Box: September 2016

Nothing Plain about Spain

September is a tough month. Holidays behind us, kids back to school and still some super hot days and already chilly nights. So how best to acclimate to “Real Life” once again ? Spanish wine of course !

What better than some fresh flowery whites to have outside in the last days of summer, and something a big, bold and robust in those already dark evenings ? Given that Spanish wines have so much to offer in (what our central European pallets) call spice, I think we are in for a great box.

What I love about the reds this month are the less obvious flavors. Tobacco, leather, nutmeg and pepper. Look for the first two in the dark and musty Pico Cuadro from the Duero valley. More familiar spices you will find in the two 100% Grenache Flor and Punto y Coma. Same fruity grape and purple color, both with 90 points from Robert Parker, both completely different J. Personally, I prefer the Spanish Grenache to that of the south of France. Decide for yourself.

For the white wines. The two Albarino both have a hint of white flowers over what many of you will call a light, mineral taste. These are complex wines, so make sure to set aside enough time to enjoy. We of course also included some more familiar Verdejo that will be that “holiday” taste you remember. Lastly we have a 100% Gobello which literally translates to “tastes like a Sauvignon / Chardonnay blend aged in oak”. How they fit that into 7 letters I am not sure, but hey, it’s a romance language…

So don’t despair! IWCoK has brought you just the right ammunition for carry on the fight for a few more weeks of “Summer” – Ole !

 

 

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Don Mendo Verdejo

Wine description:

  • Country: Spain
  • Grape: Cuveé
  • Alcohol: 12%
  • Style: Light and refreshing dry white wine
  • Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
  • Supplier: Víno výhodně.cz
  • Price: 169 Kč

Mike's Tip

Full of citrus and green apple. The low alcohol content makes this a very drinkable wine despite the higher acidity. Perfect for salads or other everyday food. Great value for money.

Montepedroso

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: 239 Kč

Mike's Tip

What would this box be without a Verdejo ?! A great intensity of citrus and rocks (officialy "minerals" :-) and an exceptionally clean crisp taste. Serve with salty fish or cheese

Pico Cuadro

Wine description:

  • Country: Spain
  • Grape: Tempranillo
  • Alcohol: 14%
  • Style: Medium-bodied red wine
  • Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
  • Supplier: Víno výhodně.cz
  • Price: 319 Kč

Mike's Tip

If you are looking for complexity, you will find it here. Coming from and 80 year old vines, this ruby red brings you a mix of fruit, tobacco and a hint of leather. It is important to leave this wine to breath before drinking, and pair it with some peppery salami, or beef. A true gem.

Flor d’englora

Wine description:

  • Country: Spain
  • Grape: Grenache
  • Alcohol: 13,5%
  • Style: Medium-bodied red wine
  • Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
  • Supplier: Víno výhodně.cz
  • Price: 199 Kč

Mike's Tip

Here we are AGAIN. Another 90 Parker point wine and indeed a Grenache that you will want to compare to the others in this box. This is a fresh wine meant to be drank young when it's spicy flavor is at its' full. Pair this one with some strong dark meat or stew.

Luna Creciente

Wine description:

  • Country: Spain
  • Grape: Albarino
  • Alcohol: 13%
  • Style: Medium-bodied dry white wine
  • Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
  • Supplier: Víno výhodně.cz
  • Price: 299 Kč

Mike's Tip

Like the name implies, this wine has a crystal clear presentation. A delicate mix of pears, grapefruit, apple and flowers, I found this to be the most refined white of the box. Pair with white fish or other light food - nothing spicy here.

El Tidon

Wine description:

  • Country: Spain
  • Grape: Sauvignon blanc
  • Alcohol: 12%
  • Style: Light and refreshing dry white wine
  • Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
  • Supplier: Víno výhodně.cz
  • Price: 149 Kč

Mike's Tip

Although a simple wine, this one collected 3 gold medals! A solid citrus flavor with just a hint of that typical Sauvignon "wild" mineral flavor. A simple wine that won't dissapoints a mid week fix ;-)

Don Mendo Gran Reserva

Wine description:

  • Country: Spain
  • Grape: Cuveé
  • Alcohol: 13%
  • 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

This grande reserva from 2009 aged 20 months in oak barrels before aging another 4 years in the bottle. A mix of Syrah, Cabernet and Tempranillo, it gives a good balance of maturity, flavor for it's price. Look for the vanilla and coffee tones.

Punto y Coma

Wine description:

  • Country: Spain
  • Grape: Grenache
  • Alcohol: 14%
  • Style: Full-bodied red aged in oak
  • Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
  • Supplier: Víno výhodně.cz
  • Price: 189 Kč

Mike's Tip

We are back with another 90 "Parker" point wine, this time a spicy Grenache. The 11 months of aging in oak barrels gives it a clear taste of vanilla and a fantastic balance and finish for a wine in this price range. If you are not a Grenache fan yet, this one will convince you.