Wine With Wanda

Las Moradas de San Martín Showcases the Beauty of Old-Vine Garnacha

Isabel Galindo, winemaker for Las Moradas de San Martín 

My recent Instagram Live chat with Isabel Galindo, winemaker for Las Moradas de San Martín, inspired me to give her a nickname: La Reina de Garnacha (Queen of Garnacha.) Isabel makes Garnacha that sings in the glass. There's nothing generic about the wines of Las Moradas. Made from old-vine Garnacha, with some vines more than 100-years-old, the wines of Las Moradas tell a story of terroir and winemaking that respects nature. Located just one hour from Madrid, Las Moradas is an oasis that feels a world away from the hustle and bustle of city life. I visited Las Moradas in 2017 and it is a treasure. 

Isabel describes Las Moradas Garnacha as "wines that grow"; they may seem a bit timid in the beginning, but they open and reveal the fullness of their personality as you sip. Watch our conversation on IGTV, YouTube, or below to learn more about the wines of Las Moradas de San Martín, Isabel's tasting notes, and her pairing suggestions. Hint: you may want to get some delicious Jamón Ibérico! 

During our chat, we tasted Senda 2016 ($15.99) and Initio 2013 ($12.99). Don't let the affordable prices fool you; these organically-farmed old-vine Garnacha wines have integrity and really over-deliver. Senda is fresher and younger, but hints of herbs and a perceptible minerality add an elegant structure to its bright red fruit flavors. Initio takes it up a notch; it is richer and more complex, with layers of red & black fruit, herbs, licorice, graphite and cocoa, but it is not a heavy wine, and lively acidity keeps Initio soaring. Tasting them side-by-side is a delicious lesson in detecting the nuances of wine and understanding the expressive range of Garnacha. 

Sip and Savor a Magical Place in Spain with Secastilla Garnacha 2014

Oh, the stories that old vines tell. Are you listening? Secastilla Garnacha 2014 ($39.99) reveals a captivating tale of 100-year-old Garnacha vines, tucked away like a precious treasure, in a majestic hilltop vineyard in an ancient valley in Somontano, Spain.

I’ve visited Secastilla three times and it always feels like a fairy tale. And while every good fairy tale has a castle, Secastilla has seven -- its name, Septcastelum in Latin, was inspired by the seven castles that once dominated the landscape. The actual structures may be gone but you can feel the magnetic pull of this land that inspired the Romans to lay claim to it. There’s an undeniable magic in Secastilla’s fresh mountain air, soaring altitude, and stony soils. You can taste it in the wine.

Full of soul and spirit, Secastilla Garnacha 2014 has an impressive purity. It displays a crispness and freshness that connects directly to the flavor of a perfectly ripened Garnacha grape plucked from those hardy centenarian vines. Aged for 10 months in French oak, that time in wood beautifully enhances the flavor of the Garnacha without obscuring its essence. A beguiling balance of finesse and rusticity, Secastilla Garnacha envelops the palate with rich & juicy fruit and a tinge of spice wrapped around a stony mineral core. Delicious now, this vino has the structure and finesse needed to age gracefully. I think time will only reveal more of its charms.

Under the leadership of Viñas del Vero winemaker and manager Jose Ferrer, the 2012 vintage of Secastilla Garnacha was recognized as the best red wine in Spain at the International Wine Challenge. Jose never imagined that one day that he would make wine in the very same vineyards he wandered as a child with his father. 

Secastilla is never far from my mind but my thoughts wander there with more frequency during the winter months when the cold and dark seem to be in collusion to steal my joy. A bottle of Secastilla Garnacha instantly brings me back to those blissful moments walking the vineyards and touching the gnarly old vines that yield such beautiful fruit. And I’ve had the privilege of walking that special land each time with one of my favorite winemakers, Jose Ferrer.

If you’re planning a trip to Spain, I highly recommend traveling the Somontano wine route. Located in the northeast of Spain, south of the Pyrenees on the natural border with France, Somontano produces a diverse selection of high-quality wines. In addition to the stunning natural beauty of the vineyards, the region has great shops, places to dine, and tasting rooms. Aren’t you ready to create your own Spanish fairy tale?

Soul, Style, Somontano: Viñas del Vero's Wines Are an Intriguing Taste of Spain

 Living la vida Somontano! A spread of fresh and authentic Spanish cuisine paired with Secastilla Garnacha in their stunning vineyard in Somontano. 

Traveling in the name of wine brings so much joy to my life but sometimes writing about the places and people that have secured a place in my wine-loving heart is a daunting task. Finding the right words to adequately describe a transcendent moment can feel like an exercise in futility. Call me melodramatic, but this is how I feel as I stare at my computer screen and struggle to write about my recent visit to Viñas del Vero winery in the Somontano region of Spain. Write, delete. Write, delete. Remembering the advice of an old boss that told me more than once, "Wanda, sometimes done is better than perfect," I plunge ahead. Imperfectly yet passionately, here I go! 

