spain, about two hours north of Madrid. The marketing partnership is sensible, since Ribera focuses on complex red wines while Rueda is known for its distinctive white wines.

Tempranillo is the signature grape in Ribera, where winemaking goes back more than 2,000 years. The DO (Denominaciónes de Origen) was founded in 1982 and there were just nine wineries. Today, there are more than 300. Tempranillo, known locally as Tinto Fino, is a hearty, thick-skinned version of its cousin in Rioja. The grape produces robust red wines.

In Rueda, the DO was founded in 1980 and today has about 70 wineries. Rueda is ground zero for Verdejo, Spain’s number one white grape variety. Wine production dates back to the 12th Century when King Alfonso VI offered lands to monasteries. Wine produced here must contain a minimum of 50% Verdejo. The gravel soils are rich in limestone and iron and yield complex, aromatic fruit.

Spanish-Themed Meal Is A Knock-Out

Our culinary team went into overdrive to pair just the right dishes with our four wines. As part of the online tasting, half the participants were sent wine from Ribera del Duero and the other half received wines from Rueda. We were part of “Team Ribera” but to make sure our dinner guests had a well rounded lineup, I purchased a bottle of Verdejo from Rueda.

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Here’s a glimpse of our menu and wine pairings

Our friend Susan prepared a shrimp dish for openers. As time was approaching for the dinner, I didn’t have the exact name of her dish for the menu card, so it became Camarones de Susana (Susan’s Shrimp in Spanish). The tasty dish was crab stuffed shrimp and was a spot-on appetizer with the Bodegas Garclarevalo 2018 Casamaro Verdejo from Rueda.

The sandy soils were naturally protected from the phylloxera pest that spread across the region about 100 years ago. The original vines, now 100 to 145-years-old continue to grow and were used in the Verdejo, along with free run juice from younger vines. The wine is 85% Verdejo and 15% Viura.

This is a bright wine, but the acidity is in the background. A lush mouthfeel pairs with refreshing flavors of citrus and peach. Our gang could have easily turned this into a Verdejo party!

More seafood was on deck as we moved into a tasting menu portion of our dinner. We had three small dishes: Pan Roasted Salmon with Tomato Caper Vinaigrette, Salad with Baked Herb Goat Cheese and Pan de Tomate Catalan. This last dish is toasted bread rubbed with garlic and smashed tomatoes. For our pairing we opted for the Bodegas Cepa 21 Hito 2017 Rosado from Ribera del Duero.

Rosé in Spain is called rosado and usually has a bit more body than a typical rosé from France’s Provence region. The Hito is made with Tempranillo and is a pale pink. Red fruit and citrus highlight this wine which has a medium body and was a wonderful accompaniment to the salmon.

The Rise Of Ribera Reds

When I visited Spain a few years ago, perhaps the biggest surprise was the brash and bold red wines from Ribera del Duero. Why didn’t I know about them? They were sensational. So I looked forward to our entree which was paired with two very different Ribera reds.

The Green Dragon (my wife and our main chef) really shone with the Braised Short Ribs with Manchego Polenta. She was ably assisted by cousin Betsy, who was in town after attending a conference. The meat fell effortlessly from the bone as the wine reduction sauce melded with the creamy polenta. Wow – and that was before I even tried the wines.

The first red was the Valdehermoso 2016 Joven from Bodegas Valderiz. Joven is the Spanish classification for unaged wine designed to be consumed young. This is a biodynamic wine and it is fermented in stainless barrels. This wine has scant tannins to detract from gushers of beautiful red fruit with fresh cherry flavors. Tasty indeed, but our hearty short ribs dish was more ideally matched to our next wine.

The Finca Torremilanos 2016 Los Cantos is 95% Tempranillo and 5% Merlot from biodynamically farmed vineyards. The vineyards are distinguished by the presence of round river stones, or “cantos.”

I was uncertain what to expect since the bottle isn’t listed as a Crianza or Reserva, which indicates minimum barrel aging. I was to learn the wine is aged 16 months in French oak barrels and it brings a true beauty to the wine. One sip revealed a complex wine with beautiful tannins and golden oak notes.  Black cherry and spice round out this perfect pairing for our braised meat dish.

For our finish we had a sweet surprise from our guests Arthur and Mary Branham. Arthur is a winemaker with a sweet tooth. He poured his Barham 2015 Chocolate Raspberry Port to go with our Chocolate Raspberry torte. Bullseye! It hit the mark just right.

Whether you are aiming for a splash of a refreshing white or a deep dive into complex reds, Ribera y Rueda have you covered. The value is outstanding too. Each wine reviewed is $18 or less. Expand your Spanish horizons by sipping wines from these unique regions.

