Neat Thoughts About Food, Wine, Travel & More
Hadn’t enjoyed an Emilio Moro wine is some time and need to more often! This is a classic Spanish Tempranillo that I served with roasted pork for a great pairing.
👁️ Inky purple
👃 Blackberry/ripe raspberry
👅 Juicy cherry, little mocha on the finish
💲 $25
🍇 100% Tempranillo
🗺 Ribera del Duero, Spain
Cheers, Veronique
I’ve been a huge fan of Martin Codax wines for 15+ years. Love Albarino for its food friendliness, big flavors, great minerality and fantastic value.
This 2021 Bodega Martin Codax Albarino was great paired with seafood for on a warm Sunday evening.
👃Citus and ripe melon
👄 Medium body, bright, great minerality, citrus, touch of oak
💲14.99
📍Rias Baixas, Spain
Buy a case of this for the summer, it’s ideal!
Cheers, Veronique
We uncorked this 2012 Viña Lanciano Rioja by Bodegas LAN when we recently grilled some filet mignon kabobs over charcoal and it was a perfect match. This wine would pair beautifully with Thanksgiving foods.
According toBodegas LAN Viña Lanciano is the architect of the original philosophy of our winery. Its name reflects the essence of a unique enclave and the river that embraces it in this magical place, with vestiges of ancient history, such as the remains of the Mantible bridge of Roman origin that stars in its label. Viña Lanciano condenses the philosophy and know-how of LAN since its inception.
This Spanish wine is made from a selection of 30+ year-old vines located in Bodegas LAN’s Viña Lanciano estate.
Nice wine with a great ageing potential.
About Bodegas LAN
Bodegas LAN is one of the top Rioja regional producers in the region. Founded in 1972, Bodegas LAN is named after the first letters of the three provinces in the DOCa Rioja: Logroño, Álava and Navarra.
Bodegas LAN mixes the best of Rioja tradition and modern winemaking with their pioneer approach to aging in the highest quality oak barrels, crafted by the world’s best coopers – including French, American, Russian and hybrids.
Viña Lanciano is both a wine and a vineyard, made from vines planted in one of the region’s most exquisite settings nestled on 175 acres. It is a representation of LAN’s pioneering commitment and dedication to the land.
Winemaker and technical director María Barúa and her team practice viniculture sustainability with their signature vineyard Viña Lanciano.
About 2012 Vina Lanciano Rioja Reserva
Looks: Bright cherry red/purplish in the glass
Smell: Intense dark/black berry and fruit on the nose with hints of pumpkin pie spice on the finish
Taste: Chocolate-covered cherries, licorice with a bit of spice on the palate
Texture and Finish: Medium to full-bodied, silky mouth-coating texture, medium level of tannins and textbook Viña Lanciano estate minerality on the finish.
Pairings: Grilled meat, stews, aged cheeses
Style: Red Wine
Grape Type(s): 90% Tempranillo, 8% Graciano and 2% Mazuelo
Region: Rioja, Spain
Price: $26
Cheers,
Veronique
This wine was provided to me for sampling and I am adding it to my repertoire as it’s truly enjoyable.
I’m unsure why I don’t drink more Rias Baixas Albariño – it’s outstanding and an incredible value! The wines from that region are refreshing, delicious, showcase the big flavors I enjoy in white wines and are food-friendly to boot.
I enjoyed this 2018 Bodegas Granbazán Etiqua Verde Albariño wine at a tasting dinner where it was served as an aperitif to go with an amuse-bouche and was pleasantly-surprised it was less than $20.
About Bodegas Granbazán
In the 1960s, Manuel Otero y Otero purchased land that had been planted with eucalyptus and cattle feed in the hopes of converting it to vineyards. In the 1980s, his son, Manuel Otero Candeira, built Granbazán, a chateau with a beautiful building amid a vineyard pergola-trained vines.
Granbazán was instrumental is elevating the quality of wine in Galicia and for raising the reputation of Rias Baixas white wines around the world.
Bodegas Granbazán is now owned by Pedro Martínez Hernández, of Rioja estate Bodegas BAIGORRI fame, who endeavors to set new quality standards through his investments in vineyards and cellar technology.
Etiqueta Verde (‘Green Label’) is the entry-level offering from Granbazán. The grapes are hand-harvested and de-stemmed before undergoing a cool pre-fermentation maceration which helps to lock in and amplify aromas and structure.
