Spanish Wines
You might think that Spain is a hot, dry land producing mostly red wines. This is partially true, but Spain offers scrumptious white wines, a sparkling wine called Cava, and a light minerally fortified wine called Sherry.
More and more importers are insisting that the label contain the grape name on the bottle. A wine without the grape names suffers from sluggish sales in the American market. Of course some Spanish producers still embrace the tradition of listing the village, rather than the grape.
Take into consideration these details about Spanish wine grapes: the three most prominent red grapes are tempranillo, garnacha, and monastrell, (of course you will find some cabernet sauvignon and merlot too, but these two grapes are not indigenous.)
Tempranillo is a lighter bodied red grape with softer tannins and flavors of cherries, milk chocolate, and a little bit of gun metal. Rioja features tempranillo and sometimes a splash of cabernet sauvignon, merlot, or garnacha (grenache). Tempranillo can also be called Cencibel, Valdepeñas, Ull de Llebre" (eye of the hare) Tinta de País, Tinto Fino, Tinta de Toro and Tinto de Madrid. Don't even get me started on how many names it has in Portugual. This extremely adaptive grape has been grown on Iberian soil for thousands of years. Each region has its own name for it. Tempranillo, like sangiovese, does not thrive outside of its home land.
Garnacha (a.k.a. grenache) is the most widely planted red grape in Europe. Full bodied, low tannins, good acid with notes of red raspberries and sun dried tomatoes. A popular grape in Priorato and Ribera del Duero. In France, it is called grenache. It is the most widely planted red grape in the Southern Rhone Valley. Chateauneuf du Pape (French) is usually made with a majority grenache.
Monastrell (a.k.a. mourvedre or mautaro) is another full bodied red grape with notes of blueberries, raspberries, and spice. It can be tannic, but the concentration of fruit flavors usually overwhelm the tannins. It is known for its dark pupple color and spicy nose. Mourvedre has transplanted well beyond the Mediterranean and you can often find bottles of old vine mourvedre from California.
As far as white grapes are concerned you will find chardonnay and sauvignon blanc too, but these two grapes are not indigenous. Indigenous grapes include, Airen, which is a workhorse grape that is grown in huge qualities. It is not very interesting and often is blended with other white grapes.
Albarino is an elegant white grape similar in flavor to viognier, (many think they are close relatives). Flavors of apricots, melon, and honeysuckle are abundant in this floral wine. Softer acidity make a fuller bodied white.
Verdejo is a white grape with a citrus canvas. A good substitute for those who like pinot grigio. Verdejo is the main grape grown in Rueda. Verdejo has an interesting history that goes back over 1,000 years in Spain.
Pedro Ximenez is a thick skinned white grape that makes the most decadent fortified dessert wines. Flavors of raisins, mocha, black licorice, and espresso can often be tasted in these decadent wines. Mind-boggling over vanilla ice cream. Found mostly in Jerez (Sherry) region. Sometimes abbreviated P.X.
You will notice that none of these grapes are mainstream (or at least not in our market). One of the things that it is so impressive about Spain is there is not a big movement to pull up their native grapes, to plant more chardonnay and merlot to export to the United States. For those of us who like a little diversity, we applaud them.
Case Discounts
Libations Wine & Spirits offers 10% discount on all cases of wine mix or match.
Join us most Wednesdays to sample wine, beer, and spirits in-store, at no charge.
Every Wednesday from 4:30pm to 7:00pm we pour samples for you.
Join us on selected Fridays too.
Upcoming Tasting Events
January 21, 2009
Spanish Wines
Altos de la Hoya Monastrell - $10.99
Luzon Jumilla Red Blend - $10.29
90 points Wine Enthusiast
Baronia Flora d" Englora - $16.49
Carramimbre Duero Roble - $16.99
Wednesday, January, 28, 2009
Charles Smith (Washington) Winery Featuring:
Holy Cow Chardonnay $12.99
Holy Cow Merlot $12.99
Boom Boom Syrah $18.49
Kung Fu Girl Riesling $13.99
Friday, January 30, 2009 Beer tasting
Alaskan Beers
Golden Ale $8.49
Amber Ale $8.49
Winter Ale $8.99
Oatmeal Stout $8.49
Wednesday, Febraury 4, 2009
Cupcake Vinyards are ALL BARGAINS at $11.29 each
Cupcake Sauvignon Blanc
Cupcake Chardonnay
Cupcake Merlot
Cupcake Cabernet Sauvignon
SPECIAL PRICING DURING TASTING HOURS
Wednesday tasting hours are 4:30 to 7:00 pm.
Each sample is a one ounce portion to adults 21 and older.
Limit four different samples per person.
Libations Wine and Spirits is a full service liquor store serving
Aurora, Parker, Centennial, and Littleton, Colorado.
Libations has a comprehensive wine inventory, award winning beer selections,
all of your favorite spirits and few unusual items as well.
Whether you are driving from the DTC, (Denver Tech Center), downtown Denver, Parker,
or Eagle Bend, Libations is on your way home.
We are located in Southeast Aurora, near Cherry Creek Reservoir, at Arapahoe Crossings.
Our staff are knowledgeable about wine, beer, liqueurs, and spirits, and are
always eager to serve you.
You must be 21 years or older to shop at Libations Wine & Spirits.
Libations Wine & Spirits
Arapahoe & Parker Roads
Northeast corner at Arapahoe Crossings
6554 South Parker Road, Aurora, Colorado 80016
Monday - Saturday, 10am to 10pm
Sunday from 11am to 6pm
Phone: 303-766-0575
info@libationswines.com
libationswines.com
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Although on the European continent, many place Spanish wines in the 'new world' category.
Ripe, brimming with fruit flavors, many Spanish reds are aged in new oak barrels.