Los Angeles Wine-Wine Tasting - Wines from Spain

Wines of Spain

Cost per flight per person: $15.00 ($7.50 for Wine Club Members)

Naia Verdijo 2006, Rueda, Spain- Bright lemon color. Great nose of lanolin, vanilla biscuits, lemon curd and minerals. Chalky minerality frames a myriad of citrus flavors. Very minerally and deep. This wine is light and crisp, and works best when paired with food of this ilk. A spiced sautéed shrimp and rice pilaf or a grilled piece of Sea Bass would complement this wine well.

Cune Rioja Rosado 2007, Rioja, Spain – This rosé is a lovely strawberry pink color. The nose and palate are loaded with succulent strawberry, peach blossom and melon notes nuanced with tangerine tones. Hints of honey, chalk, spice and glycerin add depth. The finish is refreshing with cantaloupe and citrus flavors and helps make this wine ideal for casual summer fare, whether with lunch, dinner or savory snacks in between.

Cune Rioja Crianza “Vina Real” 2004, Rioja, Spain – Full bodied, featuring aromas of morello cherry, ruby red, good intensity. Ripe autumn red and purple fruit, raspberries. Well structured on the palate with plenty of fine, lingering rich fruit and a lively note of tannin. The finish is elegant and long. A focused, leaner style that is very food friendly.

Marques de Reala Grenache 2006, Camp de Borja, Spain – We are featuring this wonderful Grenache once again. It is an outstanding Grenache from winemaker Roberto Perez Martinez. The wine is ruby red and medium bodied, offering aromas of red cherry and strawberries, an invitation to take a sip to discover the spicy fruit within. A truly versatile wine, try pairing with BBQ chicken wings, roasted game hen, sautéed pork chops or Calamari with tomato sauce. Mild to medium cheeses work best with this fruity/spicy wine.

Luzon Monastrall/Syrah 2005, Jumilla, Spain - 88 Points from Parker! He says..." a blend of 65% Mourvedre and 35% Syrah that exhibits a dark ruby/purple color in addition to loads of blackberry and cassis fruit, good ripeness and richness, decent acidity, and a freshness undoubtedly due to the vineyards’ lofty altitudes of 2,000-2,300 feet.“ The tannic structure of this wine demands richer foods with plenty of spice. Barbequed Chipotle Chicken would be perfect!