Let's start with some key facts. Somontano is located in the northeast of Spain at the foot of the Pyrenees, in the province of Huesca in Aragón. Somontano means "beneath the mountain" and the Pyrenees mountains provide a natural border with France. Viñas del Vero, one of Somontano's most important and celebrated producers, is part of the prestigious González Byass family of wineries. 

Elegant, rich, and refreshing La Miranda Secastilla Garnacha Blanca 2017 (around $17) is a charming expression of the complex flavors of the grapes grown in Viñas del Vero's high-altitude Secastilla vineyard. 

These 2008, 2013, and 2018 vintages of Viñas del Vero Chardonnay showcased the aging capacity of these well-made wines from Somontano. 

Somontano stands out not only for producing some of Spain's highest quality wines but also for its incredible viticultural diversity. Somontano's unique terroir makes it ideal for growing a wide variety of grapes, including Garnacha, Gerwürztraminer, Chardonnay, Merlot, and more. Few places in Spain can match Somontano's powerful two-punch of quality & diversity. Whenever I recommend wines from Somontano, Viñas del Vero's diverse portfolio of wines tops my list. 

Secastilla

One of Viñas del Vero's most precious treasures is their old-vine, high-altitude vineyard in Secastilla valley, in the far north-eastern limits of Somontano. I first visited Secastilla in 2017 and have been blessed with the opportunity to return two more times -- most recently in the spring of 2019. Secastilla is a place that both soothes and exhilarates my soul. For me, Secastilla expresses the essence and power of wine as a source of pleasure and peace. Vines were first planted here by the Romans in the 1st century BC and the name Secastilla references the seven castles that once dominated the landscape. 

"Apart from being a way of life, the best thing about wine is the passion or the hook it puts in you. It is not only work, but enjoyment." 
José Ferrer, winemaker and manager, Viñas del Vero

I've become such a familiar face at Viñas del Vero's winery and vineyard, winemaker and general manager José Ferrer joked that perhaps I should lead the tour instead of him. A winemaking genius, José is humble and charming. I never tire of hearing about his elaborate barrel aging process for their high end Blecua wines or climbing the steep slopes of Secastilla and touching the 100-year-old vines that are the foundation of their award-winning Garnacha. José's connection to this land is authentic and intense. He never imagined that one day he would lead winemaking in the same vineyards he wandered as a child. José is absolutely sincere when he says that he wants all of Viñas del Vero's wines to be an expression of their land. He could never imagine doing it any other way; Somontano is in his soul.

Old Garnacha vine at Secastilla

More than once I've joked with friends that should I ever run away, chances are that you'll find me in Spain, and Somontano is one of the first places they should look! Just a few hours by car from Barcelona, I highly recommend a visit to Somontano and time at Viñas del Vero is a must. They have a wonderful tasting room and their visitor experiences include tastings and vineyard tours, including by Segway. During the harvest season, guests can experience the incredible process of picking and pressing grapes. 

Of course, you don't have to cross the ocean to get a taste of Viñas del Vero's wines. You can take your palate on a tasting adventure to Somontano from the comfort of your living room. 


La Miranda Secastilla Garnacha 2016 is an excellent introduction to the house style. Crafted from high-altitude old vines; its purity of expression and elegant concentration of flavor is impressive. Wonderful now, this wine has the structure needed to age beautifully. This wine has quite a legacy -- the 2012 vintage was honored as the Best Red Wine in Spain at the International Wine Challenge.  

I must confess to an obsession with Blecua. I don't only consider it one of Spain's most impressive wines, it's a tremendous wine by any measure. José considers Blecua 2010 the finest wine he has ever made. and said, "Keeping in mind that it is a wine with two years of aging and that is made with the best of the best of the best of the best. It is not only a wine of the vineyard, but also of the winery. It requires a lot of reflection on what to save and what to give up. It is a winemaker´s wine." First produced in 1997 and only in the best vintages, for me Blecua is the wine that best expresses Somontano's ability to produce world-class and awe-inspiring wines.

Smiles and wines are in abundance whenever I see José Ferrer on my visits to Somontano! His talent, passion, and connection to the region imbue the wines of Viñas del Vero with authentic character. 

I stand by the words I wrote in 2017 when I tasted Blecua for the first time. "Like an artist working with a palette, José approaches Blecua creatively and the red blend changes with each vintage. Blecua involves a triple selection process of choosing the best vineyard sites, best grape bunches, and the best barrels. Barrel selection is an integral part of the Blecua process and José experiments with aging the grapes in French and American oak with varying levels of char before making the final selection. The end result is a sophisticated wine with tremendous approachability and aging ability." What's changed since then is that Blecua is now available in the United States - thank goodness! 

The beauty of the Viñas del Vero portfolio is that it truly has a wine for every mood, meal, and budget. Whether you are enjoying a simple picnic or haute cuisine, their wines enhance the experience. Only time will tell if my travels will bring me back to Somontano again but I know the region's wines, especially those from Viñas del Vero, will always be a part of my life. Authentic and delicious, each sip keeps me connected to a place in Spain that has become very special to me. 

