(1152,1,'2009-03-11 23:54:02','2009-03-11 21:54:02','<a href=\"http://myplanetavino.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/megoba-mencia-2007.jpg\" title=\"Megoba’s Mencia wine from the Bierzo region of Spain\"><img align=\"right\" src=\"http://myplanetavino.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/megoba-mencia-2007.jpg\" alt=\"Megoba’s Mencia wine from the Bierzo region of Spain\" /></a>Megoba 2007 is a very trendy red wine from Bierzo made from the outstanding Mencía grape.  It is so trendy that its price seems to have gone up 25% in its first year of release!  It’s a wine made by Gregory Pérez, the well known enologist that is behind the Luna Beberide winery.   He originally from Bordeaux but of Spanish descent and has settled into making wines in the Bierzo area.  I love the Luna Beberide wines…they are really some of the most elegant Mencías around.  This wine is at the other end of the spectrum.  It really shows the intensity and concentration that Mencía can give.  It is from 80 year old vines with really low yields...one of those great sites that offer such unique terroir.  I have to say that in the mouth, I found the tannins a little too intense.  I loved the nose and I loved the fruit in the mouth…but the tannins were really tough, closing down the finish. We were drinking it with friends so there was no time to let it open up.  It is a 2007 and hopefully the tannins will be tamed by a little more time in bottle.  I’d like to try the wine again in a several months.  I’m also anxious to try Megoba’s white wine made from one of my favorite white Spanish grapes:  Godello.   Read on for more details on this wine. Also check out my <a href=\"http://www.planetavino.net/2008/01/04/holiday-wine-series-mencia/\" title=\"Spanish wine made from Mencia grape\">post</a> about the Mencía grape and about the Tierras de Luna wine from Luna Beberide.\n\nWine:  Megoba 2007\nWinery:  Bodegas Megoba\nDenominacion de Origen (DO): Bierzo\nAlc: 14%\nGrape varieties: 100% old vine Mencía (80 years old)\nOak regime:  11 months in oak\nPrice:  15-22€ retail in Madrid...a huge range but some stores have really raised the price on this wine.\n\nTasting notes\nVisual:  Black-purple opaque\nNose:  Intense, impressive nose.  Deep black fruit....blackberry, plum, spice, slate, anis.  Very promising start.     \nMouth:  The mouth starts out great, with explosive fruit, mineral notes and good acid structure...then the fruit aromas are wiped out by the super intense, fairly tough tannins that dominate the finish.   \nFood:  Any fatty meat would soften up those tannins a bit.\n\nConclusion: An interesting wine, definitely a lot of personality.  Unfortunately the tannins are a bit exhausting and undermine the fruit.  It was a very tiring wine to drink....I’d like to revisit it and see if some aging can bring some balance to the wine.  I bought it at 15€, but I would find it pricy at 22€.   Very flashy label for a Spanish wine not specifically made for export.','Wine rating: Megoba 2007','','inherit','open','open','','232-revision','','','2009-03-11 23:54:02','2009-03-11 21:54:02','',232,'http://planetavino.net/2009/03/11/232-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(1153,1,'2012-10-01 05:19:00','2012-10-01 05:19:00','<a href=\"http://myplanetavino.files.wordpress.com/2009/02/erebo-2007-godello.jpg\" title=\"Spanish white wine:  Erebo 2007 Godello\"><img align=\"right\" src=\"http://myplanetavino.files.wordpress.com/2009/02/erebo-2007-godello.jpg\" alt=\"Spanish white wine:  Erebo 2007 Godello\" /></a>I’m all about Godello…it is a great value alternative to the many under-performing Albariños that abound in Spain.  It is the other fine white grape from Galicia.  It is grown throughout Galicia and parts of Leon.  It is a semi-aromatic grape, usually offering intense fruit (apricot, melon, lime, pear), floral, and mineral notes…it has an attractive fullness and silkiness in the mouth, with generally moderate acidity by Galician standards. Most of them are unoaked, but there are also some great wines with aging over lees or in oak barrels. The wine below is another great, moderately priced Godello that I’ve been drinking lately.\n\nYou can read about some other great Godello wines in previous blog posts of mine:\n<a href=\"http://www.planetavino.net/2007/12/28/holiday-wine-series-godello/\">http://www.planetavino.net/2007/12/28/holiday-wine-series-godello/</a>\n<a href=\"http://www.planetavino.net/2007/12/09/wine-rating-as-sortes-2005/\">http://www.planetavino.net/2007/12/09/wine-rating-as-sortes-2005/</a>\n\nWine:  Erebo 2007\nWinery:  Bodegas Carballal\nDenominacion de Origen (DO): Valdeorras\nAlc: 13%\nGrape varieties: 100% Godello\nOak regime:  no oak\nPrice:  7-8€ retail in Madrid\n\nTasting notes\nVisual:  Pale straw with green tints\nNose:  Lemon, green herbs aromas in the nose....gives the impression of freshness.   Quite intense though simple.\nMouth:  Very intense, attractive nose.  Very fresh acidity...lemon/lime aromas with mineral notes.  Quite round and full in the mouth for such an aromatic wine.\nFood:  Is great with both shellfish and more full flavoured fish,,,the round texture of Godello can hold up to more intense foods.  One of my favourite dishes:  grilled squid with garlic and olive oil would be awesome with this wine. \n\nConclusion:  I love Godello and I love what great value it is.  It’s also a grape that some of Spain’s top winemakers are taking an interest in and there is lots of even greater wines to come! ','Wine Rating:  Erebo 2007','','inherit','open','open','','195-revision-2','','','2012-10-01 05:19:00','2012-10-01 05:19:00','',195,'http://planetavino.net/2012/10/01/195-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(1154,1,'2013-05-03 22:13:48','2013-05-04 02:13:48',' ','','','publish','open','open','','1154','','','2013-05-03 22:53:40','2013-05-04 02:53:40','',0,'http://planetavino.net/?p=1154',14,'nav_menu_item','',0),(1155,1,'2013-04-17 05:33:48','2013-04-17 05:33:48','<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><a style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/wpid-Photo-Apr-9-2013-1550.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft\" id=\"blogsy-1365538677593.5464\" alt=\"Avanthia Godello Spanish wine\" src=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/wpid-Photo-Apr-9-2013-1550.jpg\" width=\"220\" height=\"251\" /></a></div>\r\nCan\'t go too long without rating a wine from my favorite Spanish white grape Godello! The Avanthia is a longtime favorite from the Jorge Ordoñez wine group, one of the biggest importers of Spanish wines in the US. It\'s a little pricier than my normal recommendations but it also has a corresponding level of richness and complexity. The 2011, a leaner year, is a great example of how Godello can be such a mineral, fresh, intense grape. I really love this grape and this wine in this vintage! The nice thing about Jorge Ordoñez wines, which I hated when I lived in Spain, is that you can often get them cheaper in the US than in Spain! This wine costs about 23€ in Spain, and I see it around 25$ here in the US...awesome!\r\n\r\n<!--more-->This Godello is from Valdeorras, a wine area Galicia in northwestern Spain. It is actually in eastern Galicia, right on the border with The Castilian region of Bierzo. The area is known only for two grapes, Godello for whites and the excellent Mencía for reds. Bodegas Avanthia makes a very good Mencía that is very hard to find because of small production.\r\n\r\nGodello is a grape that has wonderful potential, but can be ruined by being planted on middling or indifferent titles and cultivated at high yields. You can find a lot of these very bland Godellos locally if you visit the region or neighboring wine region, Bierzo. But the real strength of Spain\'s northwest, is that there are a lot of really great sites, with poor and interesting soils, on slopes, often at altitudes, that can really make the local varieties shine.\r\n\r\nThis wine is from such parcels, terraced vineyards from 1350-1650 ft in altitude with mostly chalk and granite soils and planted in 1975. The wine in fermented in large format French oak barrels (500-600l) and subsequent aged in the similar barrels for about 7 months.\r\n\r\nSo besides the good acidity and minerality than shines in the wine, you also get some nice lees and spice aromas. The friendly and attractive side of Godello still shows through, floral and fruit, such as melon, stone fruit and in this vintage, plenty of citric notes. Godello usually gives a medium full mouth on its own and with oak often a full body,but in this vintage it\'s a little leaner than usual. But still round, long and very satisfying!\r\n\r\nI love the simple, fresh, entry-level styles of Godello that are such amazing value, such as Valdesil\'s basic Godello. Then we can a step up to crisp, mineral complexity at an everyday price with <a title=\"Louro do Bolo Godello: Spanish wine\" href=\"http://planetavino.net/2013/01/24/wine-review-louro-do-bolo-2011/\" target=\"_self\">Rafael Palacios\' Louro do Bolo</a>. With this Avanthia, and with especially with Rafael\'s As Sortes, we are seeing the top end of what Godello can produce when you pair great terroir and respectful vineyard and winery practices! It makes for exciting Spanish wine at all price points!\r\n\r\nGodello is still not common in the US. Have you tried it? What did you think?\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Spanish Wine Review: Avanthia Godello 2011','Can\'t go too long without rating a wine from my favorite Spanish white grape Godello! The Avanthia is a longtime favorite from the Jorge Ordoñez wine group, one of the biggest importers of Spanish wines in the US. It\'s a little pricier than my normal recommendations but it also has a corresponding level of richness and complexity. The 2011, a leaner year, is a great example of how Godello can be such a mineral, fresh, intense grape. I really love this grape and this wine in this vintage! The nice thing about Jorge Ordoñez wines, which I hated when I lived in Spain, is that you can often get them cheaper in the US than in Spain! This wine costs about 23€ in Spain, and I see it around 25$ here in the US...awesome!','inherit','open','open','','1092-revision-3','','','2013-04-17 05:33:48','2013-04-17 05:33:48','',1092,'http://planetavino.net/2013/04/17/1092-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(1156,1,'2007-12-09 14:55:01','2007-12-09 12:55:01','\n<p align=\"left\"><a href=\"http://myplanetavino.files.wordpress.com/2007/12/as-sortes-20061.jpg\" title=\"As Sortes Valdeorras wine\"><img align=\"right\" src=\"http://myplanetavino.files.wordpress.com/2007/12/as-sortes-20061.jpg\" alt=\"As Sortes Valdeorras wine\" /></a> One at the best whites in Spain at an amazing price…see my p<a href=\"http://myplanetavino.files.wordpress.com/2007/12/as-sortes-20061.jpg\" title=\"As Sortes Valdeorras wine\"></a>revious article on the cha<a href=\"http://myplanetavino.files.wordpress.com/2007/12/as-sortes-20061.jpg\" title=\"As Sortes Valdeorras wine\"></a>nging face of Spanish white wine. </p>\nWine:  As Sortes\nWinery:  Rafael Palacios S.L.