Full disclosure: Some of these wines were received as marketing samples.

Technorati Tags: Ribera del Duero,Rueda,Spanish wine,wine,wine tasting

Faustino V 2013 Reserva Rioja

Rioja is Spain’s most famous red wine region. The wines are delicious and the Reserva wines turn things up a notch.

Rioja To The Rescue

The Green Dragon knows her wine. But even a knowledgeable wine lover like my wife can use an occasional assist. While searching for a special bottle for my birthday, she stopped in to Great Grapes in Cary and asked for recommendations.

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That’s one reason we urge people to patronize their local wine shops. If you are purchasing wine at a grocery store or super center, the person answering your wine questions may be the same one stocking bags of Cheese Doodles in Aisle 6. At a wine shop you can expect experience and good guidance on your purchases.

Patio Perfection

The weather here in the Triangle area of North Carolina has been a rollercoaster recently. Intense heat and humidity has alternated with rain and – a week ago – some perfect spring-like weather. We took advantage of the ideal conditions for a cookout with my birthday present wine, the Faustino V 2013 Reserva Rioja.

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The Faustino V is a blend of 90% Tempranillo and 10% Manzuelo. Manzuelo is one of the main blending grapes in Rioja and adds racy acidity, but not much in the way of aroma. Tempranillo, on the other hand, is a signature Spanish grape known for making rich wines with aging potential.

Joining Faustino at our dinner table was a perfectly grilled (in my opinion) filet mignon, baked potato and spinach salad. Rioja wines are known for their aggressive aging in American oak. Faustino V is no exception with 16 months in American white oak from Missouri. Reserva wines in Rioja must be aged a minimum of three years with at least one year in barrel and six months in bottles. With that in mind, we decanted the vino before the meal.

Verdict Of The Glass

Faustino V starts as an intense wine with a power that made us do a doubletake. Even with the decanting, the tannins were muscular. A deep maroon in the glass, as we swirled, conversed and ate our meal, we began to appreciate the rich, deep flavors of plum and the sweet oakiness of the barrel aging. The tannins, at first so uninviting, began to melt away and be integrated. My big bites of juicy steak might have had something to do with it.

Bodegas Faustino has 150 years of family winemaking tradition. That tradition has been bottled and delivered up in an appealing 2013 Faustino V Reserva. We rate this Rioja Reserva highly, especially when accompanying grilled red meats.

Beronia 2018 Rosé, Rioja

Looking for a versatile food wine? Try a Spanish rosé.

Rosé from Spain is a great dining option

When the call went out to round up some wine for our Easter dinner, I had two recommendations. The first is an obvious pairing with our holiday ham: Riesling. Another fantastic option, although probably not top of mind, is rosé.

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Rosé is usually lighter in style and lower in alcohol than most table wine, making it a flexible choice for meals ranging from salad to seafood to poultry. In our case, we needed a wine for our Easter ham.

My pick was the Beronia 2018 Rosé from the González Bypass family of wines. González Bypass is a family-owned collection of wineries that was founded in 1835 and focused on Spanish sherry. Today the company offers wines from Spain’s most iconic regions and represents a number of international wineries.

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The Beronia rosé is a blend of 55% Garnacha and 45% Tempranillo from Spain’s most famous region: Rioja. The wine is pale pink in color. In Spain, rosé is often called rosado and usually has a more pronounced flavor than lighter rosé from France. It has more personality.

Vegan lemon lavender poppy cake with fresh
blackberry frosting and lemon zest

The slight sweetness of the Beronia was an ideal counterpoint for the saltiness of the ham. The rosé has rounded and full flavors of cherry with floral aromas. This is a fresh and flavorful wine that is welcome at the dinner table and suitable for drinking on its own as well.

The wine is also vegan-friendly. The color of the wine was a nice complement to our dessert -- a vegan lemon lavender poppy cake with blackberry frosting.

With hot weather knocking on the door, this is a perfect time to stock up on crisp, refreshing bottles like the Beronia rosé. The SRP is $12.99, which makes the sipping even more enjoyable!

Full disclosure: This wine was received as a marketing sample.

Six Surefire Picks For Your Springtime Sipping

Dry Creek Vineyard Meritage

When a wine shipment didn’t arrive in time for a scheduled party, we decided to “go rogue.” The results were delightful – six wines we recommend for your springtime sipping.

Two days before our party, I had a sinking feeling. The special shipment of wine that was going to be the centerpiece of our soiree hadn’t arrived. There were no messages from UPS or Fed-X. When I contacted the shipper, she explained that there was an unfortunate mistake. Yikes!