To learn more about Somontano and Viñas del Vero, read my articles Seduced By Somontano: My Unforgettable Wine Adventure in Spain and All Roads Lead to Garnacha: A Wine Lover's Journey Through Spain and France. 

A Wine That Sparks Memories: Secastilla Garnacha 2010

 

For Proust, a bite of a madeleine cookie triggered a flood of memories. For me, it was a sip of Secastilla Garnacha 2010 that transported me back to a very special day in Spain. Around this time last year, I made my second visit to Somontano, in northeast Spain, to tour Viñas del Vero's majestic Secastilla vineyards. A few nights ago, vivid memories of that trip came flooding back as I sat in my Manhattan living room sipping Secastilla Garnacha.

Secastilla Garnacha 2010 ($39.99)

I could smell the fertile fragrance of Secastilla's rain-drenched air and hear the staccato pitter-patter of raindrops on the roof of the tiny cabin where our group sought refuge. We nourished ourselves with laughter and thin slices of jamón that glistened with luscious threads of fat. I could feel the awkwardly comforting sensation of a stranger's bulky rubber boots on my feet because Secastilla's kind and observant winemaker, José Ferrer, had deemed my soaked sandals ill-suited for a trek in the mucky vineyard and tasked his colleagues with finding me more appropriate footwear. For anyone who doubts that wine can trigger a strong emotional response, they just haven't found their Secastilla: a wine with the power to transport you back in time. 

Award-winning wiinemaker José Ferrer. The 2012 vintage of Secastilla Garnacha was recognized as the best red wine in Spain at the International Wine Challenge.

A visit to Secastilla is not required to appreciate the transcendent beauty and superb quality of this wine. 100% Garnacha sourced from 100-year old-vines, Secastilla 2010 elegantly expresses the unique terroir of this magical valley overlooked by seven ancient castles that are the inspiration for its name. Exceptionally talented winemaker José Ferrer has crafted a wine that lives up to the splendor of these surroundings and conveys a genuine sense of this other-worldly vineyard that soars 700 meters high at the foot of the Pyrenees, embraced by almond and olive groves. Rich yet graceful, 10 months of aging in French oak imbues Secastilla Garnacha 2010 with a tinge of spice but does not overwhelm the rich and vibrant fruit flavors of black cherry with a touch of brambly forest fruits and licorice. A perfect red wine to pair with the heartier flavors of fall, Secastilla 2010 may inspire you to embark on an unforgettable journey to this magical place.  


I don't think I've ever been so happy to be caught in the rain -- the magic of Secastilla! 

All Roads Lead to Garnacha: A Wine Lover's Journey Through Spain and France

Organic and gorgeous Garnacha grapes at Las Moradas de San Martín in Spain. 

Spain and France may speak different languages but these two wine-loving cultures are bound by Garnacha. Known as Grenache in French, Garnacha is one of the most widely planted grapes in the world but it truly thrives in its place of origin: the hot and dry Mediterranean terrain of eastern Spain and southern France. (It also has a strong presence in the Italian region of Sardinia where it is called Cannonau.)

For many years, Garnacha was best known as a blending grape but it is finally in the spotlight as a superb single varietal sip with the power and presence to stand on its own. An amazingly versatile grape that can produce a dynamic range of white, rosé, red, and fortified wines; there truly is a Garnacha/Grenache for every palate. Recently, I traveled to several regions of Spain and to Roussillon in the south of France for an unparalleled Garnacha adventure. You don't need a passport to go on your very own Garnacha/Grenache tasting tour, many of my suggested wines can be found at your local wine shop. Others may require some effort, or a trip abroad, but they're worth it. 

Madrid

 Las Moradas de San Martín winemaker Isabel Galindo speaks of the soil, vines, and wine as being alive. Isabel has a minimalist approach to winemaking so that Garnacha is the star and not overpowered.

My Garnacha journey began in Spain, about an hour from Madrid, at Las Moradas de San Martín. Garnacha is Spain's most widely planted wine grape but I had no idea that vineyards existed so close to the bustling metropolis of Madrid and that there is actually a Vinos de Madrid D.O. (Denominación de Origen). Committed to organic and sustainable wine production, Las Moradas is striking for its seemingly lack of human intervention. Instead of perfectly aligned rows of vines, these hardy and gnarled Garnacha vines just seem to be touched by Mother Nature and allowed to follow their own path. With vines averaging 70-80 years old and some as old as 100, Las Moradas is an Eden of Garnacha.



 Las Moradas de San Martín Initio 2010 ($20) is a stellar example of Garnacha's elegance, personality, and aging potential. Amazingly fresh and vibrant at 8 years old, I agree with the winemaker that the wine tastes alive. Intense and concentrated red fruit flavors are bolstered by hints of the wild herbs and flowers that share the idyllic terrain with the grapevines. 