\nVintage: 2005\nDenominacion de Origen (DO): Valdeorras\nAlc: 14% (!)\nGrape variety: 100% Godello\nAdditional factoids:  40-60 year old vines, vines all over 600 meters, micro-oxygenation techniques used\nOak regime:  fermentation and aging in large oak foudres, aged 6-8 months over lees\nPrice:  20-25 euros in Spain\n\nTasting notes\nVisual:  Youthful pale golden color\nNose:  First whiff is mineral, slate and stone.  Next is smoky oak and yeasty lees…and finally with some air the fruit comes in: some fresh pineapple, peach and yellow grapefruit.   It\'s like peeling layers…very complex nose that is quite closed at first and continues to open for hours. \nMouth:  The most impressive thing is the rich, full body…truly mouth-filling…this wine sits on your palate physically for a long while before moving on.  A little closed and austere at first…the aromatics and fruit come out with aeration.  Fresh and mineral, but the full body gives it richness as well.  Long glycerine finish with some nice oak tannins….fruit and acids return to freshen it up.  The alcohol, though high, is perfectly integrated.  Enormously complex. \nFood:  Texturally, this is a big white and would be best with something that has some body and freshness…meatier white fish would be great, such as swordfish or monkfish.  Also would be great with heavier preparation of shellfish, such as clams \"a la plancha\" with garlic and olive oil. \n\nConclusion:  One of the top whites in Spain…even more so for the reasonable price.  This is quite a difficult white and in many ways is more reminiscent of Austrian whites than Spanish ones.  It is eons away from the easy-drinking pleasurable whites that are typically Spanish.   This is the new face of Spanish whites and it shows the enormous, yet largely un-exploited potential for white wines here\n\nIt will improve greatly over a few years and if you must drink it young, decant it generously.  The wine kept getting better for hours!  Also, don\'t serve it too cold…12ºC or 53ºF would be great.\n\nI will do an update when I taste the 2006 As Sortes, pictured above.','Wine Rating:  As Sortes 2005','','inherit','open','open','','121-revision','','','2007-12-09 14:55:01','2007-12-09 12:55:01','',121,'http://planetavino.net/2007/12/09/121-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(1157,1,'2013-05-03 22:30:00','2013-05-04 02:30:00',' ','','','publish','open','open','','1157','','','2013-05-03 22:53:40','2013-05-04 02:53:40','',0,'http://planetavino.net/?p=1157',15,'nav_menu_item','',0),(1158,1,'2013-04-30 21:52:53','2013-04-30 21:52:53','<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><a style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/84220010@N06/8696135705\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft\" id=\"blogsy-1367358017957.3953\" alt=\"Spanish wine from the Rioja region\" src=\"http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8402/8696135705_e42ee714f6.jpg\" width=\"220\" height=\"208\" /></a></div>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">It\'s been a while since I\'ve had a mellow, perfectly drinkable Rioja and this La Montesa fit the bill nicely. Rioja is still the king of Spanish wine but there are so many faces and styles to the region that it can be really confusing to find a nice bottle at a good price. The traditional Rioja styles remain popular amongst wine geeks but the good ones cost a pretty penny. The bold, modern style comes at all price points, but they are not always as mellow and ready to drink...something to cherish in Rioja. There are lots somewhere in between, embracing both tradition and the modern...the hybrid is maybe the most user-friendly style. La Montesa, from one of the modern masters of Spanish wine, Alvaro Palacios, is one of these and makes for good drinking at a great price in the 2009 vintage.</p>\r\n<!--more--><span style=\"text-align: justify;\">Alvaro Palacios was born into a wine family in Rioja but made his name making very different wines in the Catalan region of Priorat. His L\'Ermita, a Garnacha blend, is one of Spain\'s most iconic and expensive wines. He then expanded into Bierzo and soon gained fame for his intense and unique wine based on the local Mencía grape. He returned to his roots after his father died and took over the family winery, Herencia Remondo. He changed the more traditional line of his father a great deal, while still preserving that Rioja feel that is missing from some of the uber-modern wines. He was able to work with a very familiar grape, Garnacha, in the Rioja Baja area of Rioja.</span>\r\n<div>\r\n<div style=\"text-align: justify;\"></div>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">La Montesa by Bodegas Herencia Remondo is composed of 65% Garnacha, 30% Tempranillo, 5% Mazuelo and aged 12 months in French and American oak, 20% in new oak. The vineyard is in the part of Rioja where rainfall is very scarce, but the rocky soils in the La Montesa vineyard retain water quite well.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Sweet fruit and smoothness are the dominant impressions. Cherry, licorice and a touch of orange peel in the nose. Oh so smooth and ready to drink in the mouth...cherry and plum, a bit of spice. Medium in weight with smooth tannins and good length. The only negative is a slight hotness in the mouth from the alcohol...this is handled when the wine is taken with food. Maybe also lacking a touch of freshness for my liking...but it is a 2009, a very hot year with significant hydric stress. The vintage was saved by some late season rainfall, extending the ripening seasoning, making ultimately for a good year in Rioja, but not the freshest year. But all-round very pleasant drinking, very good with food, as are so many Riojas.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">I\'ve been tasting quite a few 2009 Riojas in various styles lately and many seem to have this hot alcoholic edge....more experimentation to come! I have to say I\'ve loved La Montesa even more in other vintages.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">This wine is from the Rioja Baja sub-zone of Rioja, one of three areas and the largest. Rioja Baja often suffers from a negative image compared to it\'s neighbors, Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa. This is partially because it a hotter area where the vines are subjected to a hotter and drier climate and also because Garnacha dominates in the vineyards instead of Tempranillo.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">It\'s true that Garnacha is the grape behind a lot of bad quality Rioja but I am passionate about this grape variety, especially in Spain, and it could make a lot better wine in Rioja if given more respect. Tempranillo gets all the respect and there is also a lot of bad Rioja made with that grape! Luckily there has been a trend in Rioja to include more of the other traditional varieties in top wines, including Garnacha, but also Graciano and Mazuelo.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">It\'s lovely to see wine-great Alvaro Palacios respecting Garnacha and it\'s place in Rioja here.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">With this weight and smoothness in a Rioja wine, all sorts of food matches are possible....pasta, pizza, all sorts of everyday food. It\'s great value at 13$ in Costco.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">What do you think of Rioja wines? Have you noticed the style differences?</p>\r\n\r\n</div>','Spanish Wine Review: La Montesa 2009','It\'s been a while since I\'ve had a mellow, perfectly drinkable Rioja and this La Montesa fit the bill nicely.  Rioja is still the king of Spanish wine but there are so many faces and styles to the region that it can be really confusing to find a nice bottle at a good price.  The traditional Rioja styles remain popular amongst wine geeks but the good ones cost a pretty penny.  The bold, modern style comes at all price points, but they are not always as mellow and ready to drink...something to cherish in Rioja.  There are lots somewhere in between, embracing both tradition and the modern...the hybrid is maybe the most user-friendly style.  La Montesa, from one of the modern masters of Spanish wine, Alvaro Palacios, is one of these and makes for good drinking at a great price in the 2009 vintage.','inherit','open','open','','1123-revision-3','','','2013-04-30 21:52:53','2013-04-30 21:52:53','',1123,'http://planetavino.net/2013/04/30/1123-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(1159,1,'2013-04-21 22:17:54','2013-04-21 22:17:54','<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><a style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/wpid-Photo-Apr-21-2013-1605.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft\" id=\"blogsy-1366582012236.5598\" alt=\"Spanish wine from Madrid: Vinos de Madrid\" src=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/wpid-Photo-Apr-21-2013-1605.jpg\" width=\"300\" height=\"155\" /></a></div>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">After finding <a title=\"Spanish Wine Review: Zestos Garnacha 2011\" href=\"http://planetavino.net/2013/04/17/spanish-wine-review-zestos-garnacha-2011/\">Zestos</a>, a great everyday value wine from the Madrid region of Spain, in Costco, I\'m inspired to talk a little more about the Madrid wine region, Vinos de Madrid. It\'s not well known, even in Spain, though it\'s gaining in reputation among wine professionals and aficionados alike. Formerly known for plonk that was served in Madrid bars, the area has fought hard to change that reputation. One of the drawbacks is that production of top wines is small and prices are not always low, though the wines are still good value. One sub-area in particular, San Martín de Valdeiglesias has been making an impressive reputation for itself with totally original old-vine Grenache and unique white Albillos. If you want something with personality and totally different than most Spanish wine, check out these wines....</p>\r\n<!--more-->\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The Vinos de Madrid appellation is small, only about 20,000 acres (8,000 hectares) planted to vines. The three sub-zones are Arganda, Navalcarnero, and San Martín. They have very different altitudes, soils and climates, thus producing very different wines. The primary red grapes are Tempranillo and Garnacha (Grenache), while the best quality white planted in quantity is Albillo.