Looks: Pale straw yellow in the glass
Smell: Intense juicy pear and grapefruit on the nose with some grassiness
Taste: Ripe melon and apple on the palate
Texture and Finish: Medium to full-bodied, crisp acidity with a bit of salinity on the finish
Pairings: Seafood, fish, roast chicken, light creamy pasta
Style: White Wine
Grape Type(s): 100% Albariño
Region: Rías Baixas, Galicia, Spain
Price: $19
Cheers,
Veronique
I used to drink a lot of Rias Baixas Albariño and loved it…not really sure why I ever stopped – it’s delicious, refreshing, food-friendly and inexpensive! I enjoyed this wine at a sea side seafood restaurant on a recent vacation and promised myself I’d go back to it after returning to the USA.
Martin Codax was one of most important Galician men of the middle ages. Bodegas Martin Codax was founded in 1986 and has grown into one of the most respected wineries in Galicia’s Rías Baixas region.
Looks: Bright straw yellow in the glass
Smell: Intense citrus on the nose with herbaceousness
Taste: Ripe apple and juicy apricot/peach
Texture and Finish: Medium to full-bodied, little spritz on the finish
Pairings: Seafood, fish, roast chicken, light creamy pasta
Style: White Wine
Grape Type(s): 100% Albariño
Region: Rías Baixas, Galicia, Spain
Price: $12
Cheers,
Veronique
I’m a fan of visiting boutique wine shops where professional advice leads to finding bottles that are gems. This is the case when I visit Amanti Vino in Morristown or Montclair, NJ (https://www.amantivino.com). Proprietor Sharon Sevrens has made recommendations over the years on bottles I wouldn’t have otherwise tried, always with great results. This time, she pointed me in the direction of this value-priced Grenache from Castilla La Mancha, Spain that was fantastic!
This is a fun, bright, mouth-watering, juicy Grenache from Spain that’s perfect for Tuesday pizza night or outdoor BBQs. Won’t break the bank at around $12 but it drinks much better than bottles in that price range I’ve had of late. This wine is made by natural-wine star winemaker Juan-Antonio Ponce and is certified biodynamic.
Comes in a one liter bottle.
Looks: bright red in the glass
Smell: Bright red berries with notes of violets
Taste: Tart red berries/fruit with a bit of earthiness
Texture and Finish: Light-bodied, great acidity
Pairings: Beef/lamb tacos, pizza, antipasto, charcuterie plate
Style: Red Wine
Grape Type(s): 100% Grenache
Region: Castilla La Mancha, Spain
Price: $12
Cheers,
Veronique
David Geary
A couple of weeks ago, I attended a wine pairing dinner featuring the wines of Paco & Lola from Galicia Spain. The dinner took place at a local restaurant and wine bar, Tree Tavern, and a representative from the winery, David Geary, was on-hand to offer interesting information about the wines, the winery and Galicia Spain, where the winery is located.
About Paco & Lola
Paco & Lola is a relatively young winery founded in 2005 that’s committed to making wine in a modern, fresh way and for exuding a sophisticated-yet-fun image for wine drinkers with its polka dot branding.
Paco & Lola was born from a business initiative of a group of independent winegrowers from O Salnés who wanted to take their production to a professional level. These winegrowers formed “Sociedad Cooperativa Vitivinícola Arousana” which is now the largest cooperative in the DO Rías Baixas with over 400 members.
Paco & Lola is a producer of Albariño, considered THE white grape variety grown in Galicia. It’s an early ripening grape variety with small, tightly-packed clusters of sweet, deep golden berries that are renowned for their outstanding sugar-producing ability and remarkable high acidity.
Some tasting notes from the wines we tasted at the dinner:
Paco & Lola 2016 Albariño – 100% Albariño ($29.99)
In the Glass
Light straw yellow with a touch of green.
Nose
Lovely fragrant aromas of juicy pear, green apple with a bit of tropical fruit and some floral notes.
Palate
Tropical fruit continues on the palate with some Meyer lemon notes. Medium-full bodied wine with nice amount of acidity on the long-ish finish.
Food Pairings
Fish, seafood, white meats
Nº12 by Paco & Lola – 100% Albariño ($19.99)
12 were the days that the must fermented in the tank number 12.
In the Glass
Light straw yellow with a touch of green.
