The Cellar: Great Spanish Wines for Under $20
Friday, December 03, 2010
Ever had a Spanish wine?
What if I told you that Spain was among the first countries to produce wine and that the country ranks third in wine-producing countries worldwide, only surpassed by France and Italy. Interested in trying one? One of my favorite countries for high quality value wines is Spain, which produces loads of delicious reds, whites, as well as sparkling wines. This week we will explore the Tempranillo and Verdejo grapes, which are among the most famous indigenous grapes to Spain, and both produce some great wines at very reasonable prices. Finally, we will travel to the Penedès region and showcase one if its sparkling gems.
Red of the week: 2007 Zuazo Gaston Crianza - $15
Tempranillo-based wines are among my favorite reds in the world! I am especially fond of wines from Spain’s Rioja region – Spain’s Bordeaux - where many of the winemakers are dedicated to making wine the traditional way. Zuazo Gaston is one of those wine makers. The 2007 Crianza is made using destemmed grapes, temperature-controlled fermentation, and prolonged skin-to-juice contact. The wine has aged 14 months in American oak barrels, as well as for months in the bottle prior to being released.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTThis is a very easy drinking wine and a great entry-level Rioja for someone looking to expand his or her palate. For a Crianza, it is surprisingly subtle on the nose; however on the palate it really goes to work offering loads of mostly black fruit, along with a hint of vanillary oak. It has an elegant dose of acid on the midpalate transitioning into a long and intense finish. There is nice balance in this wine and a great effort at around $15
White of the week: 2009 Bodegas Shaya Verdejo ‘Old Vine’ - $14
The Rueda wine region is located in northwestern Spain, in the Castilla y León region. White grape varieties rule this part of Spain, with about 84% of vineyards covered by them. The grape that takes front and center is called ‘Verdejo’, which produces some very aromatic white wines, usually stuffed with fruit, minerals and vibrancy. The 2009 Shaya is no exception. The Bodega behind this effort sources its grapes from its own estate, as well as from local growers. The ‘old vine’ refers to the vines from which the grapes have grown. The
age of the vines ranges from 75-112 years old, typical of vines from this region.This wine would cost three times as much had it been produced in neighboring France. With only 5,000 cases imported and three 90+ ratings behind it, this wine is a sought-after gem. Personally, I love this wine. The color is light yellowish green. Aromatically it is conservative, letting out hints of tropical fruit and mineral notes, but on the palate it is just delicious. Medium-bodied with loads of tropical fruits, melon and great refreshing acidity. This is one of the most intense, balanced and integrated under-$20 wines I have tasted this year. It finishes dry and long with lingering minerality. Seek this one out!
Sparkling of the week: Segura Viudas Brut Reserva - $10
About an hour’s drive west from Barcelona lies the wine region of Penedès, which produces a wide range of wines, including some amazing sparkling wines. Known as ‘Cava’ in Spain, sparkling wines from Penedès are among the most famous in the world; among them household names Freixenet and Codorniu. But there are many other wineries in this area that produces amazing, sparkling wines and at very reasonable prices. The Brut Reserva from Segura Viudas is one of them.
Segura Viudas has received numerous awards for their wines over the years. The current release of Segura Viudas Brut Reserva ranks as the # 2 most popular sparkling wine in Wine & Spirits 21st Annual Restaurant Poll. And for around $10, you shouldn’t let this one go untasted. Created from a blend of Macabeo, Parellada and Xarel-lo grapes, reserve and non-vintage wines, this wine is one creamy and delicious effort. On the nose I detect pear, grapefruit and a hint of lime or citrus on the back-end. It is very refreshing as it hits your taste buds with a hint of sweetness on the midpalate. Very straightforward and pleasing dry sparkling wine that is well balanced and makes you want to take that all important second sip. Goes well by itself, as well as with a variety of foods.