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Arganda is in the southwest and is the largest (over 50% of production), hottest, and most arid. Navalcarnero is a meseta flat area between the city of Madrid and the mountainous area, the sierra, to the west and northwest of Madrid. It is the smallest and has a bit more rainfall. St Martin, is to the west further, is actually quite hilly and has even more climatic from the Sierra with a much higher rainfall. St Martín represents 30% of total production.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">There is lots of good and great wine from the Arganda area, in fact it was this area that took off first and really brought an initial change to the reputation of the region. Wineries such as Tagonius and El Regajal were producing fantastic wines 10 years ago and charging premium prices for them. There are also lots of great value, easy-drinking wines from the likes of Vinos Jeromín, which has a huge range.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Arganda, though is very similar in climate to La Mancha, and the wines read like La Mancha wines at all price points. Navalcarnero wines are somewhat like Méntrida wines, the La Mancha Appellation right next to it. They both have excellent potential and represent Madrid well as a southern meseta appellation.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">It is St Martín that stands out as a little different. It is a hilly area in the foothills of the Sierra, borders up against the Ávila region, has a climate influenced both in rainfall and temperature by the mountain chain to its north. It is also an area blessed with, like so many Spanish regions, with amazing old vine vineyards. In this case, they are mostly Garnacha and Albillo. St Martín has really turned into a mecca in recent years for young wine makers interested in making something special from some unique sites. The fact that it is less than an hour from downtown Madrid is a huge plus!</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The Garnacha in Spain is usually pretty big, sexy and voluptuous. There is a ton of it around here in the US, mostly from the region of Aragon, specifically the wine regions of Calatayud, Cariñena, Campo de Borja. These wines are big, bold, fruity, yet soft and plush at the same time. Spicy, sweet, and a real crowd pleaser! Though they often have alcohol contents of 14-15.5%, they have a freshness that belies that and makes then very drinkable. There freshness and low tannin makes them surprisingly food friendly.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Over in Navarra and in Cataluña you can get a leaner, more mineral Garnacha, though you can still find the big sexy ones too. In Priorat, they are usually part of a blend.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">In Madrid, it\'s all different. This is the Garnacha that could stymie the blind tasting panel. It\'s floral, fragrant, sometimes earthy, Pinot noir-like in the nose. In the mouth, it sometimes has a bit more of the Grenache sweet fruit, but with a leanness and acidity that can be shocking at times. But there is still those lovely floral aromas. The tannins are often surprising for a Grenache. Very reminiscent of southern Rhine Grenache. The alcohol contents can be 14%, but are often lower and read even lower.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">These wines are so fresh, balanced, aromatic, sometimes with a distinct earthiness....they come in all levels of price point and complexity. All very unique for Madrid and for Spanish wines from these hotter meseta areas. They are really exciting wines with so much personality!</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The Albillo whites too, are super original...some are super mineral, others are almost \"fat\" and mouth-filling. My two favorite wineries have a totally different style of basic Albillo.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">There are a lot of fantastic wineries, but my two favorites are without a doubt <a title=\"Bernabeleva: Spanish wine from Vinos de Madrid\" href=\"http://www.bernabeleva.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Bernabeleva</a> and <a title=\"Bodegas Marañones: Spanish wine from Vinos de Madrid\" href=\"http://www.bodegamaranones.com/es/index2.html\" target=\"_blank\">Bodega Marañones</a>. They both make a range of wines, from a delicious entry-level wine as an easy price, to spectacular single vineyard wines. All of them are amazing value....</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Have you ever tried a wine from Madrid? If so, what\'s your favorite?</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">If you live in the US and frequent Costco, try the <a title=\"Spanish Wine Review: Zestos Garnacha 2011\" href=\"http://planetavino.net/2013/04/17/spanish-wine-review-zestos-garnacha-2011/\">Zestos</a>...amazing value and gives you a nice idea of the potential idea of these wines!</p>','Undiscovered Spanish wines: Vinos de Madrid','After finding Zestos,  a great everyday value wine from the Madrid region of Spain, in Costco, I\'m inspired to talk a little more about the Madrid wine region, Vinos de Madrid.  It\'s not well known, even in Spain, though it\'s gaining in reputation among wine professionals and aficionados alike.  Formerly known for plonk that was served in Madrid bars, the area has fought hard to change that reputation.  One of the drawbacks is that production of top wines is small and prices are not always low, though the wines are still good value.  One sub-area in particular, San Martín de Valdeiglesias has been making an impressive reputation for itself with totally original old-vine Grenache and unique white Albillos.  If you want something with personality and totally different than most Spanish wine, check out these wines....','inherit','open','open','','1110-revision-4','','','2013-04-21 22:17:54','2013-04-21 22:17:54','',1110,'http://planetavino.net/2013/04/21/1110-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(1160,1,'2013-04-06 22:28:01','2013-04-06 22:28:01','<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><a style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/wpid-Photo-Apr-6-2013-1704.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft\" id=\"blogsy-1365285231765.984\" alt=\"Goliardo Espadeiro Spanish wine\" src=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/wpid-Photo-Apr-6-2013-1704.jpg\" width=\"220\" height=\"280\" /></a></div>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">This is a grape variety you have probably never tried! Espadeiro, an almost extinct Galician varietal being revived slightly by a few dedicated producers. This area of Galicia, Rias Baixas, is most known for its white wines from the Albariño grape, but Bodegas Forjas del Salnés is gaining most fame for its intense, nervy reds from local varieties under the appealing moniker of \"Tintos del Mar\" or \"Reds from the Sea.\" The whole line is very impressive and the Espadeiro is no exception. This is a cool-climate red, lighter in alcohol, high in acidity, earthy , yet at the same time very aromatic. Perhaps not what you\'d expect from Spanish wine, but these wines are part of a new wave of lighter, terroir-driven reds, produced by young enologists determined to break free from the recent commercial trends.</p>\r\n<!--more-->\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">When I say recent commercial trends, I mean the big, bold reds that have become the mainstay of Spanish reds, even in Rioja, which was once known for a lighter, more delicate expression of Tempranillo.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Bodega Forjas del Salnés is a family-run winery and it\'s winemaker Rodrigo Méndez has paired up with wine superstar enologist Raúl Pérez to make the wines. Pérez has becomes famous for making tiny amounts of incredible Mencía and Godello wine in his home area of Bierzo as well as doing a lot of consulting work with small wineries around northwestern Spain.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The basic Leirana Albariño is excellent and excellent value at about 12€, and the other specialty whites are quite unique.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">But it\'s the reds that have me hypnotized. Who knew that these red varietals of the northwest had such potential. There are quite a few great producers out there making just spectacular wines. They are so original, so unlike anything else in Spain. So refresh to drink alone and so food friendly. Low in alcohol, they are also great in summer.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">They can be a shock to some consumers, especially the Spanish themselves...they are often lacking that sweet approachability and easiness that has endeared so many to the Spanish mainstream wines. They can have a bit of a hard mineral edge...but if you let them open up a little to bring out the elegant fruit aromas and serve them with food...you can win. People over quite quickly!</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The Espadeiro, which has 12 months aging in used oak barrels, has lovely cherry and cranberry fruit with nice smoky minerality and some nice balsamic notes. It was a it closed at first and really gained in intensity in the glass. The fruit in mouth was more round than expected though kept in check by a bracing acidity and minerality. Very long finish with smooth tannins. Such big contrasts but they all seemed to work together.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">I had the wine with some amazing croquetas of various types at the Mercado de San Antón in Madrid. I usually recommend a white or cava with croquetas but this red was perfect with them...the creaminess was such a perfect contrast to the wine and the red was light enough to support the food, not overwhelmed it.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">These wines are not inexpensive due to small production...in Spain this wine retails for about 25-30€. What\'s amazing is that I consumed in with the croquetas at the bar also for 30€! Spain restaurant wine pricing we love you! Here in the US, I see the Espadeiro retail at 60 dollars or so...ouch! The other Tintos del Mar are around that price as well. They are so unique and different that if you have the pennies, it is well worth the money.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"></p>\r\n&nbsp;','Spanish Wine Review: Goliardo Espadeiro 2009','This is a grape variety you have probably never tried!  Espadeiro, an almost extinct Galician varietal being revived slightly by a few dedicated producers.  This area of Galicia, Rias Baixas, is most known for its white wines from the Albariño grape, but Bodegas Forjas del Salnés is gaining most fame for its intense, nervy reds from local varieties under the appealing moniker of \"Tintos del Mar\" or \"Reds from the Sea.\"  The whole line is very impressive and the Espadeiro is no exception.  This is a cool-climate red, lighter in alcohol, high in acidity, earthy , yet at the same time very aromatic.  