Wines of Spain

Peter Marks, director of wine at Copia and "Wine Guy."

The non-profit Copia, (The American Center for Wine, Food and the Arts in Napa, CA), which runs a restaurant and cafe and hosts food and wine classes, is featuring the wines of Spain this month. I've tried very few Spanish wines. But since there are many recommended on the Copia website for under $20, this might be an excuse to try some more. I think this might even make a great tasting list for the CheapFunWines gang's next monthly tasting.
Here's the list, which sounds pretty interesting. The "wine guys" who picked these wines are Peter Marks and Burke Owens who together have over 50 years experience in the wine business and have won sundry prestigous tasting awards.

2004 Espadana Verdejo, Rueda
Bright and lemony, this Verdejo is refreshing, juicy and easy to love.
Pair with a simple tuna sandwich for maximum wine and food pleasure.
$11.95

2004 Tyronia Albarino, Rias Baixas, Galicia
Made by a small scale producer from El Rosal in the heart of the Rías Baixas region, this is an excellent example of a first rate Albariño. Fresh and delicate yet packed with peach and green almond aromas. Ideal with all kinds of fish, vegetables and soups.
$17.95

2004 Verasol Rosado Garnacha, Campo de Borja
Dry, crisp and full of cherry fruit, this rosado is a perfect introduction to the pink wines of Spain. Verasol is made by a co-operative which dates back to the 11th century; pair with grilled shrimp or potatoes for a tapas treat.
$7.95

1996 Rondan Reserva, Rioja Alta

A classic old style Rioja, aged for 24 months in older American oak barrels. The 1996 has aromas of dried cherry, plum and spice with pungent flavors of red fruit, leather and serrano ham. Muy bueno! Pair with roast leg of lamb or pork stew with pimeton.
$24.95

n/v Colet A Priori Brut Cava, Catalonia
Catalonia is a large wine area-not unlike California's North Coast. White, red and roasado are all produced here but it is cava that is best known. The A Priori is a lovely example- crisp, delicate bubbles, light aromas of peach and spice and a bright, refreshing finish. Pair with a platter of grilled garlic shrimp.
$17.95

2002 Jean Leon Terrasola Muscat/Perellada, Catalunya
Jean Leon, a Spanish-American success story, arrived in America penniless but through hard work became a restaurateur in Beverly Hills and later founded a winery back in Catalunya. The 2002 Muscat Perellada is a crisp, dry perfumed white wine that pairs wonderfully well with ocean fish, crab or fresh goat cheese.
$14.95

2005 Chivite Rosado , Navarra
Bodegas Julián Chivite is an eleventh-generation bodega producing fine wine since the 1600s. This pink rosado is from the hills in Navarra, just north of Rioja in northeastern Spain. Delicious with picnics, cheese or all on its own.
$10.95

March 8, 2006

Wines of Spain

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