Catching up with some of the Spanish Wines we recently have picked up — Whites, Reds, young or with some age, and a new Vermouth.
2019 Nortico, Alvarinho $14
A young, fresh white wine with the characteristic bright acidity and aromas of peach and grapefruit. Nortico is light and delicate, lovely as a “porch-sipping wine” to drink on its own. Also a terrific seafood wine, particularly with salty, fattier dishes like fish tacos or broiled oysters.
2014 Marques de Caceres, Antea Rioja Bianco $15
93% Viura, 7% Malvasía
This limited edition white wine, fermented on its fine lees, in new oak barrels, reveals an intense and complex bouquet of apples and white peaches with a depth of mature pears and refined toasted notes.
2015 Viña Século, Mencia $11
This good little value wine comes from 25-year-old vines from Bierzo in Northwestern Spain. Medium-body, cherry red, with aromas of ripe fruit, vanilla, and spices. Ideal parried with chicken, grilled meats, or pasta.
2018 Bodega Virgen de la Sierra, Old Garnacha Vines $11
Old bush-vines from Spain. Aromas of wood violets and baking spice. Full bodied and supple! Notes of black cherry cola, red currants, rich raspberries and almond bark. This is soft and smooth and easy drinking.
2016 Familia Monje Amestoy, Seis de Luberri Rioja $17
Tempranillo
Six months of aging in American oak barrels give name to this wine, produced by the method of semi-carbonic maceration, typical at Rioja Alavesa. Its fresh and fruity soul wears the smoked scents given by wood, in a well-defined balance between youthfulness and experience.
2015 Poblets del Montsant $24
75% Grenache, 10% Carignan, 10% Syrah, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon
From the neighboring DO to Priorat, comes this rich red wine. Red fruits on the nose evolve to a spicier, balsamic, toasty character and great freshness. Full and rich in the mouth showing hints of oak and a delightful spiciness. The tannins are present but not overbearing. A delightful, elegant Montsant with a fresh and persistent finish.
2012 Contino, Rioja Reserva $42
90% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano
Contino was founded and became the first of the new wave of single vineyard Rioja estates. Today, the winery makes some of Rioja’s finest wines, polished and comparably modern, but with a sense of balance and restraint that gives them amazing elegance and great longevity. Aromas of wet earth, spice and dark berry follow through to a full body, round and soft tannins and a long and decadent finish. Black olive and dark fruits. This is the only wine made from Contino in this year.
La Pivón, Rojo Vermouth $28
Made with Airén and Malvar grapes, this expression contains herbs and botanicals macerated in oak barrels with oranges from Valencia. Aromas of plum, cherrywood, dried figs, and coffee are expressive. Cinnamon-coated orange peel washes the tongue before it warmly and seductively morphs into rose petals, sassafras, and clove.