Perhaps not what you\'d expect from Spanish wine, but these wines are part of a new wave of lighter, terroir-driven reds produced by young enologists determined to break free from the recent commercial trends.','inherit','open','open','','1083-revision-3','','','2013-04-06 22:28:01','2013-04-06 22:28:01','',1083,'http://planetavino.net/2013/04/06/1083-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(1161,1,'2009-03-12 18:36:49','2009-03-12 16:36:49','<a href=\"http://myplanetavino.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/dominio-de-atauta-2005.jpg\" title=\"Spanish wine Dominio de Atauta\"><img align=\"right\" src=\"http://myplanetavino.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/dominio-de-atauta-2005.jpg\" alt=\"Spanish wine Dominio de Atauta\" /></a>Dominio de Atauta is a really unique wine from the Spanish wine region of Ribera del Duero.  As mentioned in my ratings of <a href=\"http://www.planetavino.net/2009/02/19/wine-rating-ferratus-2005/\" title=\"Wine rating of Ferratus\">Ferratus</a>, I’m a bit down on the region.  The inexpensive wines from the region are often hollow and thin on fruit, the more expensive can often be over-oaked.  Also many of the wines, though perfect technically, seem to be lacking a lot of character. I feel that many Ribera wineries have lost touch with the terroir of the region in order to attain the perfect model for an “international” wine.  I’m convinced that it would be very hard to pick some Ribera wines out of a lineup of blockbuster-style reds from around the world….many of these wines lack a sense of place…and they can also be exhausting to drink.  The wines of the Dominio de Atauta winery are the opposite of international…they are firmly rooted in the terroir that the wine-maker tries to reflect in his wines.  The winemaker; Bernard Sourdais is from the Loire Valley, but has been working in Spain for over a decade.  He brings a real French sensibility to the idea of terroir, a concept that is just catching on in a real way here in Spain.   The vineyards are very special; they are located at the far eastern end of the Denominacion, in the province of Soria.  The altitude is higher than most of Ribera, 950 meters and the vines are very old.  The youngest vines the winery uses are 60 years old, the oldest, 160!  The winery also practices biodynamic wine-making and the winery is built in a manner so as to blend into the landscape.  These are all facts that lead to the uniqueness of these wines…but a word of warning…these are not always easy wines.  These are not the big, sweet, juicy Riberas we have become used to.  When I first tasted the 2005, it was delightful in the nose, but the tannins were still quite rough in the mouth.  The wine has since come into a much better balance and is one of the most original and satisfying Riberas on the market…and also good value at 25€..    Even more spectacular are the single-vineyard wines, Llanos del Almendro, La Mala and Valdegatiles that range between 75 and 100€.  Read on for more details on the basic Dominio de Atauta red.  \n\nWine:  Dominio de Atauta 2005\nWinery:  Dominio de Atauta\nDenominacion de Origen (DO): Ribera del Duero\nAlc: 14.6%\nGrape varieties: 100% old vine Tinto Fino (Tempranillo) (some of the vines used in this wine are pre-phylloxera….120-160 years old!)\nOak regime:  18 months in new French oak\nPrice:  25€ retail in Madrid\n\nTasting notes\nVisual:  Deep ruby\nNose:  Attractive, medium intensity...needs air to open up fruit more.  Very mineral nose, with black cherry and anis aromas...a touch of tasty aromas.  Quite complex.       \nMouth:  Cherry, earthy and mineral fruit, chalk in fore-palate, then toasty oak, great acidity.....finally serious and slightly hard tannins.    Long finish, but quite tannic.   A very lean and structured mouth for a Ribera. The wine really improved in the mouth with decanting.  The alcohol is really in balance for 14.6%.\nFood:  Unlike many Riberas, this wine could go with a lots of less strong flavours, like wild mushrooms or Iberian pork.\n\nConclusion: Not a cookie cutter Ribera at all...very unique.  I put it blind once against a modern, juicy Rioja, Roda 2004, and many picked it as the Rioja.  The main reason for this is the leanness of the mouth, the impressive acidity, the restrained use of oak and the fresh red fruit aromas.  This makes the wine atypical amongst many of the current crop of Ribera Reservas, but in fact it is much more faithful to its terroir.  It is also a lot easier and more interesting to drink!','Wine rating: Dominio de Atauta 2005','','inherit','open','open','','234-revision','','','2009-03-12 18:36:49','2009-03-12 16:36:49','',234,'http://planetavino.net/2009/03/12/234-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(1162,1,'2013-05-03 22:07:07','2013-05-04 02:07:07','<a href=\"http://myplanetavino.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/megoba-mencia-2007.jpg\" title=\"Megoba’s Mencia wine from the Bierzo region of Spain\"><img align=\"right\" src=\"http://myplanetavino.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/megoba-mencia-2007.jpg\" alt=\"Megoba’s Mencia wine from the Bierzo region of Spain\" /></a>Megoba 2007 is a very trendy red wine from Bierzo made from the outstanding Mencía grape.  It is so trendy that its price seems to have gone up 25% in its first year of release!  It’s a wine made by Gregory Pérez, the well known enologist that is behind the Luna Beberide winery.   He originally from Bordeaux but of Spanish descent and has settled into making wines in the Bierzo area.  I love the Luna Beberide wines…they are really some of the most elegant Mencías around.  This wine is at the other end of the spectrum.  It really shows the intensity and concentration that Mencía can give.  It is from 80 year old vines with really low yields...one of those great sites that offer such unique terroir.  I have to say that in the mouth, I found the tannins a little too intense.  I loved the nose and I loved the fruit in the mouth…but the tannins were really tough, closing down the finish. We were drinking it with friends so there was no time to let it open up.  It is a 2007 and hopefully the tannins will be tamed by a little more time in bottle.  I’d like to try the wine again in a several months.  I’m also anxious to try Megoba’s white wine made from one of my favorite white Spanish grapes:  Godello.   Read on for more details on this wine. Also check out my <a href=\"http://www.planetavino.net/2008/01/04/holiday-wine-series-mencia/\" title=\"Spanish wine made from Mencia grape\">post</a> about the Mencía grape and about the Tierras de Luna wine from Luna Beberide.\n\nWine:  Megoba 2007\nWinery:  Bodegas Megoba\nDenominacion de Origen (DO): Bierzo\nAlc: 14%\nGrape varieties: 100% old vine Mencía (80 years old)\nOak regime:  11 months in oak\nPrice:  15-22€ retail in Madrid...a huge range but some stores have really raised the price on this wine.\n\nTasting notes\nVisual:  Black-purple opaque\nNose:  Intense, impressive nose.  Deep black fruit....blackberry, plum, spice, slate, anis.  Very promising start.     \nMouth:  The mouth starts out great, with explosive fruit, mineral notes and good acid structure...then the fruit aromas are wiped out by the super intense, fairly tough tannins that dominate the finish.   \nFood:  Any fatty meat would soften up those tannins a bit.\n\nConclusion: An interesting wine, definitely a lot of personality.  Unfortunately the tannins are a bit exhausting and undermine the fruit.  It was a very tiring wine to drink....I’d like to revisit it and see if some aging can bring some balance to the wine.  I bought it at 15€, but I would find it pricy at 22€.   Very flashy label for a Spanish wine not specifically made for export.','Wine rating: Mengoba 2007','','inherit','open','open','','232-revision-2','','','2013-05-03 22:07:07','2013-05-04 02:07:07','',232,'http://planetavino.net/2013/05/03/232-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(1163,1,'2012-10-01 05:12:41','2012-10-01 05:12:41','<a href=\"http://myplanetavino.files.wordpress.com/2009/02/tejoneras-2005.jpg\" title=\"Vinos de Madrid wine Tejoneras 2005\"><img align=\"right\" src=\"http://myplanetavino.files.wordpress.com/2009/02/tejoneras-2005.jpg\" alt=\"Vinos de Madrid wine Tejoneras 2005\" /></a>Vinos de Madrid is an improving but still little known wine appellation within the province of Madrid, the small region surrounding the city of Madrid.  Traditionally it was known for joven or “young” red wines without any oak, wines that were often served in the bars in the capital.  There has been a tremendous effort to improve the wines and the area has become quite trendy here in Madrid.  Unfortunately the best wines have become so popular that they can be quite pricy.  There are three major sub-zones in the area, each with very differing soils and climates:  Arganda to the southeast, San Martín to the west and Navalcarero to the southwest.  The climate is generally very hot continental, similar to La Mancha.  Grape varieties allowed are numerous:  the most common ones are Tempranillo and Garnacha, though Syrah is catching on.  Some of the most well known wineries are Tagonius, Qubel and Regajal…I find their wines very good but quite pricy.  Probably my favorite wine form the area, though it is not an appellation wine but rather a Vino de la Tierra is Montazo, a wonderful wine made by the famous enologist Telmo Rodriguez.   The winery Nueve Valverde is in the zone of St Martin and makes two very interesting reds.  They also represent quite good quality compared to many.\n\nWine:  Tejoneras Alta Selección 2005\nWinery:  Bodegas Nueva Valverde\nDenominacion de Origen (DO): Vinos de Madrid\nAlc: 12.5%\nGrape varieties: Garnacha, Tempranillo, Syrah\nOak regime:  Several months in oak, 50% American, 50% French\nPrice:  8-10€ retail in Madrid\n\nTasting notes\nVisual:  Medium intensity ruby color.\nNose:  Sweet black fresh fruit, plums, a bit of spice, a bit of slate.  Not too complex but quite intense and attractive.       \nMouth:  Lovely round mouth...mouth-filling, yet still light.  A bit more oak spice in the mouth...great black fruit, good acidity.  Very long sweet fruit finish...definite tannins but super soft and ripe.\nFood:  It was surprisingly good with our grilled, very rare, tuna...and with our tofu teriyaki too!\n\nConclusion: Really nice wine...right at its peak...perfect to drink now...will last quite a bit longer, but not improve much.  It is a great wine for the price and really represents the quality of the new Vinos de Madrid.','Wine rating: Tejoneras Alta Selección 2005','','inherit','open','open','','213-revision-2','','','2012-10-01 05:12:41','2012-10-01 05:12:41','',213,'http://planetavino.net/2012/10/01/213-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(1164,1,'2012-10-01 05:12:50','2012-10-01 05:12:50','<a href=\"http://myplanetavino.files.wordpress.com/2009/02/petalos-del-bierzo-2006.jpg\" title=\"Petalos del Bierzo label from vinissimus.com\"><img align=\"right\" src=\"http://myplanetavino.files.wordpress.com/2009/02/petalos-del-bierzo-2006.jpg\" alt=\"Petalos del Bierzo label from vinissimus.com\" /></a>Bierzo is a great wine area that I’ve written about several times.  