Cariñena


Still in Spain, we followed the Garnacha trail to Cariñena, in the heart of the Ebro Valley, in Zaragoza/Aragon. Cariñena may not be a household name but it certainly has history - wine has been produced there since the Roman era and it received DO status in 1932. Cariñena's high-altitude vineyards with ancient stone soils and old vines, produce wines with complexity, depth, and character. The region's dramatic swings in temperature promote even ripening of the grapes and flavor development. Almost 100% of the region's production focuses on red wines.


Bodegas San Valero Particular Viñas Centenarias 2012 ($12.99) is an excellent introduction to the impressive and affordable wines of Cariñena. Limited-production from their oldest vines (100 years old!), this vino is rich and complex. 

Another old-vine beauty, Bodegas Paniza Viñas Viejas 2012 ($13) is made with high-altitude, old vines that are up to 100 years old. Rich fruit with a touch of smoky spice.  

Campo de Borja

There would be no wine without the hardworking men and women that harvest the grapes. Such a beautiful smile from this gentleman working the rocky soils of Fuendejalón for Bodegas Aragonesas. 

A very confident Campo de Borja has deemed themselves the "Great Empire of Garnacha!" Established in 1990, this relatively young DO has more than 16,000 acres under vine in the Zaragoza/Aragon region and is celebrated for red Garnacha wines that are fresh and energetic. Bodegas Aragonesas has a passionate devotion to Garnacha and say, "We express our love of Garnacha both on the land and in the winery. We know that it is an essential part of our heritage, and we do our best to continuously improve our methods of cultivation and winemaking."



Bodegas Aragonesas produces one of my favorite Garnacha wines from Spain - Coto de Hayas Garnacha Centenaria 2016 ($11). Consistently delicious, this super juicy and delightfully fresh vino captures the vitality and joy of Garnacha from Campo de Borja. 

Calatayud 

 Dynamic young winemakers Jorge Temprado and Juanvi Alcañiz are making wonderfully expressive wines with Garnacha at Bodegas San Alejandro in Calatayud.

"Regal reds from a rugged land" is an apt description of wines from Calatayud in Zaragoza/Aragon. The Calatayud DO was established in 1990 but vine cultivation in this steep mountainous area dates back to the 2nd century BC. Founded in 1962, Bodegas San Alejandro is one of the most important wineries in the region. Old vines combined with soaring altitudes create wines with impressive structure and minerality. 


Bodegas San Alejandro Las Rocas Garnacha 2015 ($17.99) is an excellent expression of terroir and elegant winemaking. A big, juicy, and spicy wine that captures the energy of Calatayud's soaring vineyards. 

Terra Alta



Smiling faces and stunning landscapes at Cellers Unió vineyards in Terra Alta. 

White and red Garnacha with a Catalan flair is the hallmark of Terra Alta. Established as a DO in 1984, Terra Alta is "where Garnacha reigns in red and white." Recognized for their crisp and mineral-rich white wines since the 19th century, red Garnacha wines from this mountainous region in the province of Tarragona elegantly express intense red fruit flavors with a streak of minerality. Cellers Unió credits the local winds “cerç” and “garbí” for refreshing the grapes in the region's hot summers and preventing illnesses.


Fresh and frisky with crisp minerality and a touch of cream, Unió Corporació
Alimentaria Clos Dalian Garnacha Blanca 2016 ($9.99) captures the Terra Alta style. 

Somontano

A fairy tale view of the vineyards at Secastilla in Somontano. 

A magical and beautiful region in the northeast of Spain, Somontano is a powerhouse for quality winemaking. South of the Pyrenees in Huesca/Aragon, on the natural border with France, the dry climate, cold winters, hot summers, and diversity of soil types make Somontano an ideal location for the cultivation of many grape varieties. Somontano is celebrated for its prowess in producing everything from Gewurztraminer to Merlot but the region also boasts some of Spain's finest Garnacha. 


Viñas del Vero is one of Somontano's most esteemed wineries and their astoundingly vibrant and balanced Secastilla Garnacha 2012 was honored as the Best Red Wine in Spain at the International Wine Challenge. (2010 vintage currently available in the US for $29.99.)

As a child, Viñas del Vero winemaker José Ferrer grew up visiting the vineyards of Secastilla with his father and now he is one of Spain's most celebrated winemakers. Extremely talented and endearingly humble, José's wines display grace, passion, and emotion. 

Viñas del Vero also produces a superb white Garnacha, La Miranda de Secastilla Blanco 2015 ($16).

Roussillon: In France, Garnacha is Grenache

Quiet a view from Domaine La Tour Vieille in Collioure, a picturesque town in French Catalonia on the Mediterranean coast, just north of the Spanish border. 

