Box: April 2017
Spanish Summer
Even though we only had a few warms days of spring, real summer weather is just around the corner. So what better way to work your way into that swim suit, than warming up with some fresh and full Spanish sunshine in a bottle!
Spanish whites and particularly Verdejo are known for their straw light color, crisp fresh mineral taste and light acidity. They know well how to pair these wines with fish and salads with a salty edge. These are the perfect wines for battered and fried fish, so even if you’re not planning on frying up some anchovies, even the Marks & Spencer’s fish sticks is a perfect companion. (Indeed this is exactly my inspiration as I write this) :-)
In Spain you really have to look for a medium bodied red, as any Crianza or Reserva is going to be a full bodied bomb shell. We managed to even this out in the box with a “light-er” Tempanillo, and another Syrah blend before moving into the big gun territory of the oak aged Crianza and an amazing 2008 Toro. 14.5% is nothing for these leathery, tobacco filled beauties. A real crime to drink these without something off the grill.
So even if summer still seams miles away here in Prague, we can all put a little color into our ice age April with this Spanish sunshine!
Altos de Rioja Blanco
Wine description:
- Country: Spain
- Grape: Cuveé
- Alcohol: 13%
- Style: Light and refreshing dry white wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: Víno výhodně.cz
- Price: 199 Kč
Mike's Tip
This cuvee of Viura and Malvasia has a strong floral scent, with a light touch of acidity. This is a perfect warm weather wine. Light and dry, a touch of fruit and a clear, straw color.
Definitely not a sangria ingredient, but a great companion for a salad or other light food.
Gran Sello Macabeo Verdejo
Wine description:
- Country: Spain
- Grape: Cuveé
- Alcohol: 13%
- Style: Light and refreshing dry white wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: Víno výhodně.cz
- Price: 189 Kč
Mike's Tip
The high altitude of this vineyard means big variation in temperature. Hot days and cold nights give these grapes a higher acidity, making the wine richer with a long finish. This one has a bit of a bite. Look for green apple and what I can only describe as a taste of "grey" minerals. Given the full palate, pair this with any snacks or dips. The taste will hold its own!
Pedra da Auga
Wine description:
- Country: Spain
- Grape: Albarino
- Alcohol: 12%
- Style: Light and refreshing dry white wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: Víno výhodně.cz
- Price: 229 Kč
Mike's Tip
The only varietal white in the box, this Albarino is clear and light. The medium alcohol content makes it a very easy wine even without a food pairing. A light acidity comes from the peach and green apple flavor. This is a sure thing for guests, and will work with any fish or white meat dish.
Faustino V Rioja Blanco
Wine description:
- Country: Spain
- Grape: Cuveé
- Alcohol: 12%
- Style: Light and refreshing dry white wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: Víno výhodně.cz
- Price: 189 Kč
Mike's Tip
Faustino is arguably the most famous (read most sold) Spanish winemaker. Their focus is export, and they do it well selling their wines to over 70 counties. This Chardonnay based cuveé comes in one of the most unattractive bottles we have seen for a while, but look past that and you have a great simple white for pork or white sausages. Don't complicate things here, chill and grill :-)
Altos de Rioja Crianza
Wine description:
- Country: Spain
- Grape: Tempranillo
- Alcohol: 14%
- Style: Full-bodied, rich red wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: Víno výhodně.cz
- Price: 249 Kč
Mike's Tip
A lot of flavor comes out here. A Crianza refers to a wine from Rioja, made from Tempranillo that is aged in oak for at least 1 year, the aged in the bottle for another year before being sold. These are medium priced wines, that have good tannin and a deep purple color. This wine needs a hearty dish, so think lamb, gulas or some really smelly strong cheese. Be strong, because it is!
Altos Rioja Tempranillo
Wine description:
- Country: Spain
- Grape: Tempranillo
- Alcohol: 13,5%
- Style: Medium-bodied red wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: Víno výhodně.cz
- Price: 189 Kč
Mike's Tip
Tempranillo without a year in oak comes out a lot fruitier and fresher. This is an ideal lunch wine for your BBQ. Enough body to go with any burger or pork collar, but not so sophisticated that you don't want to pull it out of the cabinet. Look for a little spice here, liquorice and pepper. This is classic Rioja
Sabor Real
Wine description:
- Country: Spain
- Grape: Tempranillo
- Alcohol: 14,5%
- Style: Full-bodied, rich red wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: Víno výhodně.cz
- Price: 199 Kč
Mike's Tip
To get on Robert Parker's list is accomplishment enough, but this 91 point love bomb will fix any problem you may have. This is a classic mix of leather and vanilla from Toro. This wine is at it's peak right now, so don't let the awards or 14,5% fool you in to putting in the back of your collection. It is ready to rock, and that it will!
Gran Sello Tempranillo – Syrah
Wine description:
- Country: Spain
- Grape: Tempranillo
- Alcohol: 14,5%
- Style: Full-bodied, rich red wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: Víno výhodně.cz
- Price: 199 Kč
Mike's Tip
Look for a spicy flavor here, as the Syrah comes out at the end of the plums and nutty flavor. A bronze meddle winner from the Decanter wine awards, scoring 88 points, this is an intense wine ready for a steak or big juicy burger.