Spanish Wines "Part Dos"

Presented by John Aylward

All wines are available at Bend Wine Cellar at the listed prices.

FIRST FLIGHT  ~  Spanish Shrimp (skewered shrimp, romesco sauce)

2007 Orballo, Albariño, Rias Baixas
Albariño is a white grape that was brought to the Spanish province of Galicia (the northwest corner of Spain) by monks in the 12th century.  It produces a light wine that is ideal for serving with lighter seafood.  “The light gold colored 2007 Orballo Albarino reveals a pleasant perfume of mineral, citrus and lemon meringue.  Intensely flavored, vibrant and refreshing.”  (Wine Advocate)  $18

2008 Alama de Blanco, Godello, Monterrei
This is a single vineyard white wine made from the Godello grape.  The Godello grape is a white grape that is native to Galicia.  It is a high quality, very aromatic grape.  Godello was almost gone in the 1970s, but has returned in the past few decades.  The wine’s aroma is delicate with notes of peach, apricot, lemon and grapefruit, all expressed with lively acidity.  The floral notes are beautifully integrated.  $13

SECOND FLIGHT  ~  Roasted Tri-Tip (Mashed potatoes, smoked paprika, & tomato sauce)

2006 Merum, Monastrell, Jumilla
Monastrell is the Spanish name of the Mourvedre grape.  This grape was apparently brought to Spain by the Phoenicians about 500 BC.  Its taste varies according to area, but often has a wild, gamey or earthy flavor, with soft red fruit flavors.  “This wine is 85% Monastrell, 10% Syrah, and 5% Tempranillo.  A saturated purple color, it offers up earth, forest floor and black cherry aromas and flavors along with very good concentration, good purity and decent acidity.  The finish is layered and long.”  (Wine Advocate)  $10

2007 Vina Alarba, Old Vine Grenache, Calatayud
The Grenache grape is the most widely grown grape in Spain. where it is known as “Garnasha Tinta”.  It apparently is native to Spain.  It is a late ripener that often lacks tannin and is therefore often blended with smaller portions of Syrah, Mourvedre or Cinsault to give the wine structure.  It is full-bodied with wonderful kirsch liqueur and raspberry aromas and flavors interwoven with hints of licorice as well as minerals.  This stunning effort is almost too good to be true.  $10

THIRD FLIGHT  ~  Grilled Venison Sausage (roasted red potatoes, red wine sauce)

2007 Valtostao Legon, Ribera del Duero
The Tempranillo grape is native to Spain, where it is considered Spain’s noble grape.  It is an early ripener that produces wines that can age for decades.  “The 2007 Legon Roble is 100% Tinto Fino (Tempranillo) aged for six months in French, American and Hungarian oak.  It offers up an enticing bouquet of cedar, spice box, earth notes, black cherry and blackberry.  This is followed by a smooth-textured, ripe, juicy wine with loads of fruit, an easy-going personality, and a seamless finish.  It is a fine introduction to Tempranillo and the DO of Ribera del Duero.  Enjoy it over the next four years.”  (Wine Advocate)  $13

2005 Carmen Rodriguez, Carodorum Issos, Toro
This wine is 100% Tempranillo from 25 year-old vines.  "The 2005 Issos was sourced from Tinta de Toro vines over 25 years old and aged for 9 months in French oak.  Dark ruby-colored, it offers a fragrant bouquet of cedar, violet, plum, blueberry, and blackberry.  This leads to a supple textured, full-bodied wine with plenty of spicy fruit and enough silky tannin to evolve for 2-3 years.  This tasty Toro can be enjoyed now through 2015." 
(Wine Advocate)  $22