Cross the border and Garnache becomes Grenache. To experience Grenache-centric wines with a bit of ooh la la, we traveled to France's sunniest region; Roussillon. Shaped like an amphitheater and nestled in the South of France between Spain, the Mediterranean Sea, the Pyrenees & the Corbières Mountains, Roussillon is known for its diversity of wines & terroirs. Roussillon's various micro-climates beautifully showcase how Grenache is an excellent vessel for expressing the nuances of terroir. The region of France most committed to organic viticulture and biodynamic practices, Roussillon excels in presenting Grenache in all its splendor. 

Wine aging in glass demi-johns at Mas Amiel in Roussillon

Roussillon is France's largest producer of Vins Doux Naturels (Sweet Fortified Wines) that are PDO Certified (Protected Designation of Origen). One of the traditional methods of producing these unique wines is to accelerate their aging by placing the wine outside in glass demi-johns, rarely for more than a year, before they are taken inside to continue aging in casks, barrels, or tanks. Mas Amiel, an impressive estate with 200 years of history, has an impressive portfolio of fortified oxidized wines. 

90% Black Grenache, Mas Amiel '69 AOP Maury was aged for one year outside in glass demi-johns and another 38 years in oak casks. The grapes were harvested manually and de-stemmed. Extra alcohol was added, in a process known as mutage, directly onto the fruit and steeped for 30 days to extract the rich aromas and polyphenols from the grapes. An aromatic and voluptuous sweet wine that beautifully balances fruit, alcohol and sugar and shows the aging power of these wines. (The 1985 vintage is available in the US for about $85). 

Mas Amiel winemaker Nicolas Raffy with a bottle of their 2009 Vintage Charles Dupuy AOP Maury. 100% Grenache from vines dating back to 1914, this stunning and complex wine is named after the gentleman who acquired the estate in 1907. 

Domaine La Tour Vieille produces the Grenache based fortified dessert wine Banyuls. This Reserva Banyuls ($30) starts its journey in glass jars (demi-johns) that are aged for one year outdoors and then blended together into one tank. The final blend for each Reserva bottling includes this tank and wine with various other vintages from barrels and foudre (large wooden vats). 

Emmanuel Cazes, great-grandson of the winery's founder, joined the family business in 1997 and was an important part of Domaine Cazes' conversion to biodynamic and organic winemaking. 

Of course, Roussillon offers much more than sweet wines and their dry Grenache wines are exceptional and Cazes is the perfect place to begin your tasting journey. Founded in 1895, Cazes is located between the Pyrenees and the Mediterranean, in the heart of Roussillon in Rivesaltes. In 2005, Cazes became a certified organic and biodynamic estate. 

A blend of white and grey Grenache, Les Clos de Paulilles Blanc 2016 is graceful and refreshing with a sturdy mineral streak. 


Domaine Cazes Ego 2014 is a classic blend of Grenache, Syrah, and 10% Mourvèdre. Ripe and rich with hints of Mediterranean herbs and plush tannins. 

During dinner in Perpignan, winemaker Jean-Roger Calvet of Domaine Thunevin-Calvet shared a bottle of his Maury 2014, a Vins Doux Naturels made from 100% Grenache Noir. In 2001, Jean-Roger had a fortuitous meeting with Jean-Luc Thunevin of Château Valandraud in St Emilion. Their first vintage was vinified in a garage, today they have 60 hectares and none of their vines are treated with pesticides or fertilizers.  


Domaine Thunevin-Calvet Cuvée Les Trois Marie 2011 is an elegant and sexy 100% Grenache Noir wine. 

"Winemakers around the world can do nothing without great tasting grapes, and great grapes need fantastic terroir. After seeing some of the world’s best, we realised that our own land, The Roussillon, had the potential to be considered among the finest terroirs of the world." - Jean-Marc Lafage

It isn't an exaggeration to call Jean-Marc and Eliane Lafage the winemaking power couple of Roussillon. These partners in wine, love, and life have traveled the world together making wine and realized their native land, Roussillon, had some of the best terroir and grapes in the world. Lafage's large portfolio of wines is a living encyclopedia of the region's viticulture. White, sparkling, red, dry, sweet; Lafage makes them all. Their land is an extended part of their family and they treat it with respect and invest a great deal of time in knowing the unique personality traits and microclimates of each plot. Their white wine Centenaire ($11) blends Grenache Blanc & Gris with Roussanne from 97 year old vines. Centenaire is an impressive balance of floral, mineral, and maritime flavors. Their Maury 2013 is a powerful and rich sweet wine with exemplary balance. 



Proving that Spain and France are indeed bound by Garnacha/Grenache, Jean-Marc partners with Bodegas San Alejandro in Calatayud on their Evodia Garnacha ($11)!  

Oh, the sacrifices I make for wine. The rain was so very good for the Garnacha grapes in Secastilla but not so great for my hair!