It is home to the very high quality red grape Mencía as well as the excellent white grape Godello.  Mencía has become quite trendy and it’s harder to find good value these days.  Also I’ve noticed an interesting trend in my wine-tasting groups…Mencía seems to have a love/hate effect on them.  A minority loves it and the majority hates it!  I think this has something to do with the grapes strong personality.  It is often intensely mineral and structured, with a lot of acidity and tannin.  There is also a wonderful, aromatic, floral, red fruit side to the wines, but sometimes that can be a bit lost in the intensity of the structure.  Also Bierzos frequently come in 2 styles than do not make fans.  The first is a joven or “young”  wine with no or very little oak, with exuberant young fruit…at its best this style can showcase the Mencía fruit, but is at its worst it has too much of that candy-like carbonic maceration fruit…aromas of banana and sweets.  The second style is the other extreme….over-oaked, a style that makes people more comfortable, but doesn’t make Mencía stand out.  The ideal is somewhere in between.  Unfortunately for every great Bierzo, there are a handful of indifferent or poor ones….and the trendiness of Mencía is only exacerbating the situation.  Mencía is top flight grape, but it is a difficult grape to get right….it is hard to tame its intensity and preserve its delicate floral aromas.  It is not the easiest grape to drink but when it’s just right it has given me some of my best Spanish wine experiences.  The wine I’m rating today is considered Bierzo\'s top joven-style Mencía.\n\nWine:  Pétalos del Bierzo 2006\nWinery:  Bodegas Descendientes de J. Palacios\nDenominacion de Origen (DO): Bierzo\nAlc: 14%\nGrape varieties: 100% Mencía\nOak regime:  4 months in oak\nPrice:  12€ retail in Madrid\n\nTasting notes\nVisual:  Medium intensity...very youthful blue-toned ruby.\nNose:  At first sweet candy carbonic maceration nose, but with some air, some more complexity appears...raspberry and minty fruit     \nMouth:  At first quite simple and deceptively jammy....eventually a herbal, leafy element adds complexity to the raspberry fruit.  Nice fruity finish, but a bit short in the mouth. A bit hot on the palate due to a high alcohol content.\n\nConclusion: I never been totally convinced by the extremely high ratings this wine seems to get.  It has some very interesting fruit once it’s open a while, but has a sweet candy element that puts me off.   It’s not very floral or highly aromatic...which is the element that I enjoy most in Mencía.  It’s also a bit alcoholic most years which heightens that perception of sweetness.  Finally for me the price point is a little high for this wine....one of the most expensive joven wines around. \n\nThe picture I’ve included of Pétalos is from the website:  <a href=\"http://www.vinissimus.com/\">www.vinissimus.com</a>.  For some of my favourite Mencía, you can read the following post:  <a href=\"http://www.planetavino.net/2008/01/04/holiday-wine-series-mencia/\">http://www.planetavino.net/2008/01/04/holiday-wine-series-mencia/</a>','Wine rating:  Pétalos del Bierzo 2006','','inherit','open','open','','211-revision-2','','','2012-10-01 05:12:50','2012-10-01 05:12:50','',211,'http://planetavino.net/2012/10/01/211-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(1165,1,'2012-10-01 05:19:17','2012-10-01 05:19:17','<a href=\"http://myplanetavino.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/finca-la-milana-2005.jpg\" title=\"Finca La Milana 2005\"><img align=\"right\" src=\"http://myplanetavino.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/finca-la-milana-2005.jpg\" alt=\"Finca La Milana 2005\" /></a>This wine was the best of a few Spanish Cabernet Sauvignon-based wines we tried recently.  I liked it so much I bought a case for home use.  Many Spanish Cabernets have green fruit and/or over-ripe fruit…sometimes it has both at the same time!  It’s a challenge in some of the hotter areas to achieve tannic ripeness before the fruit aromas become over-ripe. \n\nCatalan wines are generally pricier compared to other Spanish regions, but this is quite good value at 16-18€.  This is also an organic wine, something that is still not super common here in Spain. In fact organic wines are rather looked down upon amongst Spanish consumers and some wineries don’t even mention anywhere on the bottle that they are organic.  If they make a separate label for the export market, the word organic will appear prominently.  Albet i Noya is one of the biggest organic wineries in Spain and makes over 20 types of cavas and wines.\n\nWine:  Finca La Milana 2005\nWinery:  Bodega Albet i Noya\nDenominacion de Origen (DO): Penedés\nAlc: 14%\nGrape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Caladoc, Tempranillo\nOak regime:  aged 13 months in new French\nPrice:  around 16-18€ retail in Madrid (19€ in Lavinia)\nNote:  Caladoc is a grape that is a cross between Malbec and Grenache that is most popular in southern France, especially Languedoc\n\nTasting notes\nVisual:  Medium intense ruby\nNose:  Very ripe, sweet black cherry, plum, vanilla, cloves, a bit smoky...very appealing.  Medium intensity...with some air...really opens up.  \nMouth:  Smoky red cherry and a touch a cranberry, black pepper, a tiny whiff of green pepper.  Smoky, vanilla oak is very present but doesn’t dominate the fruit.  More expressive fruit with some aeration.  Long, quite tannic finish, but some nice fruit lasts with the smooth tannins. \nFood:  Really terrible today with my falafel and tahini sauce!  It was much better with our Christmas lamb!   \n\nConclusion:  Leaner mouth than you would expect from the nose, but this is quite typical of Penedés reds.  I often find them quite French in style, French in a very ripe year of course!  They have leaner fruit than many Spanish regions and a more firm structure...also the acidity can verge on tart to many Spanish palates.  I love them as they are invigorating and interesting to drink.  This is a wine that is great to drink now but will still improve a bit in bottle...it really opens up and smoothes out with some air. ','Wine Rating:  Finca La Milana 2005','','inherit','open','open','','189-revision-2','','','2012-10-01 05:19:17','2012-10-01 05:19:17','',189,'http://planetavino.net/2012/10/01/189-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(1166,1,'2012-10-01 05:20:41','2012-10-01 05:20:41','<a href=\"http://myplanetavino.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/three-albarinos.jpg\" title=\"Three Great Albariños\"><img align=\"right\" src=\"http://myplanetavino.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/three-albarinos.jpg\" alt=\"Three Great Albariños\" /></a>I am quite down on Albariño lately.  It’s a grape I fell in love with over 8 years ago before I came to Spain.  One of my first wine trips when I came to live here was to Rias Baixas in Galicia, the homeland of Albariño.\n\nBut since then I have lost my passion for the grape…not that I don’t think it has tremendous potential, but rather that it rarely reaches that potential.  In general, the Albariños I’ve been trying over the past few years have left unmoved.  Albariño has a tremendously good reputation here in Spain…it is the one white wine that most Spaniards would recognize as premium.  For a Spanish white wine, it also has premium prices….between 10-20€ for unoaked versions.  Living in Spain I’ve come to expect a lot for a wine in this price range…and Albariño rarely delivers.  Many of them lack concentration and can be thin, weedy, acidic, and very short on the finish.  Many also have strong cider or apple notes that become aggressive when the wine heats up a bit.  Most of these Albariños must be served super cold to taste good. \n\nThe excuse for the high prices is that Albariño is a difficult grape to grow...it can ripen unevenly…and that the rainy climate in Galicia is also challenging.  Very true, yet the permitted yields in Galicia are the highest in Spain.   The truth is that the yields are too high and that the necessary work in the vineyard is not being done.  A prestigious winery in Bierzo had recently acquired an existing winery in Rias Baixas when we visited and their technical director confessed to me that condition of the vineyards were the worst he had seen in his professional life.  He said they would have to spend a few years cleaning things up before they could improve the wine. \n\nThe terroir is excellent and the grape has tremendous potential but there is a lot of work to be done.  There has been more focus on oak experiments and bottle aging the wine before release than improving the vineyards. \n\nFollowing are my review of three Albariños I find to be above the norm…all are very different types of wines.  Two of them, from the Viña Nora winery, have been rated by Peñin, Spain’s top wine critic, among the best.\n\n1. Viña Nora 2007:  One of my favorites, this has more aromatic intensity than many Albariños.  A nice citric, floral and apple nose…in the mouth, very fresh acidity, but good apple and lemon aromas.  Nice medium length finish.  This is the most typical style of Albariño, but well done.  Very good value for Albariño at 10€. \n\n2. Nora de Neve 2006:  The oak Albariño from the same winery, Viña Nora.  I’m not a huge fan of oaked Albariño…the oak does little for the floral aromas of the grape variety.  But if you don’t focus too much on varietal elements, this is a great mouthful of wine. Smoky, citric nose, very attractive. The mouth is more impressive:  round, silky, very full, apple and lemon aromas and great acidity.  Super long attractive finish with smoky oak notes.  The oak is extremely well integrated, which often it is not in oaked Albariños.  Lovely wine, but not what I’m looking for in an Albariño necessarily.  Also pricy at over 20€. \n\n3.  Gran Bazán Ambar 2007:  This is my favorite Albariño of the moment…I bought a case of it for the Xmas season.  This is the winery’s top un-oaked wine and they only use free run juice.  They also leave it aging in stainless a few more months before release.  The care really shows in the wine.  The nose is quite mineral, also with peach and anis notes.  The body is much fuller than most un-oaked Albariños, very vinous, fresh acidity, citrus and melon aromas.  Attractive, intense mouth and quite long finish.  This wine is particularly good value for between 10 and 12€.  