Nose
Meyer lemon and floral aromas with a hint of tropical fruit.
Palate
Big mango/lychee fruit flavors with good acidity.
Paco Red 2014 – 50% Tempranillo, 50% Garnacha ($18.99)
While Paco & Lola focuses on Albariño, it produces this red out of the DO Navarra, where Tempranillo- Garnacha grapes from old vines are harvested in vineyards of the Valdizarbe subzone. It was recommended this wine be served a bit on the cooler side, at around 56 degrees and I completely agree.
In the Glass
Dark cherry red with some purple hints.
Nose
Big red berry aromas with some floral notes.
Palate
Juicy dark berries and cherry flavors.
Food Pairings
Solid Tuesday night wine ideal for pizza, red sauced pasta, grilled burgers.
Paco & Lola 2010 Vintage – 100 % Albariño ($54.00)
Special high-end wine made in a limited edition of the best harvest of 2010. There were 400 bottles produced, I wouldn’t expect to find this in stores.
In the Glass
Intense straw yellow.
Nose
Candied tropical fruit with notes of nutmeg/cumin spices.
Palate
In love with this wine from the first sip – mouth-coating texture with big ripe fruit flavors and yeasty/toasted bread notes. Great acidity on a long finish.
Food Pairings
Lightly spicy foods (Thai, Indian), seafood, fish, roasted chicken or grilled pork.
Paco & Lola is expanding its reach in the USA and I highly recommend you check its wines out.
Cheers,
Veronique
Those of us living in a cold climate are eager to get the rosé uncorked, marking the unofficial start of the Spring-Summer season. I enjoy rosé wines year-around – heavier in the winter and lighter in the summer and below are examples of nice, accessible rosé wines for under $15.
2015 M. Chapoutier Belleruche Côtes du Rhône Rosé (Rhone Valley, France, $10.99)
Fresh and bright floral aromas with some saline notes on this medium-bodied French rosé. In the mouth, the flavors are of raspberries and bright citrus followed by a dry finish. 50% Grenache, 40% Syrah and 10% Cinsault.
2015 E. Guigal – Côtes du Rhône Rosé (Rhone Valley, France, $12.99)
Bright salmon color in the glass, this French rosé wine has raspberry and ripe strawberry aromas that carry over to the palate. Elegant wine with great balance and structure. This family has been making rose since the ‘40s and know what it’s doing. 60% Grenache, 30% Cinsault and 10% Syrah.
Gruet Rosé Brut NV (New Mexico, $12.99)
Bright deep pink in the glass, this New Mexico rosé has a fine mousse bubbles and big ripe strawberry flavors. The floral nose has berry notes. Nice level of acidity on the finish. 100% Pinot Noir.
2015 Marques de Caceres Rioja Rosado (Rioja, Spain, $12.99)
Bright strawberry-peach color in the glass. Big floral and red berries aromas. On the palate, this Rioja rosé offers flavors of red berries and cherries with licorice notes. 96% Tempranillo, 4% Garnacha Tinta.
2015 Chateauneuf de Pierrevert – Domaine La Blaque Rosé (Provence, France, $14.99)
Pale peach color in the glass with citrus, floral aromas. This dry Provence rosé wine has berry and citrus zest flavors with lots of acidity and minerality on the finish. 50% Grenache, 50% Syrah.
Happy rose drinking!
Veronique
Deep inky red in the glass, the 2010 Salmos Torres isn’t for the faint of palate. There are big chocolaty, dark fruit and pumpkin pie spice aromas that had me clamoring for the first sip. The wine is rich, smooth with light tannins. The dark fruit with light vanilla is present and endures through the long finish.
Pairings: Grilled or roasted meats, aged cheeses.
Style: Red Wine
Grape Type(s): 50% Cariñena, 30% Red Grenache and 20% Syrah
Region: Catalunya, Spain
Price: $35
It’s hot and muggy outside and for many, including me, the weather calls for light, refreshing white wines. While I’ve poured my share of Assyrtiko, Sauvignon Blanc and Albarino this summer, I’m now craving reds that pair well with burgers, ribs and steaks.
15 Red Wines to Uncork at Summer Barbecues:
Wines for Burgers:
Wines for Ribs:
Wines for Steaks:
What are some of your affordable reds?
Cheers,
Veronique
Recent Comments