October 9, 2007

San Gervasio Manubles - Vino de Mesa

More often than not, if I’m looking for a safe, food-friendly wine that won’t break my wine budget, I look to Spain—the home of Conquistadores, Generalissimo Franco, Picasso, Pamplona, Flamenco, tapas, Barcelona, and…vino. Spain’s wine industry is showing swagger in the global wine marketplace, sloughing off its sallow and insipid image for white and red wines that has been better suited for a sangria punch than as a single varietal.

But nothing ever stays the same, nowadays, anyone who ignores Spanish wine is either in a state of denial or missing the boat—or both. I tried a simple red vino de mesa. The table wine is a staple in Spain. This Grenache, Tempranillo blend was aged for two years in French oak and shows some of this varietal’s typical characteristics.

It’s fiery and taut to begin with but begins to release its aromas within a few minutes. The nose reveals dark fruit and peppery spices. The dense cherry and plum flavors are laced with rustic and earthy bits, leather, and oak. There are some chewy tannins to deal with but nothing overly harsh and the wine displays balance and a medium length finish. Not as big-bodied as some Ribera del Duero wines but not a lightweight either. Best to drink with robust food. I would drink it again but I might look for another Spanish wine first.

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