image courtesy of Bodegas LAN
The COVID-19 pandemic may have put the kibosh on travel, but don’t let it stifle your wanderlust. Cocooned in my Manhattan living room, wine helps me to maintain a connection to the soul and soil of places that I love and to get acquainted with places I’ve yet to explore. Spain holds a special place in my heart. I studied in Barcelona and Toledo and those two years abroad changed my life in countless ways. From home-cooked meals lovingly prepared by my host family to tipsy tapas crawls with friends, Spain was my true introduction to the culinary and cultural importance of wine. During this time of social distancing, take your palate on an adventure to España. Stay safe, stay home, sip the world!
Ànima Negra “Quíbia” 2018 ($20)
Fresh and crisp, with a hint of sexy salinity, Ànima Negra “Quíbia” 2018 is an off-the-beaten-path sip from the island of Mallorca. A blend of the indigenous grapes Callet, Premsal, and Muscat-Giró, it is a beautifully balanced white wine with loads of texture and finesse. I visited Mallorca many years ago and this wine brought back memories of its azure Mediterranean waters and balmy breezes.
Pagos del Galir Godello 2018 ($21)
Say hola to Godello! This gorgeous sip from the Valdeorras DO in Galicia, Spain is no wimpy white wine. Round and juicy, Pagos del Galir Godello 2018 has flavors of grapefruit, lemon zest, white melon, and a sassy touch of salinity. If you’ve never tasted Godello, this is a lovely introduction.
Baron de Ley Varietales Tempranillo Rioja 2017 ($11)
This charmer from Rioja has round and rich red fruit flavors that are balanced by a hint of spice and earth. Juicy with great acidity and a long finish, this is a lovely wine at a fantastic price.
Bodegas LAN "Culmen" Reserva Rioja 2011 ($69)
Ready to splurge? Yes, Culmen is on the pricier side, but this special wine is worth it. First produced in 1994, the Latin name Culmen was chosen to signal that this wine is a culmination of fine winemaking, a wine at the apex of authenticity and elegance. A blend of 88% Tempranillo and 12% Graciano from a single parcel of old vines that are 40-60 years old, Culmen Reserva 2011 was aged for 26 months in new French oak barrels yet retains an impressive freshness and vitality. Constantly evolving in the glass, Culmen takes your palate on a journey. Sultry red and black fruit flavors and accents of spice, licorice, earth, and smoke make Culmen a complete and captivating wine experience.
Harveys Bristol Cream Solera Sherry ($17)
Although Harveys Bristol Cream has been around since 1882 and is the best-selling Sherry in the world, I had never tasted it until recently. Well, this oldie but goodie is quite the little charmer. Sweet but not sticky, it has gorgeous nutty flavors along with rich flavors of figs, honey, raisin, caramel, and toffee. A sweet ending to a day of social distancing!
