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Wine Tour of Spain
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Tuesday October 14, 2008 |
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Speaker: Ron Kapon- co-director TGNY
Our wine tour of Spain began in the Penedes with a sparkling Cava for our aperitif. We then proceeded to taste two white wines and a rose from Rias Baixas, Rueda & Rioja. Flight three included red wines from Castilla Y Leon and Ribera del Duero. Our journey continued with three aged red wines from Rioja. Flight five contained a rare Amontillado Sherry from Jerez and we finishing our tasting with Sangria from La Mancha.
All the wines showed beautifully with much discussion about the merits of each of the 12 wines. The favorites included: Marques de Riscal Rueda 2005, Finca El Encinal Crianza 2004- Ribera del Duero, and Marques de Riscal Gran Reserva 1998- Rioja. The Aperitif Cristalino Brut Cava – Penedes, and After Dinner Real Sangria- La Mancha were liked by all.
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| Flight I: Aperitif |
Votes |
Full Retail Price $ |
Cristalino Brut Cava - Penedes
Cava means cellar & this slightly off-dry sparkling wine comes from a section of Catalonia about 25 miles from Barcelona. Made from a blend of Macabeo, Xarello, Parellada, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir it exhibited fine bubbles with hints of apple, peach and flowers and a medium body. Excellent value.
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All Liked |
$9.99 |
| Flight II: White Wines and Rose |
Votes |
Full Retail Price $ |
Alba Rosa Albarino 2007- Rias Baixas
Located in the northwest corner of Spain this is the home of the native grape variety Albarino. Pale yellow in color the aromas are reminiscent of ripe peaches, grapefruit and pears with a tart and long lasting aftertaste. |
6 |
$17.99 |
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Marques de Riscal Rueda 2005 - Rueda
Produced in the Castilla Y Leon region which also includes Ribera del Duero, Toro & Cigales this wine is 85% Verdejo grape and 15% Viura. Pale straw in color it has a fresh creamy fruity style with hints of pear, green apples, melon and lime. The favorite of this flight. |
10 |
$10.99 |
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Marques de Riscal Rosado 2005 - Rioja
Produced from 100% Tempranillo grapes with just enough skin contact to produce a rose wine with depth of flavor. There is a hint of licorice, caramel and fresh strawberries.
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0 |
$9.99 |
| Flight III: Red |
Votes |
Full Retail Price $ |
Marques de Riscal Tempranillo 2005 - Castilla Y Leon
100% Tempranillo grapes aged 5 months in American oak barrels. Violet red in color with fruity aromas of roses, almonds and ripe berry fruit. The tannins are soften by the aging process. |
7 |
$10.99 |
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Finca El Encinal Roble 2005 - Ribera del Duero
100% Tempranillo aged 3 months in American oak. A ruby color with touches of red fruit. This is a well-balanced wine. |
1 |
$13.99 |
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Finca El Encinal Crianza 2004 - Ribera del Duero
Within this region Spain also offers two of its most famous wines- Vega Sicilia and Pesquera. Aged 1 year in American oak with an additional year of bottle aging before release. Look for red fruits, cedar and spices with a long finish. The favorite of this flight.
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10 |
$17.99 |
| Flight IV: Reserva & Gran Reserva |
Votes |
Full Retail Price $ |
Marques de Riscal Reserva 2003 - Rioja
Made from 90% Tempranillo and 10% Mazuela and Graciano grapes whose vines are at least 15 years old. Matured in American oak barrels for 2 years and bottle aged for an additional year before release. The #1 selling Rioja Reserva in the US. Intense ruby red with notes of vanilla, toasted oak, raisins, figs, spice and plum fruit. |
5 |
$19.99 |
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Marques de Riscal Gran Reserva 1998 - Rioja
Tempranillo grapes, with a small quantity of Mazuela and Graciano, that is from vines older than 30 years. Matured in American oak for 2 years and then 3 years in bottle. Brick red in color with hints of chocolate, spice, coffee and black cherries. The favorite of this flight. |
8 |
$37.99 |
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Marques de Riscal Baron de Chirel 2001 - Rioja
Made from Tempranillo & Cabernet Sauvignon vines that are 30 years and older. Aged 2 years in American oak. Earthy with hints of licorice, smoke, tobacco, coffee, violets and toasted oak.
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5 |
$65.00 |
| Flight V: Sherry |
Votes |
Full Retail Price $ |
Sanchez Romate Reserva Especial Amontillado Sherry - Jerez
Made from 100% Palomino Fino grapes that are aged over 30 years in American oak casks using the solera system. Bright amber color with aromas of walnut, prune, caramel and almonds.
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5 |
$40.00 |
| Flight VI: After Dinner |
Votes |
Full Retail Price $ |
Real Sangria - La Mancha
Light bodied, fruity and refreshing. Produced from the Tempranillo and Garnacha grapes and a blend of natural citrus fruit flavors. Ruby red color and aromas of fresh citrus.
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All Liked |
$8.50 |
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