Wine is history, art, love, life. It provides sustenance for the body and soul. As I traveled through Spain and France on the Garnacha/Grenache trail, I was reminded of wine's ineffable power to create an instant kinship and connection between people. A bond is often created when you share a bottle of wine with someone. Some connections end when the bottle is emptied and others last a lifetime.  In a world where so much conflict is caused by our fear of each other's differences, wine reminds us of our shared humanity and inspires us to focus on joy and beauty. We need more of that in the world. Of course, Garnacha/Grenache isn't the only wine that captures this feeling, but perhaps in its versatility and strength, there is something endearingly human about this grape. 

Seven Sexy Wines for Chilly Winter Nights, Not Just Valentine's Day!

 

Real romance isn't just a one-day phenomenon but at least Valentine's Day puts love and affection in the spotlight. We need more love in the world and the vibrant reds and good vibes of Valentine's Day brighten up the grey mood of winter. Chilly nights are the perfect time to share a bottle of wine with someone special. Heat things up on February 14th, and all winter long, with one of these sexy wines! 


Vilarnau Brut Reserva ($14.99)  

Your romantic soundtrack should include the sound of a popping cork! Share a bottle or two of beautiful Vilarnau Cava with your sweetie. Founded in 1949, Vilarnau is highly regarded for their superb expressions of Spain's famous sparkling wine.


Vilarnau Brut Reserva Rosé  ($15.99)

The colorful bottles of their Cava Brut Reserva and Rosé pay homage to Vilarnau's Catalan heritage with a design inspired by the iconic architect Antoni Gaudí. His monumental Basilica de La Sagrada Familia has yet to be completed but these two fresh and flirty bottles of sparkling wine are easy to finish. Dry and balanced with vibrant fruit and persistent fine bubbles, these bubblies are pretty delightful. 

Bonterra Organic Vineyards Viognier 2016 ($16)

Rich and luscious with flavors of vibrant juicy peaches & apricots with sassy hints of cream and spice, I have a crush on this organic California beauty from Mendocino County.

Gérard Bertrand Grand Terroir Les Aspres 2013 ($20.99)
An unabashedly sexy blend of Syrah, Mourvédre, and Grenache, this silky and earthy red from Roussillon, in the sunny south of France, will add some ooh la la to your evening. 

Left Coast Cellars Latitude 45 Estate Pinot Noir 2015 ($38)

Wow someone special with this absolutely elegant Pinot Noir from the Willamette Valley (Oregon). Beautifully crafted from grapes (Dijon clones) grown in a vineyard that is directly on the 45th parallel, like many of the world's greatest wine regions, this wine is a classic beauty with the timeless finesse of Fred Astaire. 


Frescobaldi Nipozzano Vecchie Viti Chianti Rufina Riserva DOCG 2013 ($24)

Pour a little love, Italian style, with this terrific Tuscan vino. Sourced from the oldest and most deeply-rooted vines of Frescobaldi’s thousand-year old Nipozzano estate, it blends Sangiovese with kisses of Malvasia Nera, Colorino, and Canaiolo. Silky and sultry with rich red berry flavors and hints of spice and cocoa, this is what la dolce vita tastes like! (I sampled the 2013 vintage but 2014 is currently available.)



Imagery Estate Winery Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.99)
A juicy red from Sonoma (California), Imagery blends classic Cabernet Sauvignon with a bit of racy Petite Sirah. Smooth with a subtle pop of spice, it strikes the perfect balance between plush and polished. 

Warm Up with Wine: 5 Sizzling Reds for Chilly Winter Nights

Baby, it's cold outside! Warm up these chilly winter nights with a hearty but elegant bottle of red wine. My five picks from Argentina, Spain, Italy, France, and the USA are certain to tastefully thaw you out! 

Bodega Norton "Privada" Family Blend 2014 ($26)
Mendoza, Argentina
The first taste of this beautiful wine transported me back to my 2015 visit to Bodega Norton in Mendoza and each sip carried me further along on that journey. But even if you've never been to Mendoza, this superb vino is an excellent example of the region's commitment to quality winemaking. Privada blends Argentina's signature variety Malbec with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon to create a wine that is rich and silky with great balance. Luscious with dark berry flavors and an earthy thread of cocoa and coffee, Privada is complex but approachable. Founded in 1895, Bodega Norton has been owned since 1989 by the Austrian family that owns the glittering Swarovski crystal empire. Privada was once reserved for the family's private cellar and I'm thrilled that they opted to share it! And if you're planning a trip to Mendoza, I highly recommend a tour & tasting at Bodega Norton. Be sure to save room for the mouthwatering empanadas at their restaurant La Vid. 

Viña Real Rioja Reserva 2013 ($31.99)
Rioja, Spain
 Rioja is Spain's most famous wine region but that doesn't mean that the wines are homogenous -- there is a wide range of quality and styles. If you've ever doubted Rioja's ability to express finesse, depth, and personality, Viña Real will convince you. A blend of mostly Tempranillo with kisses of Garnacha, Graciano, and Mazuelo; this fantastic vino strikes that perfect balance between elegance and earthiness. Matured in a mix of American and French oak casks for about 22 months before being bottled, the wine is not overwhelmed by the wood but is beautifully enhanced by this prolonged contact. Alive with luscious berry flavors and impressive minerality, Viña Real evolves eloquently in the glass and is alluring down to the last drop. 
 