Funnily enough this is one of the Albariños I used to love in DC before I moved here…I’ve come full circle 7 years on. ','Three very good Albariños amongst an ordinary bunch','','inherit','open','open','','187-revision-2','','','2012-10-01 05:20:41','2012-10-01 05:20:41','',187,'http://planetavino.net/2012/10/01/187-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(1167,1,'2012-10-01 05:20:57','2012-10-01 05:20:57','<a href=\"http://myplanetavino.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/santa-cruz-de-artaza-2005.jpg\" title=\"Santa Cruz de Artazu 2005 wine\"><img align=\"right\" src=\"http://myplanetavino.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/santa-cruz-de-artaza-2005.jpg\" alt=\"Santa Cruz de Artazu 2005 wine\" /></a>The wines that have given some of the most hedonistic drinking pleasure lately have been Garnachas from northern Spain.  Not just any old Garnachas but old vine Garnachas that retain the grape’s softness and approachability, but that also offer a unique concentration of intense fruit and fresh acidity.  They are wines that offer sufficient complexity for the wine lover yet also are so easy to drink that they are the perfect reds to convert novice wine drinkers with!\n\nMany of the best old-vine Garnacha’s are coming out of Aragon from such appleations as Campo de Borja and Calatayud, but there are also a few great ones from other areas.  Most of them are still great value though there are now a few very pricy ones such as Alto Moncayo and Aquilón.  \n\nToday I want to talk about a Garnacha from Navarra which was the most impressive red wine we drank over the Christmas holidays. \n\nWine:  Santa Cruz de Artazu 2005\nWinery:  Bodegas Artazu\nDenominacion de Origen (DO): Navarra\nAlc: 14.5%\nGrape variety: 100% old vine Garnacha, 60 yr old vines\nOak regime:  aged 12 months in French oak\nPrice:  around 17€ retail in Madrid (Bodega Santa Cecilia)\n\nTasting notes\nVisual:  Medium ruby\nNose:  Very intense sweet cherry and vanilla nose...candy-like almost like gummi bears.  Very attractive though not very complex.    \nMouth:  Much more complex mouth.  Very intense red fruit as well as vanilla and spice oak notes.  Good acidity is the perfect foil for the sweet fruit.  Extremely long finish, with soft, very ripe tannins and lingering fruit.   Great balance even with 14.5%. Very impressive!\nFood:  We had the wine with a roast chicken, with onions and garlic...really great match.  Also had squid in ink sauce and surprisingly the earth, saline squid ink was a nice match as well. \n\nConclusion:  Just a wonderful wine to drink...so attractive, still very youthful for a 2005.  The rest of the holidays we kept comparing the wines we drank and this wine continued to come out on top.   Very good value at 17€.','Wine Rating:  Santa Cruz de Artazu 2005','','inherit','open','open','','183-revision-2','','','2012-10-01 05:20:57','2012-10-01 05:20:57','',183,'http://planetavino.net/2012/10/01/183-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(1168,1,'2012-10-01 05:21:12','2012-10-01 05:21:12','<a href=\"http://myplanetavino.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/an-2-2005.jpg\" title=\"AN2 2005 wine\"></a><a href=\"http://myplanetavino.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/an-2-2005-small.jpg\" title=\"AN2 2005 wine\"><img align=\"right\" src=\"http://myplanetavino.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/an-2-2005-small.jpg\" alt=\"AN2 2005 wine\" /></a>Most of the wines made in Mallorca are geared towards the thirsty tourist hordes and do not aspire to excellence.  However there are a few wineries making some really outstanding wines.  One of the pioneers on the island was the winery Anima Negra, which has been making some of Spain’s top wines since the mid-90s.  Anima Negra has always been faithful to the island indigenous varieties of Callet, Fogoneu, and Mantonegro, though they sometimes blend in small quantities of Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah.  They have a top wine that they only make in the best years called Anima Negre Son Negre, retail over 100€.  Their flagship wine, the one that built their reputation is simply called Anima Negra and retails for about 30€.  They are both fantastic wines, though pricy. \n\nToday I want to introduce you to AN2, Anima Negra’s second wine, an original and tasty wine that gives a good introduction to the potential of Mallorcan wines.\n\nWine:  AN2 2005\nWinery:  Anima Negra\nDenominacion de Origen (DO): Vino de la Tierra Islas Baleares\nAlc: 13.5%\nGrape variety: 65% Callet, 20% Mantonegro/Fogoneu, 15% Syrah\nOak regime:  aged 12 months in French (70%) and American oak\nPrice:  around 12€ retail in Madrid\n\nTasting notes\nVisual:  Pretty medium ruby...pale for a Spanish red\nNose:  Cherry yogurt nose with some unusual mineral notes...quite intriguing and original.  \nMouth:  Very fresh acidy, almost lean by Spanish standards...lovely earthy, mineral, savoury notes...cherry, raspberry and vanilla fruit with medium tannins.  Medium length...attractive finish.    Good balance  \nFood:  This would be good with everyday food...rice dishes, mushroom and egg dishes...earthiness and acidity makes it a good match. \n\nConclusion:  Such an original wine....not the cookie-cutter Tempranillo that dominates in Spain.  Not too heavy on the alcohol front and very fresh in terms of acidity....which makes it easy to drink!  The original aromas are the mineral ones.  Not a mainstream Spanish wine but really lovely...a great intro wine for Anima Negra at a good price. ','Wine Rating: AN2 2005','','inherit','open','open','','180-revision-2','','','2012-10-01 05:21:12','2012-10-01 05:21:12','',180,'http://planetavino.net/2012/10/01/180-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(1169,1,'2012-10-01 05:21:30','2012-10-01 05:21:30','<a href=\"http://myplanetavino.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/cantos-de-valpiedra.jpg\" title=\"Cantos de Valpiedra Wine\"><img align=\"right\" src=\"http://myplanetavino.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/cantos-de-valpiedra.jpg\" alt=\"Cantos de Valpiedra Wine\" /></a>It’s often a challenge to find a great wine from Rioja at a great price.  One of my favourite producers is Finca Valpiedra, a winery that has only ever offered a single reserva wine.  Finca Valpiedra is a great reserva that is a hybrid between modern and traditional styles, a style that can appeal to every wine aficionado!  It has a slightly longish oak aging time, 18-22 months, but largely in new French oak.  The fruit has all the bright exuberance of a modern Rioja yet has the silky texture and elegance of a more traditional reserva.  Love the current 2004 vintage, but at around 20€, it’s not for everyday drinking.\n\nStarting with the 2005 vintage, the Martinez Bujanda Family is offering a second wine, Cantos de Valpiedra.  This gives them more flexibility in blending their wine and will enable them to make the Reserva even better!\n\nWine:  Cantos de Valpiedra\nWinery:  Finca Valpiedra\nVintage: 2005\nDenominacion de Origen (DO): Rioja\nAlc: 13.5%\nGrape variety: 100% Tempranillo\nOak regime:  aged 12 months in French and American oak\nPrice:  about 8€ around Madrid (Bodega Santa Cecilia)\n\nTasting notes\nVisual:  Medium intensity ruby\nNose:  Fresh, sweet cherry fruit.  A touch of vanilla, but mainly attractive, medium intensity fruit\nMouth:  Fresh cherry fruit with touches of vanilla oak...good acidity, silky texture and soft, attractive tannins.  Despite the sweet fruit, a very elegant balance in the mouth. \nFood:  What I love about most Riojas, is that they have a bright acidity that allows them to pair with a lot of food.  They also tend to be less alcoholic and more elegant than many Spanish wines, which makes them perfect for everyday food. \n\nConclusion:  This is an attractive, appealing Rioja at a great price.  The balance between the oak, fruit, acidity and ripe tannins give a totally smooth mouthfeel.  It’s only its first vintage, but Cantos de Valpiedra has become my new standard in the under 10€ Rioja crowd. Too bad it’s a small production wine...could be hard to find in restaurants.  ','Wine Rating:  Cantos de Valpiedra 2005','','inherit','open','open','','177-revision-2','','','2012-10-01 05:21:30','2012-10-01 05:21:30','',177,'http://planetavino.net/2012/10/01/177-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(1170,1,'2012-10-01 05:22:26','2012-10-01 05:22:26','<a href=\"http://myplanetavino.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/aguilares-bodega.jpg\" title=\"Cortijo Los Aguilares Winery\"><img align=\"right\" src=\"http://myplanetavino.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/aguilares-bodega.jpg\" alt=\"Cortijo Los Aguilares Winery\" /></a>One very impressive winery in Ronda is Cortijo Los Aguilares, the personal retirement project of a Basque businessman, José Antonio Itarte.  The estate is a huge finca and the vineyards only cover some 19 hectares of the total 800 available…wine here is made on a very artisanal basis…after extensive soil analysis only the best parcels were planted with vines!  Also on the estate are free-range Iberian black pigs…we saw them running through the oak trees from a distance.  The winery itself has two buildings, both of which were restored respecting the original architecture of the Cortijo; the elegant main house is mostly a vacation home for the family but also houses the administrative offices and a beautiful tasting space.  The winemaking area is housed in a much more functional building with a shallow lake on the roof to help with cooling the barrel room.  The young enologist, Bibi García, is very dynamic and she is striving to make a very different style wine than is typical in the area.  She gained experience working in Rioja, Priorat and Chile.  The owner is greatly influenced by the wines of Burgundy and Bibi is trying to create elegant, aromatic wines that seem to defy the sometimes extreme heat of the region.  These wines do in fact have an earthy complexity reminiscent of Burgundy and are surprisingly light in alcohol. \n\n<a href=\"http://myplanetavino.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/aguilares-vineyards-1.jpg\" title=\"Cortijo Los Aguilares vineyards\"><img align=\"right\" src=\"http://myplanetavino.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/aguilares-vineyards-1.jpg\" alt=\"Cortijo Los Aguilares vineyards\" /></a>The vineyards are still quite young, having been planted in 2000, and the grapes varieties are: Pinot Noir, Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot. The yields are extremely low; the enologist told us that the yields for the Pinot Noir are only 300 grams of grape per vine!  Though the winery is not organic or biodynamic, the owners believe in respecting the environment to the utmost…there is no use of herbicides or pesticides.\n\nThe winery uses no pumps and all the winemaking is gravity-based.  Fermentation is done in stainless steel after the grapes pass through a selection table.  The barrel room has 160 barrels between 1 and 3 years old, all of it French oak.  