Vinos españoles
Free tasting | Saturday, September 30, 2017 | 4-6PM
Bethann from Cafe Europa is leading us through a line-up of Catalonian wines, as well a Bobal from Castilla-La Mancha and a classic Verdejo from Bodegas Viñedos. Don't miss learning about Spain and tasting these gems!
Pura Vida Blanco, Costers del Segre (2014) – Catalonia, Spain, $25
Pura Vida is a Catalan wine project spearheaded by agriculturist and accomplished winemaker, Joan Soler. Joan describes himself ‘an artist who creates with the precision of a chemist’ and as ‘a scientist who speaks like a poet’. This ‘Good Life’ blend of Chardonnay and Macabeo includes a lively nose of white fruits aromas including green apple and lemon zest, with a hint of lavender fields. The palate is superbly balanced with a grassy structure and good weight. It definitely pleases a Chardonnay lover, but also a Sauvignon Blanc fan too! (Vineyard is pictured above.)
Bodegas Viñedos de Nieva, Rueda Verdejo (2015) – Castilla y León, Spain, $18
This staff favorite is a must try! Jose Maria Herrero acquired 135 acres of Verdejo in 1989. Today the family run vineyard uses all estate fruit to make their wine and, depending on the vintage, sell the remaining grapes of their harvested crop to other bodegas throughout Castilla y León in northwestern Spain. Verdejo is a great white for any time of the year. Pale yellow in color, aromas of Macintosh and passion fruit, round and zesty mouthfeel – it’s a knockout!
Edetària, Terra Alta, Via Edetana Tinto (2012) – Catalonia, Spain, $20
Edetària is an organic estate in Terra Alta, a DO south of Priorat, that has been making wines within the same family for four generations. Winemaker Joan Angel Liberia created this bold Tinto blend with Garnacha, Garnacha Peluda (hairy Garnacha), and Cariñena. Joan works with all estate, organic fruit and this versatile wine is a light-bodied expression of black raspberry and plum fruits. Slight clove spice in the finish. A really wonderful wine for fall.
Bodegas Ponce, Manchuela Clos Lojen (2016) – Castilla-La Mancha, Spain, $17
Juan Antonio Ponce began his winery in 2005, at the age of 23. He takes a biodynamic and natural approach in the vineyard and cellar, using low levels of sulfur dioxide. He makes 3500 cases a year in a rented facility, with virtually no mechanization. This Bobal is characteristically rustic with a concentrated, dense, blackberry nose and mineral notes. The sturdy Bobal grapes are planted on calcareous clay, and are around 75 years old.
Josep Foraster, Cava Trepat Brut Rosat (NV) – Catalonia, Spain $26
Conca de Barberà is different from other regions in Catalonia, because it's the one place where there's a Mediterranean influence. Unlike Priorat, Conca de Barberà is not blocked from the Mediterranean Sea by the Prades mountains. The Foraster family has been growing grapes in this appellation for the past 150 years and the winery is now run by Julieta Foraster and her son Ricard Sebastia. According to Ricard, there are only 1100 hectares of Trepat planted around the world, and 1000 of these are located in Conca de Barberà. This is a sparkling rosé from 100% Trepat. A bone-dry, refreshing, ethereal substitute to Cava, with depth and mineral drive from the clay and alluvial soil composition.