Category: Tempranillo
October 23rd, 2016 by admin
My search for wine takes me all over the world. From time to time I happen to get some education in the process. Here’s what my BFF and I learned whilst visiting England.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Posted in Featured, Podcast, Tempranillo
April 26th, 2014 by admin
There is a reason Rioja, Spain has dominated Spain’s love for wine. It’s the one religion that treats wine like water. In fact, it’s more expensive to order bottled water or Coke-a-Cola then a glass of red wine? Yes, believe it, if only this would apply in the US, I’d be one happier and wealthier gal.
Not all of Rioja is created equally. This region is split into three parts: Rioja Baja, Rioja Alta, and Rioja Alavesa. You don’t need to ask my twice, my favorite sub region in Rioja is Alavesa. This hidden gem is something I hope never becomes exploited as its micro-climates make the wines spectacular and out of character with what most understand or believe Rioja to be.
Today’s, spring visit to Rioja consisted of a visit to a very small intimate visit to a 6 generations wine makers in the middle of nowhere. We stopped in to enjoy several glasses of wine. From their newly planted white wine to their 60 year-old vine red wine, I’m lucky to have my own private showing of the vineyard and partake in the family rituals of breaking bread and drinking wine.
My favorite part of living and traveling through Spain’s wine regions, is the seeds that I plant with my wonderful Spanish people once we uncork a bottle of wine. Each bottle tells a story and I listen to what it has to say. I ask myself in each of my travels, how lucky am I to drink, socialize, and export wine for a living? The answer is simple, Very lucky!
Posted in Featured, Spain, Tempranillo Tagged with: Featured, Rioja, Spring 2014
April 26th, 2012 by admin
Even after years of spending time in the wine country of northern Spain, I continue to visit Ribera del Duero and fall in love with it every time. This spring was a bit different as I took an unexpected road trip to Ribera del Duero with some very special wine experts. The wine universe put one of Spain’s top leading wine critics in my path: Mr. Andres Proesnsa. I consider him to be the Robert Parker of the Spanish wine world, and although some may argue this, he is no doubt an expert on Spanish wines.
My divine experience with Mr. Proesna was unforgettable… we broke bread together, enjoyed wine, and talked shop. Oh, did I mention the 50+ wines we tasted during an intense 2 hour period? I couldn’t have dreamt up anything better than this experience. Honestly speaking, I found it funny how, in the middle of our conversation, we both smiled at each other and saw nothing but purple…. You know life is good when you share purple lips and teeth.
I invite all Spanish wine lovers to read the electronic version of Mr. Proensa’s wine guide.
Posted in Featured, Spain, Tempranillo
September 16th, 2010 by admin
I just can’t contain myself when I find great “Every Day” wines for a bargain!
1. Category: Vibrant
2. Wine Type: Blend Tempranillo (80%), Granacha (5%), Mazuelo (5%) and Graciano
3. Country: Rioja, Spain
4. Price: $6.99
5. Notes: Yet another find that has Rioja written all over it. This blend called Antaño has plenty of character without the attitude. You’ll find vibrant rich black cherry flavors finished with vanilla notes with every sip. Can be enjoyed with pasta or chicken dish. At $6.99 a bottle, I’m keeping a few in my stash.
Posted in < $10, Featured, Graciano, Granacha, Mazuelo, Spain, Tempranillo Tagged with: Blend, Spanish
Cheers to you Antonio Banderas! Anta a10 is wonderful.
From the moment I could sniff the wine glass, I was impressed and my only thought was, “please don’t disappoint on the delivery”. Oh what a surprise! The wine delivered and had a long French oak finish. Full of character and flavor. I highly recommend the Anta a10 blend! I still need to try the others.
Posted in < $30, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Spain, Tempranillo Tagged with: Blend, Ribera del Duero
January 6th, 2010 by admin
1. Category: Toasty
2. Wine Type: Tempranillo
3. Country: Spain – Jumilla
4. Price: $15
5. Notes: On a cold day in the Midwest, this particular bottle of Tempranillo is just comforting. It has plenty of dark rip fruit flavors along with some hints of vanilla, but the comforting part comes with the nice touch of nutmeg and clove somewhere in between. This 2004 vintage 2004 Crianza can keep me warm anytime!
Posted in < $15, Featured, Spain, Tempranillo Tagged with: Featured
January 5th, 2010 by admin
January 4, 2010 Weekly Wine Pick – Lagranja 2008
Lagranja 2008 -Tempranillo
1. Category: Juicy
2. Wine Type: Tempranillo
3. Country: Spain
4. Price: $3.99
5. Notes: Don’t pay attention to the label! This Tempranillo is going to impress you for the price – seriously a RECESSION proof wine. This juicy wine goes down smoothly, has character, and ends even better than when it started …all for just $3.99 (Trader Joe’s) . Does it get any better than this?
Posted in < $5, Spain, Tempranillo
