The weekend is upon us and you may have your favorite, expensive bottle ready to open. But there is more than enough space on the wine bar to open a few bottles of wine under or around $20. Each week I suggest wines which are in that affordable price range and which will pair well with a Friday night dinner at home, with friends who drop by unexpectedly, a Sunday supper, or with a good book waiting for you on the back porch! For Americans throughout the world, Memorial Day is celebrated and summer activities (weather permitting…) officially begin. The Spanish wines reviewed below may be just what you need to get the festivities started. And at under $20 these are two more reasons to celebrate! Enjoy~
**Beso de Vino Garnacha Rosé 2013 (event sample) – Earlier this week I was invited to and attended a wine and tapas event at one of Chicago’s notable wine bars, Vera, featuring wines from Carinena located in Aragon in northeast Spain, bordered by France to the north and Catalunya to the east. Trust me, I’ll be writing about more of these wines soon, but in the meantime I thought you would love to learn a bit about this inexpensive keeper from Grandes Vinos Y Vinedos. About one third of the company’s production is Garnacha although the local variety, Carinena, and others are represented. Because there are about 10,000 acres of vineyards, the winemaking team is able to create wines in a variety of styles and price points. The Beso de Vino brand is aimed towards “young, value seekers”. I hope that’s you! The Beso de Vino Garnacha Rosé 2013 is bright pink in the glass and since I always enjoy Garnacha, I knew that the Rosé would be lovely. Aromas of flowers, cherries and raspberries were intense and tastes of juicy red fruit and white pepper along with zingy acidity were wonderful. The finish was lasting and memorable…along with the price of $10. You’ll have to purchase more than one bottle of this Rosé to kick off the summer!!
** Bodegas Arrocal 2011 (sample) – What’s not to appreciate about Spanish wine? I was in Spain last summer and loved the Monastrell from the region of Murcia. But have you tried wine from the Ribera del Duero region? The main grape is Tempranillo also known as Tinot Fino or Tinta del Pais. Tempranillo is as early ripening variety (“temprano” means “early) and is able to withstand the short growing season and harsh conditions of hot summers, cold winters, minimal rainfall, and diverse soil. Recently I received a sample of the Bodegas Arrocal 2011 which is from the Ribera del Duero. Bright garnet in the glass, aromas of sweet fruit such as plums and cherries, cloves and spice became more intense as I swirled the glass. On the palate, this dry wine with integrated tannins and medium acidity, presented blackberries, cherries, vanilla, smoke, spice, and chocolate. Fermented in stainless steel, aged for six months in French and American oak, and bottled without filtration, this wine was well balanced with a lingering finish. For only $15. this is a terrific wine which will pair nicely with grilled meats, hearty sandwiches, or a good conversation with friends.
Cheers to the weekend! ~ Cindy
Andrew
Cindy Rynning