The winery only has a total capacity for 10,000 bottles production per year. \n\n<a href=\"http://myplanetavino.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/aguilares-products.jpg\" title=\"Cortijo Los Aguilares wines\"><img align=\"right\" src=\"http://myplanetavino.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/aguilares-products.jpg\" alt=\"Cortijo Los Aguilares wines\" /></a>There are four wines:\n1.  The rosé is a coupage of Merlot, Petit Verdot and Tempranillo and is very interesting, fresh, good acidity, quite complex fruit for a Spanish rosado.  Quite pricy at over 10€ though.\n2. The Young or “joven” red wine is a blend of Merlot and Temprnaillo with short fermentation times to preserve the varietal fruit.  A nice fruity wine, but nothing to blow me away.\n3. Pinot Noir 2005:  this 100% Pinot Noir is one of the most interesting I have tasted in Spain (admittedly not a lot of competition!)  Very aromatic, earthy, floral, strawberry fruit.  Good tannins but a little short on aromas in the finish.  It has only 9 months in French oak as Bibi wants to preserve the Pinot Noir aromas, and the oak serves only as a nice framework for the wine.   Very impressive….quite interesting aromatic complexity….I’m sure this wine will continue to improve.\n4. Pago El Espino 2005:  This is the reserva wine, a coupage of 40% Tempranillo, 25% Merlot, 20% Pinot Noir y 15% Petit Verdot, with 16 months in French oak.  Very impressive wine…lots of oak, but really balanced, floral and vanilla aromas, sweet cherry fruit.  The tannins and length are impressive…the wine goes on and on.  Very elegant and complex wine. Loved this wine!\n\nThe elegant and aromatic, floral nature of the wines is very impressive, especially given that they are made in Ronda.  This is a winery with a huge amount of potential.  The wines can be bought online in Spain or in Lavinia in Madrid.  Prices range from 10 to 25 euros. ','Wineries in Ronda: Cortijo Los Aguilares','','inherit','open','open','','165-revision-2','','','2012-10-01 05:22:26','2012-10-01 05:22:26','',165,'http://planetavino.net/2012/10/01/165-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(1171,1,'2012-10-01 05:23:43','2012-10-01 05:23:43','<a href=\"http://myplanetavino.files.wordpress.com/2008/03/rioja-san-vicente-2003-2004.jpg\" title=\"Rioja San Vicnet ein 2 vintages\"><img align=\"right\" src=\"http://myplanetavino.files.wordpress.com/2008/03/rioja-san-vicente-2003-2004.jpg\" alt=\"Rioja San Vicnet ein 2 vintages\" /></a>Rioja Vino de Autor in Two Vintages:  San Vicente 2003 and 2004\n\nVintage Variation in Spain is not as extreme as it is in more northern climates, but it obviously still has a very real impact.  I was fortunate to try one of my favourite Vinos de Autor in two very different vintages. \n\nSan Vicente was one of the original Vinos de Autor in Rioja, leading the way to the modern starting in 1991.  This was the first vine de terruño or terroir…a single vineyard wine made from the “ideal” vineyard as envisioned by the winemakers, the Eguren family.  As such it has become an icon and remaisn so today, despite the multiple vinos de autor that have proliferated recently.\n\nWhat I most like about it is its very accessible price, 35 euros, in a time when 60-100 euros is more the norm for these top Rioja wines. \n\nWe were fortunate enough to find this icon in two different vintages at a Bilbao restaurant, Serrantes.  The price was quite unbelievable: 34€ in a restaurant!  Was it a mistake?  I didn’t want to ask….\n\nSan Vicente 2003: \nThe color is medium garnet with palish edges.\nModerately intense nose, with cherry fruit and major smoky and toasty notes….definitely showing some evolution. The mouth is very smooth…the fruit is not as pretty as in the nose…over-ripe nose, a little rusty.  Nice structure, ok acidity, smooth tannins and moderately long finish.  A nice wine, but not impressive.\n\nSan Vicente 2004:\nDeep ruby with purple notes…much more intense than the 2003.\nThe nose opens up with air to be quite intense, with black cherry, vanilla, and anis notes…very youthful.  The mouth is fuller-bodied, with lively acidity and serious tannins.  The complex fruit takes time to come out…black fruit and spice.  Longer than the 2003, with intense tannins that could benefit from some bottle aging. \n\nConclusions:  These wines were dramatically different.  The difference in age seemed much more than the one year vintage contrast. \nThe 2003 really suffered in this comparison, though the 2004, recently released, could use a little more time in bottle. The 2003 tasted quite tired…especially after the 2004.  The 2003 is easier to drink right now…but it also tastes a little faded and tired.  Can’t wait to try the 2004 again in a few months.\n\nI’ve expressed some concerns about the 2003 vintage throughout Spain and this tasting really confirmed it.  Due to the excessive heat of the vintage….the 2003s are initially attractive, with sweet, easy fruit and smooth tannins…but I’ve already found many of them tired and they seem to be evolving far too rapidly.  Certainly, there are few of the 2003s I’d lay down for any length of time. \n\nThe 2004s, which was a much more balanced vintage, are intense and more complex, but can often be quite closed….often they need more time or air to be as drinkable.  Eventually the fruit that comes out is much fresher and attractive.','Rioja Vino de Autor in Two Vintages:  San Vicente 2003 and 2004','','inherit','open','open','','154-revision-3','','','2012-10-01 05:23:43','2012-10-01 05:23:43','',154,'http://planetavino.net/2012/10/01/154-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(1172,1,'2012-10-08 17:00:35','2012-10-08 17:00:35','<a href=\"http://bp2.blogger.com/_N6XlKRvqM98/Rdo1MCUiJtI/AAAAAAAAAEU/yQWpvjEFSb8/s1600-h/Portugal+Esporao+Reserva+2002.JPG\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://bp2.blogger.com/_N6XlKRvqM98/Rdo1MCUiJtI/AAAAAAAAAEU/yQWpvjEFSb8/s200/Portugal+Esporao+Reserva+2002.JPG\" style=\"float:right;cursor:hand;margin:0 0 10px 10px;\" /></a>We recently returned to La Cumbre, a great tavern in Pozuelo, that has all sorts of traditional food. My favourite thing there are the torreznos, which is freshly fried pork rinds. Calling them pork rinds is not doing them justice. They are juicy, thick bits of pork skin, with bits of sea salt…crunchy, moist, salty, and greasy all at once. Who knew something so disgusting in theory good be so sublime in your mouth!\n\nThey have a nice wine list in La Cumbre and we had a coupe of great bottles. A wonderful Ribera del Duero that we have often: Emilio Moro. Also the great wine that follows: Esporao Reserva.\n\nWe visited the winery a few years ago…it\'s not far off the freeway between Madrid and Lisbon…soon after you pass the border into Portugal. It\'s a hot region, both in weather and in terms of wines. Some of Portugal\'s most expensive red table wines are made here. The area took off 10 years ago, leading the way in Portugal\'s wine revolution. Since then, rivals have sprung up throughout Portugal, but Alentejo still makes some great wine. They can be pricy and hard to find in Spain, but this wine is inexpensive and very easy to find in Spain!\n\nWine: Esporaõ Reserva Tinto 2002\nWinery: Herdade do Esporaõ\nAppellation: DOC Alentejo Reguengos\nAlc: 14%\nGrape variety: 30% Trincadeira, 40% Aragones, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon\nOak regime: 1 year in American oak followed by 1 year bottle aging\nPrice: 13€\n\nTasting notes:\nVisual: Fairly pale garnet color…showing quite a bit of evolution for a 2002\nNose: At first a little closed but then tons of sweet blueberry and vanilla. Fairly simple, but so appealing!\nMouth: So smooth with tons of sweet blueberry and vanilla…good acidity. Perhaps a little mono-dimensional, but very attractive. Soft tannins…finish is super long, with the blueberry dominating it.\nFood: This wine goes great with all sorts of food. It stands up to many things, but is so smooth that it dominates none. We had eggs with asparagus and shrimp, peppers stuffed with fish and shrimp, grilled vegetables etc.\n\nConclusion: If I think about this wine too much, I realize that it is not a very serious wine. But this is not a wine to be thought about. It offers a purely hedonistic experience….sexy and smooth…so seductive. It is great on its own or with lots of foods. Even the label is appealing...the artwork changes every year! Not for aging…perfect now…though it will maintain for a while. A couple more recent vintages are already on the market.','Wine Rating: Portugal Esporao Reserva 2002','','inherit','open','open','','41-revision-2','','','2012-10-08 17:00:35','2012-10-08 17:00:35','',41,'http://planetavino.net/2012/10/08/41-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(1173,1,'2007-01-27 01:06:00','2007-01-26 23:06:00','<a href=\"http://bp2.blogger.com/_N6XlKRvqM98/RbqJ9KF6DnI/AAAAAAAAACc/zlx0i_341sI/s1600-h/Rioja+Primicia+Carravalseca+1996.JPG\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://bp2.blogger.com/_N6XlKRvqM98/RbqJ9KF6DnI/AAAAAAAAACc/zlx0i_341sI/s200/Rioja+Primicia+Carravalseca+1996.JPG\" style=\"float:right;cursor:hand;margin:0 0 10px 10px;\" /></a>We usually bring the wine when we go to Miguel\'s family\'s house. This time we brought a Gran Elias Mora, a blockbuster wine from Toro. While it was aerating in the decanter, Uncle Constancio offered up an older Rioja. We cleaned out a bunch of old Riojas at Christmas…most of them were way gone…so naturally I was a little dubious.\nHowever this wine is a top end single-vineyard wine from a bodega I know well. It\'s also from 1996, not as old at the over-the-hill 92s I was drinking over the holidays.\nA pet peeve of mine is that people often keep their wines too long...it seems the word reserve on the label encourages it. The beauty of the traditional reserva system in Spain is that the winery doesn\'t release the wine for many years. It is already ready to drink upon release…yes you can keep a reserve for many more years….but it is only the absolute top wines that are drinking well ten years on.\nThis wine was still drinking well ten years on! It was fading a little, but still ahd lots of elegant, delicate fruit left. It was a pleasant surprise….\n\nWine: Carravalseca Reserva 1996\nWinery: Bodegas Primicia\nAppellation: DOCa Rioja\nAlc: 13%\nGrape variety: 50% Tempranillo, 50% others (Cabernet Sauvignon)\nOak regime: 27 months in oak\nPrice: Around 24 euros in Spain\n\nTasting notes:\nVisual: Elegant brick color, very bright\nNose: Lots of terciary aromas: earth, mushroom, tobacco. Some oxidation notes, but some nice delicate cherry fruit still showing nicely.\nMouth: Elegant older Rioja. Great acid and elegant, but fading fruit. Super smooth, tannins all mellow, a little bit of barnyard. Extremely long finish with wonderful dried cherry fruit.\nFood: It was very nice with some of the milder appetizers, the tempura veggies, for example. Too delicate to go with stronger flavors.