Box: February 2015
Gold Medal Spain
You have (or will) certainly notice a few changes at the club this month.
Sure we have a flashy new web and some cool pictures to let everybody re-live those parties, but we also introduce a new supplier to our portfolio whom we are really excited about. Although Vino Vyhodne is relatively new to the Czech Republic, they have been around in Europe for quite some time and their portfolio offers a great selection of wines from all over the world. Given their global portfolio, we concentrating on a country had has been a bit under represented in our club history – Spain. And what better than a little Iberian sunshine in the heart of winter..
Surely you have all heard of Rioja, but do you know that Tempranillo is the dominant grape of the region ? Or that the difference between a Crianza and a Riserva is the length of aging in a barrel? How about Albarino or Verdejo? These are the most common white varieties found in the North West. Spain supposedly grows up to 600 different varieties of wine in what is the 3rd biggest wine producing country globally. Although we won’t be able to try them all this month, we will for sure take a stab at some of the most common.
So lets dig into some warm Iberian sunshine and let Vino Vyhodne show some of their best!
Marques de Cus Verdejo DO Rueda 2013
Wine description:
- Country: Spain
- Grape: Verdejo
- Alcohol: 12,5%
- Style: Medium-bodied dry white wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: Víno výhodně.cz
- Price: 185 Kč
Mike's Tip
Rueda's the region, Verdejo the grape. Believe it or not, this variety originated in north Africa and was brought north some 1,000,000 years ago (approximately:-). You can not miss the flavor of pears in this light mineral filled wine. We found this one to be an exceptional value for money.
Vina Bandoleira Albariño Rias Baixas DO 2013
Wine description:
- Country: Spain
- Grape: Albarino
- Alcohol: 12%
- Style: Light and refreshing dry white wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: Víno výhodně.cz
- Price: 189 Kč
Mike's Tip
My first impression was delicate, but the finish was anything but. A wild and spicy flavor that reminded me of a Sauvignon that is evidently typical of the Albarino grape. This one has a bit of an oily finish, so lingers in your mouth for a long time.
Añares Rioja Reserva 2009
Wine description:
- Country: Spain
- Grape: Cuveé
- Alcohol: 14%
- Style: Full-bodied red aged in oak
- Drink: Wine suitable for aging
- Supplier: Víno výhodně.cz
- Price: 219 Kč
Mike's Tip
How many gold medal wines can we put in 1 box? Evidently, quite a few!. Think of this one as a Tempranillo with a twist. Indeed this is a cuvee including Garnacha and Mazuelo (two of those 600 or so varieties we talked about). I found the belend ot be a bit drier and less heavy than the other Tempranillo. Excellent sipping wine (and yes, that is a Silver medal from Decanter - serious stuff!
Casa Safra Ucles DO Verdejo 2013
Wine description:
- Country: Spain
- Grape: Verdejo
- Alcohol: 12,5%
- Style: Light and refreshing dry white wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: Víno výhodně.cz
- Price: 149 Kč
Mike's Tip
This Verdejo is a beautiful straw coloured wine with an intense nose of fruit. I tasted dry, sour pears and peaches. Evidently the region this wine is coming from is a "hot" new comer, and many expect to see "Ucles" on the verdejo map for quite some time. I find these wines to be ideal with cold fish. Like a starter with muscles of calamari. Serve it very cold!
Caballo d’Oro Valdepeñas DO Reserva 2008
Wine description:
- Country: Spain
- Grape: Tempranillo
- Alcohol: 13%
- Style: Full-bodied red aged in oak
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: Víno výhodně.cz
- Price: 179 Kč
Mike's Tip
The hands down winner of our taste test. 100% Tempranillo, this is a smooth well aged mature red ready for your table. Gold medal - Berlin wine trophy. It's popularity comes from the light tannins, making it less complex and an easier drink on its own. Perfect for any day of the week.
D. Pedro D. Soutomaior Albarino Do Rias Baixas 2013
Wine description:
- Country: Spain
- Grape: Albarino
- Alcohol: 12,5%
- Style: Light and refreshing dry white wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: Víno výhodně.cz
- Price: 289 Kč
Mike's Tip
Just when you thought you knew what an Albarino tastes like, this one walks in. Completely different. Much more delicate, lower acidity and just a hint of oak. Too complex for drinking on its own, but more versatile when pairing with food. Stay away from salty fish and go more for a white meat. My favorite white in the box.
Erudito Rioja Reserva DOC 2009
Wine description:
- Country: Spain
- Grape: Cuveé
- Alcohol: 14%
- Style: Full-bodied red aged in oak
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: Víno výhodně.cz
- Price: 209 Kč
Mike's Tip
Gold medal in the Decanter World Wine Awards 2013, this is possibly the best Rioja of the year, in the world (at least if you trust the experts). What did I think ? Exceptional balanced and good tannins. Will go best with red meat or other piece of grilled protein of your choice :-). For you gentler folks, think cheese!