Michel Chapoutier "Les Vignes de Bila-Haut" Côtes du Roussillon Villages 2016 ($15)
Roussillon, France
Who says that a superb French wine has to cost a small fortune? Acclaimed winemaker Michel Chapoutier has an impressive portfolio of wines at all price points but authenticity, quality, and respect for the environment are always the common denominator. Chapoutier is best known for his Rhône wines but his passion for the terroir of Roussillon led him to purchase an abandoned 190-acre estate there in 1999. Chapoutier passionately states that “Roussillon has the potential to be as great as Bordeaux, Burgundy or the Rhône.”  I agree. Just a few months ago I visited this picturesque region in the south of France, between Spain, the Mediterranean Sea, the Pyrenees & the Corbières Mountains; and I was impressed by the quality, diversity, and accessible price points of Roussillon's wines. A blend of Syrah, Grenache, and Carignan, Les Vignes de Bila-Haut is fresh, full, and juicy. Easy-drinking and elegant with a perfect balance of rich plum and berry flavors with sassy dashes of herbs and spices. 



Tasca d'Almerita "Lamùri" Nero d'Avola 2014 ($18.99)
Sicily, Italy
It isn't easy to capture the sexiness and sultriness of Sicily in a glass but this elegant red succeeds beautifully. Nero d'Avola is Sicily's signature grape and can produce wines of tremendous power but Lamúri beautifully balances that strength with grace. Rich and silky, Lamúri means love in Sicilian and this wine's seductive tapestry of dark fruit, spice, and herbs is easy to adore. 

Mauritson Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel 2014 ($35.00)
Sonoma, California
Drink well and do good with this delicious bottle of wine - all proceeds benefit the Sonoma County Resilience Fund to assist those impacted by the wildfires. A softer and more subdued style of Zinfandel, this California beauty has loads of rich berry flavors and Zinfandel's signature hints of black pepper and licorice.
 

From Rias Baixas to Rioja: Sip Spain with the Wines of Vintae

 
"At Vintae, we are restless, creative, and why not say it, rebellious. We currently make wine in fifteen different Spanish regions and we aspire to continue to revolutionize the world of wine without losing our family core." - Ricardo Arambarri 

Visit the Vintae website and within seconds it becomes clear that this is no old-fashioned and stuffy winery. Striking photos and videos of handsome Spanish men working the vineyards, making the wine, and sipping the vino, make Vintae a party that I want to be invited to! Each bottle of Vintae is an invitation to explore different winemaking regions of Spain and a reminder that wine is meant to bring joy to our lives and connect us together.

I recently had the pleasure of meeting one of the dashing young men of Vintae - Ricardo Arambarri. CEO and co-founder of Vintae, Ricardo's family has had ties to Rioja since the 18th century and worked in wine for generations. The Vintae story begins in 1999 when Ricardo's father, José Miguel, decided to follow the path of his ancestors and planted his first vineyard in Rioja. Today, his sons Ricardo and José Miguel have joined him in leadership roles at Vintae and the company has expanded beyond Rioja to produce wine in 15 different regions of Spain. 

Raúl Acha, head winemaker at Vintae
image courtesy of Vintae

Vintae winemaker Raúl Acha has roots in Rioja but travels many miles throughout Spain to produce wines that balance the traditional and the modern. In each region, Vintae is focused on producing superbly crafted wines that express the essence of the terroir and the incredible diversity of Spanish wine. Whether it is a refreshing Albariño from Rias Baixas or a complex Tempranillo from Rioja, each Vintae wine has its own personality but is quintessentially Spanish. 

Atlantis Albariño 2016 ($15.99)
Region: Rias Baixas D.O.

If you're not drinking Albariño from Spain, you're really missing out - it is an absolutely delightful and flavorful white wine. Rias Baixas, in Galicia in the north of Spain, is widely considered the finest place on the planet for Albariño and Vintae's Atlantis shows why. This tasty vino is crisp, dry, and refreshing with lots of mineral texture, zippy acidity, and juicy flavors of green apple and a hint of pineapple. 



Bodega Classica Hacienda López de Haro Blanco 2016 ($9.99)
Region: Rioja D.O.C.
The red wines of Rioja get all of the attention but the region also produces some charming white wines. Produced from the Viura grape, this pale yellow beauty has a crisp texture and layers of flavor - chamomile, white peach, citrus, and a hint of herbs on the lovely lingering finish. 

Aroa "Le Naturel" 2016 ($13.99)
Region: Navarra D.O
Mostly Garnacha, the freshness of the grapes leaps out of the glass in this natural wine. Prepared with minimal intervention, this fruity and fresh vino is light but full of luscious berry flavors. 