While our tasting was to focus on a very specific wine region, that was now off the table. We had to “go rogue.” I immediately surveyed the available wine and picked a half-dozen bottles certain to scintillate our guests.

2018 Fleurs de Prairie Rosé, Cotes de Provence

Fleurs de Prairie Rosé - better with Wisteria!

Kicking off the party was the 2018 Fleurs de Prairie Rosé. In reviewing background material for the wine, I noticed that the wine is a tribute to the fields of flowers in the Cotes de Provence region. Wisteria flourishes in this part of France as it does in our hometown. We quickly were on an expedition (successful!) to find wisteria for a nice centerpiece.

Fleurs de Prairie is a beautiful rosé, perfect for a spring filled with blooming trees and flowers. It is a blend of Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, Carignan and Mourvedre that tastes light as a feather, with delicate flavors of strawberry with some herbal notes. Just the right amount of acidity makes this a balanced wine, and one perfect to pair with light dishes. The price is about $17.

Fleurs de Prairie is also notable for its Seeds of Beauty campaign, which recognizes and supports women who are dedicated to creating beauty in their community. Seed grants of $2,500 are available.

Inurrieta Mimaò with barbecue meatballs

2018 Ochoa Calendas, Navarra

2016 Inurrieta Mimaò Garnacha, Navarra

Navarra is a northern Spanish wine region known for its beauty and diverse terroir. It is also home of the famous Camino de Santiago (Way of St. James) which influenced many winegrowers to use French grape varieties such as Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Chardonnay-Viura blend
from Navarra, Spain

The Ochoa Calendas is a blend of 75% Chardonnay and 25% Viura, a well respected white grape. We paired this with pan seared salmon with lemon garlic cream sauce. This is a nice blend, with the Viura adding freshness and nice acidity to balance the classic Chardonnay flavors. It was perfect with our salmon. A bargain at just $12 SRP.

Garnacha from Spain can often take on a rustic flavor, but the Inurrieta Mimaò is a smooth sipper. It is fermented in stainless steel and gets malolactic fermentation to add a plush texture. It is finished with seven months in French oak.

We found this to be a very pleasant surprise with mineral notes and plenty of ripe fruit. This reminded me of the French Grenache style, light, easy and very satisfying. This is also a steal at $15. We’ll be on the lookout for more wines from Navarra.

Territorial Pinot Noir from Willamette Valley

2014 Territorial Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley

Is it possible to have a good party without serving Willamette Valley Pinot Noir? I guess it is theoretically possible, but we didn’t want to take a chance.

This Pinot from Territorial Vineyards is juicy with plenty of savory notes. We served it with rosemary seasoned chicken sausage with grilled apples and gouda. The acidity and tannins are knit together well in a balanced wine with plum and blueberry flavors.

Eighteen months in French oak is the crowning touch for this beautiful bottle. It is well priced at $26.

2016 Dry Creek Vineyard Meritage, Dry Creek Valley

Dry Creek Vineyard Meritage has long been one of our favorite wines. It’s a blend of some of California’s best grapes and this Sonoma wine comes with a much lower price tag than its Napa Valley neighbors. In 1985, Dry Creek Vineyard was the first to produce a wine with “Meritage” on its label.

The 2016 vintage is 65% Merlot, 16% Cabernet Franc, 10% Malbec and is rounded out with Petit Verdot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine is aged for 20 months in a combination of French, Hungarian and American oak and so it needs to open up to be fully enjoyed.

The drinker is rewarded with big flavors of black cherry and currant with some spice and leather notes. Just beautiful! This wine is priced at $30 and is also a good pick to cellar for three to five years.

Laughing Stock Blind Trust hides its blend under its capsule

2011 Laughing Stock Blind Trust, Okanagan Valley

We had one more mystery for out “going rogue” tasting party crew. The Blind Trust wine from the British Columbia winery Laughing Stock doesn’t advertise its blending grapes. When I purchased the wine it was with  blind trust because we love wines from Okanagan Valley. The blend isn’t revealed until the bottle is opened and the capsule pulled away.

The Blind Trust was justified. This is a great wine with a blend of 47% Merlot, 31% Malbec, 12% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc and 4% Syrah for good measure. This wine has swirling minerality with beautiful herbal notes to give this a unique character. Blueberry and black cherry lead the way. 

Wines from Okanagan are outstanding, but few reach the US, unfortunately. The current vintage of Blind Trust is sold out (we’re not surprised!) so we recommend investing in the 2016 Portfolio, a nice Bordeaux style blend.

You don’t need our permission to “go rogue.” Just pick up a bottle or three and uncork!

Full disclosure: Some of this wine was provided as a marketing sample.