A Sommelier's Blog - Spanish Wine

“We are all mortal until the first kiss and the second glass of wine.”
~ Eduardo Galeano

Grape Du Jour:
Tempranillo [tem-prah-NEE-lyoh] An important red wine grape native to northern Spain and widely cultivated in the northern and central parts of the country. Tempanillo produces its best results in the cooler growing regions of Rioja Alavesa, Rioja Alta, Ribera del Duero, and parts of the Penedes. In these areas, Tempranillo can generate deep-colored wines with characteristics of strawberry, spice, and fresh tobacco. Since this varietal has low tannin and alcohol, it make for a great blending grape. In the Rioja, almost always blended with Garnacha, Mazuelo, and Graciano. Tempranillo is a perfect food wine due to the low tannins. Anything grilled or fried goes great with varietal. Even the dish of Spain, Paella, is a perfect match. This grape used to be the everyday wine for northern Spain. It was treated as such while Cabernet, Merlot and other grapes were grown to compete on the world market. Spanish laws were changed and the quality of Tempranillo improved and some of the younger winemakers made it a priority to bring this to the quality levels needed for recognition on the world wine scene. Nowadays, Tempranillo is made into some of the best wines in the world. Enjoy!!
Recommendations:
Bodegas Arrocal, Arrocal 2008, Ribera del Duero, Spain  88 wlp
Bodegas Lasbastida, Montebueno Rioja, Rioja, Spain  85 wlp
Bodegas Muga, Reserva, Rioja, Spain 92 wlp
These wines and a lot more Spanish beauties are all available at The Wine Lover.

  
          
  
Well, how do we start talking about Spanish Wine? Once the scourge of Euro wine, now is one of the most approachable wines. Years and years of hard work have paid off and we can trust Spanish wines to reflect the beauty and flavors of the motherland. So many varietals, white and red, allow a choice to be made when thinking Spain for wine. Rioja's, Duero's, Toro's, Navarra's, Penedes are regions that are now turning out fantastic wines that are really value-driven. Spain is the place to go for food. They're on the top as far as molecular gastronomy cuisine goes, you know the foams and an egg that really isn't, Tapas, and Paella. Rustic meats and cheeses are the other way to go. Jamon and manchego, these are just the tip of the proverbial iceberg as far as Spanish food goes. Garnacha and Monastrell are the most planted red wine grapes with Tempranillo a close third. There are a bunch of other grapes that need a wee mention; Albarino is a white grape grown in the northwest corner of Spain in the Gallicia Region. Seafood is king here and the wine is made for all the fresh goodies that come out of the sea. Verdejo is another white grape that is crispy and stone-fruit driven. The Cava's, Spain's answer to champagne, are getting really good. Don't forget the Sherries and Fortified wines that are perfect with cheese and tapas. Spain has a lot to offer, check it out!!

How do feel about corkage? Restaurants are becoming more friendly to us bringing in our own wine for a small charge. I don't have a problem with this, since I do tend to bring in wine that will fit my meal better than what's offered most of the time. The one thing we have to remember is the service aspect. The waitstaff still has to get glasses, open the bottles, keep track of what wine is which glass. Basically, it can be a pain in the butt. Just remember to take of the staff as if you ordered the wine on premise. Some places will waive a corkage if you order a bottle there. Just ask what the deal is with corkage when you make the reservation. Let me know what you think!

Since we are talking Spanish wines, The Wine Lover will be having a Spanish wine Tasting on Saturday the 14th of May at 5:00pm. We will taste 5 wines and make Sangria from scratch. A Spanish cheese bar with some other treats will be available. All this for $25.00. Call 619.294.9200 for more info and reservations. Spots fill up quickly!!

Nick Z and Friends will be playing on Sunday the 1st of May, starting at 6:00pm. Come hang with Nick outside on the Patio. Should be fun!!
 

Cheers and Drink Good Wine!! 
Serge
The Wine Lover