This WeekÕs Tasting

Wed June 10 5:00 - 7:00

Wines for Cookouts and Bullfights

Spaniards love to cook outside. When they do, they drink wine with their grilled foods, for Spain has more vineyards per capita than any country in the world. This weekÕs selection draws from wines they (and you) might use.Ê

Two whites are both from cool Galicia in the northwest. The 2008 Mozafresca is an artful blend of Godello and Dona Blanca grapes. The Godello brings a rich fruit character which Dona Blanca balances with freshÊ acidity. The 2007 Paco Y Lola Albarino is a bracingly good example of this grape variety, if you donÕt get too dizzy from looking at the polka-dot label. Both wines areÊ perfect with either grilled shrimp or oysters.

From Valdeorras, a region in extreme northwest Spain carved out of Galicia and bordering Bierzo comes the 2008 Bodega Jesus Nazerano Y Chas Mencia an incredible value that calls loudly for grilled lamb chops.Ê Its grape is Mencia, which produces engagingly rich and complex wines. It is reminiscent of and once thoughtÊ related to Cabernet Franc but genetic research says that it is not. Mencia has been cultivated in Bierzo and Valdeorras for centuries, but its origins remain unknown.Ê

The 2007 Casa Castillo Monastrell comes from Jumilla in the southwest Monastrell is the same variety known in the Rhone as Mourvedre and is thought to have been brought by the Phoenicians some 2500 years ago. The grape, especially from old vines like this one, yields rich, earthy wines of some complexity. The Casa Castillo is a medium to full bodied wine, aged in both French and American oak, looking for grilled spicy sausage.

The 2004 Vina Rufina Crianza is from old friend D.Angel Garcia Sanz, owner of the new and dynamicÊ Bodegas Santa Rufina in Cigales where ancient farmers have decided to modernize their Tempranillo. This medium bodied, spicy wine wants you to just grill up a steak and enjoy the evening.

Last, we will taste importer Eric SolomonÕs new project the 2007 Altovinum Evodia.Ê He is in love with really great Garnacha and and found this 100% Garnacha growing on the highest elevation vineyards in Spain in CalatayudÊ around the small town of Atea. Evodia is rich, yet complex and balanced, perfect for marinated meats.

White

2008 Mozafresca:Ê Pale straw with green reflections. Apple and pear aromas with a light tropical fruit and lime note. Rich fruit and mineral tone with balancing acidity. Very GoodÊ 10.99/bottleÊ 9.89/mixed caseÊ 9.34/case

2007 Paco Y Lola Albarino: Pale straw, green highlight. Aromas of apricot and peach with a floral hint. Elegant, crisp and dry fruit flavors and a clean finish. Very Good Plus 18.99/bottleÊ 17.09/mixed caseÊ 16.14/case

Red

2008 Bodega Jesus Nazerano Y Chas Mencia: Ê Deep ruby, purple rim. Rich plummy fruit and spice aromas, a hint of violet. Concentrated plum and black raspberry fruit balanced with bright acidity. Very Good Plus Ê 12.99/bottleÊ 11.69/mixed caseÊ 11.04/case

2007 Casa Castillo Monastrell:Ê Dark ruby red. spicy black cherry and blueberry aromas. Red and dark berry flavors, some earthiness with a layered, textured finish. Very Good PlusÊ 11.99/bottleÊ 10.79/mixed caseÊ 10.19/case

2004 Vina Rufina Crianza: Bright, deep ruby. Black fruit and spice aromas, cinnamon and white pepper. Medium to full bodied palate, layered with wild fruits, spice and smooth finish. Very Good PlusÊ 15.99/bottleÊ 14.39/mixed caseÊ 13.59/case

2007 Altovinum Evodia: Deep ruby red. Substantial bright deep fruit aromas with a hint of white pepper. Rich fruit, raspberry and blackberry with a complex finish. Very Good PlusÊ 12.99/bottleÊ 11.69/mixed caseÊ 11.04/case

6/10 Spanish Grill Case:Ê Two bottles of each of the above wines for a special price of:Ê $143