Proyecto Garnachas de España "La Garnacha Salvaje del Moncayo" 2015 ($14.99)
Region: Ribera del Queiles I.G.P.
100% Garnacha, this beauty is full of texture and flavor. Fruity and mineral with a hint of spice from the 5 months it spent aging in French oak barrels. 

El Pacto Tempranillo 2014 ($16.99)
Region: Rioja D.O.C.
No discussion of Spanish wine is complete without Tempranillo - the red we all know and love. The name El Pacto (the pact) was inspired by the concept that all wine is a result of a pact between nature and location, the vineyard and human effort. Produced from organic vineyards with more than 70 years of age and aged 14 months in new French oak barrels, this wine balances richness with freshness. El Pacto's well integrated fruit, spice, and earthy flavors make it a very impressive wine at a very affordable price point. 


Matsu "El Recio" 2014 ($29.99)
Region: Toro D.O.
Matsu means "wait" in Japanese and this collection of wines is an elegant tribute to the wine-producers that have dedicated their lives to the vineyards for generations. The handsome gentleman on the label is a real-life wine producer and like his visage, the wine tells a story and displays character. 100% Tinta de Toro (an adaptation of the Tempranillo grape in the Toro region), this is a bold and rich wine produced from a selection of old vines with 90-100 years of age. Aged 14 months in second use French oak barrels, Matsu is intense but silky and graceful with elegantly integrated tannins and rich flavors of black fruits with touches of chocolate. A very impressive vino! 


Vintae's Bodega Classica winery in Rioja
image courtesy of Vintae

Are you ready to take your palate on a Spanish wine adventure with Vintae? Their portfolio has many more wines that express the flavors and passion of Spain. And the great price points make it easy to step out of your comfort zone and sip something new.  

 

Say Sí to the Wines of Navarra: A "New" Taste of Spain

Navarra may not have the name recognition of their winemaking hermanos in Rioja, but the region produces an abundance of wonderful vino. Located in the north of Spain, the vineyards of Navarra span the foothills of the Pyrenees Mountains to the Ebro River Basin and the Bardenas Reales Desert. This diversity of terroir and micro-climates makes Navarra naturally suited to produce a wide variety of wine styles - from refreshing whites & rosés to complex & bold reds. 

image courtesy of Wines of Navarra. image by Jesús Chasco

I was recently invited to learn more about the wines of Navarra at a fantastic seminar led by enthusiastic experts April Cullom and Robin Kelley O'Connor. April said that "Spain is about food, wine, and fun" and Navarra certainly embodies this attitude. Known as the garden of Spain because of its exquisite produce and cheeses, Navarra has a rich culinary tradition and the wines are absolutely food-friendly. A cultural treasure, Navarra has inspired countless artists and authors like Ernest Hemingway (The Sun Also Rises). Right outside Navarra's capital city of Pamplona (yes, THAT Pamplona where the legendary running of the bulls takes place), lie the vineyards along the iconic medieval pilgrimage route Camino de Santiago. In fact, during the late Middle Ages, Navarra's wines were praised by those making the pilgrimage. And today Navarra offers quality wines at amazingly affordable prices. Are you ready to explore the wines of Navarra? 


Vega Sindoa Chardonnay 2015 ($9) is a great introduction to the Navarra style. The region's historical ties to France led to an early introduction of French varietals so Chardonnay is quite prevalent. Quite aromatic, this dry and refreshing white wine has lively flavors of citrus, apple, and pineapple. Zippy acidity make this unoaked vino a great aperitivo and a lovely match with light salads and seafood. 


Of course, no discussion of Spanish wines is complete without discussing the most famous red - Tempranillo. Vega Sindoa Tempranillo 2015 ($9) is fresh but surprisingly nuanced for a wine that is so young and affordable. Flavors of bright cherry are revved up by hints of plum and licorice. Vega Sindoa wines are produced by Bodegas Nekeas. Located in the valley of Valdizarbe, the northernmost wine-growing district of Navarra, their vineyards are influenced by the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. It is considered one of Spain's finest areas for the production of wine & olive oil.



Vega del Castillo Capa Roja Tempranillo 2013 ($10) offers a different expression of Tempranillo - earthy with fruity flavors of cherry and tomato that are perked up with a hint of anis. The roots of Bodegas Vega del Castillo can be traced back to 1910 as Spain's first cooperative winery. Their vineyards are located in different sites of Navarra's Lower Mountain and Upper River regions, which allows them to produce a variety of wine styles. 


A robust and juicy red, Vega del Castillo Garnacha Cepas Viejas 2014 ($8) is a lovely expression of Garnacha. Produced from their oldest vines, many over 60 years old, the wine is full yet soft with flavors of ripe dark fruit and hints of peppery spice. An incredibly balanced and nuanced wine for such an affordable price. A delicious match with pasta, a burger, roast chicken, or chorizo. 

Whatever your preference, chances are that Navarra produces a wine that you'll enjoy! To learn more about Navarra and its winemakers, visit the Wines of Navarra website. Cheers!