\n\nRetaste: No retaste…\n\nConclusion: A nice example of an elegantly aging Rioja Reserva. It is on the downward slide but is still drinking nicely. Not for the modern palate, but I would love to taste more of these aging Rioja beauties…unfortunately many of them have not fared so well as this one.','Wine Rating: Carravalseca Reserva 1996','','inherit','open','open','','35-revision','','','2007-01-27 01:06:00','2007-01-26 23:06:00','',35,'http://planetavino.net/2007/01/27/35-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(1174,1,'2013-05-03 22:30:23','2013-05-04 02:30:23',' ','','','publish','open','open','','1174','','','2013-05-03 22:53:40','2013-05-04 02:53:40','',0,'http://planetavino.net/?p=1174',16,'nav_menu_item','',0),(1175,1,'2013-04-17 05:08:45','2013-04-17 05:08:45','<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><a style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/wpid-Photo-Apr-16-2013-2323.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft\" id=\"blogsy-1366174830341.0662\" alt=\"Zestos Garnacha 2011: Spanish wine from Madrid\" src=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/wpid-Photo-Apr-16-2013-2323.jpg\" width=\"150\" height=\"291\" /></a></div>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Exciting Spanish wine day in Costco today...but more on that later! The one I had to open first was the Zestos Garnacha 2011 from the Madrid wine region, called Vinos de Madrid. This is an area often overlooked, even in Spain and there are some really exciting wines, wines with some really unique personality. Also Madrid is like home to me, so I always like to see it represent! To find a good Madrid wine in Costco, and at the ridiculously affordable price of 7 dollars, really made my day! This Zestos is amazing value, it\'s such an attractive wine, and it gives a great glimpse of what Madrid producers are doing with their fantastic old vine Grenache vineyards.</p>\r\n<!--more-->\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Grenache in the San Martin area has a floral quality and this wine has that whiff of floral mixed with lovely dark cherry fruit....such an attractive nose. Then in the mouth, quite intense, red fruit, a hint of mineral. The tannins are fairly soft and the acidity is quite fresh. Despite 14% alcohol, the wine is quite balanced, though the alcohol stands out a touch on the finish. A fairly simple, but really delightful, fun wine.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The wine is made in cement and stainless only and really showcases the pure Madrid Grenache fruit. Spanish wines without oak aging are called \"joven\", meaning young, and many jovenes are bitter, thin and lacking fruit. Another typical joven profile is to show intense fruit that have distinct, unpleasant, over-ripe aromas, often matched by a high alcohol content. This joven strikes a perfect balance and shows how an un-oaked wine can really reflect a place and offer quality at a great price point.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">This is a great everyday wine..it would be a great house wine in any bar or restaurant. This is so much better than the thin, tinny Riojas they serve by the glass in so many Spanish bars. It is very food friendly...good acidity, low tannins, bright fruit makes a perfect red for everyday meals. It is even up to the tough wine challenge of tomato sauces and spiced food. I had it with an arancini (rice ball) and spicy arrabbiata sauce....it worked well.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Zestos is imported by Ole Imports and they have a great <a title=\"Ole Imports page for Spanish wine Zestos 2011\" href=\"http://www.oleimports.com/wine/Zestos-old-vine-Garnacha\" target=\"_blank\">page</a> with lots of detail on the wine. Ole has a very eclectic and interesting Spanish wine portfolio including the fantastic wines of the great Raúl Peréz.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Madrid is offering some really unique Grenache wines, very different than other Spanish Grenache, a bit lighter, more aromatic, more mineral. Zestos is an entry-level look at these great wines....and just an all round fantastic wine value!</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Have you tried any Spanish Grenache, from Madrid or any other region? Love to hear what you thought. Check out Zestos at Costco for 7$!</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"></p>\r\n&nbsp;','Spanish Wine Review: Zestos Garnacha 2011','Exciting Spanish wine day in Costco today...but more on that later! The one I had to open first was the Zestos Garnacha 2011 from the Madrid wine region, called Vinos de Madrid. This is an area often overlooked, even in Spain and there are some really exciting wines, wines with some really unique personality. Also Madrid is like home to me, so I always like to see it represent! To find a good Madrid wine in Costco, and at the ridiculously affordable price of 7 dollars, really made my day! This Zestos is amazing value, it\'s such an attractive wine, and it gives a great glimpse of what Madrid producers are doing with their fantastic old vine Grenache vineyards.','inherit','open','open','','1095-revision-3','','','2013-04-17 05:08:45','2013-04-17 05:08:45','',1095,'http://planetavino.net/2013/04/17/1095-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(1176,1,'2013-04-05 21:50:26','2013-04-05 21:50:26','<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><a style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/wpid-Photo-Apr-3-2013-1754.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft\" id=\"blogsy-1365026188207.6282\" alt=\"Ferrer Bobet Spanish wine\" src=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/wpid-Photo-Apr-3-2013-1754.jpg\" width=\"200\" height=\"220\" /></a></div>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">I love Ferrer Bobet wines because they totally embrace the terroir that has made the Priorat region famous but also have a slight modern and clean edge that makes them stand out from the pack. Priorat offers us such amazing wines, so full of intensity, earthiness, and personality, but often at a big price. I often other Spanish wines at substitutes for the budget conscious consumer, such as those from neighboring <a title=\"Etnic Montsant Spanish wine\" href=\"http://planetavino.net/2013/01/30/spanish-red-wine-review-etnic-negre-2008/\" target=\"_self\">Montsant</a>. But the Ferrer Bobet Vinyes Velles is really good value for a top flight Priorat, only about 30€ in Spain, under 50$ here in the US. I would recommend this wine to anyone who loves a California Cab in that price range.</p>\r\n<!--more-->\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><a title=\"Ferrer Bobet: Spanish winery in Priorat\" href=\"http://www.ferrerbobet.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Ferrer Bobet</a> is an amazing winery to visit and really represents the perfect intersection of total dedication to the the unique land of Priorat and cutting edge, yet minimalist wine-making techniques. They currently offer two wines, the Vinyes Velles, and also the Selecció Especial, which is from specially selected parcels. The Selecció is really impressive in its concentration and has a more typical Priorat price tag at about 60€ in Spain.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Ferrer Bobet is the joint passion project of Sergio Ferrer and Raul Bobet. They have been dedicated to using and preserving old vine sites of Carignan and Grenache in the Porrera sub-zone of Priorat and will soon also have available somewhat larger quantities of a variety of vines they planted themselves when they started the winery in 2002. Sergio Ferrer also owns the amazing <a title=\"Monvinic:Spanish wine bar in Barcelona\" href=\"http://www.monvinic.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Monvinic</a> wine bar and restaurant in Barcelona and Raul Bobet is making wine at <a title=\"Castell d\'Encus: Spanish winery\" href=\"http://encus.weebly.com/\" target=\"_blank\">Castell d\'Encus</a> at 1000m in western Catalunya...a project that arose as an answer to global warming issues in Spanish winemaking.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">I was fortunate enough to taste the Vinyes Velles 2009 and 2010 together and both can be found on the market easily at the moment. It was fascinating it see the different in the vintages. Both wines are 65% Cariñena, 34% Garnacha, and 1% Cabernet Sauvignon and have 15 months aging in in French oak. The 2009 really showed its Priorat intensity...huge black fruit, big tannins, long, brooding. The perfect balance of oak as usual. A most typical Priorat profile, but all cleaned up in the Ferrer Bobet style.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The 2010, was totally different...aromatic, floral, fresher acidity on the palate. Also intense and long but so elegant. This was my baby! This was Priorat in the 90s. Reminds me of the guys going for a lighter style like Terroir al Limit. I totally dig this style! So food friendly, but also so fun to drink on it\'s own.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">So if you are ready for a step up from basic Priorat such as <a title=\"Camins de Priorat Spanish wine\" href=\"http://planetavino.net/2013/02/14/spanish-red-wine-review-camins-del-priorat-2011/\" target=\"_self\">Camins de Priorat</a>, look for Ferrer Bobet Vinyes Velles for a great premium Priorat wine experience at a very decent price.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Have you tried this wine? What did you think? Is there another Priorat you love?</p>\r\n&nbsp;','Spanish Wine Review: Ferrer Bobet Vinyes 2010','I love Ferrer Bobet wines because they totally embrace the terroir that has made the Priorat region famous but also have a slight modern and clean edge that makes them stand out from the pack. Priorat offers us such amazing wines, so full of intensity, earthiness, and personality, but often at a big price. I often other Spanish wines at substitutes for the budget conscious consumer, such as those from neighboring Montsant. But the Ferrer Bobet Vinyes Velles is really good value for a top flight Priorat, only about 30€ in Spain, under 50$ here in the US. I would recommend this wine to anyone who loves a California Cab in that price range.','inherit','open','open','','1063-revision-4','','','2013-04-05 21:50:26','2013-04-05 21:50:26','',1063,'http://planetavino.net/2013/04/05/1063-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(1177,1,'2013-02-28 00:23:30','2013-02-28 00:23:30','<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><a href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/wpid-Photo-Feb-18-2013-1756.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img src=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/wpid-Photo-Feb-18-2013-1756.jpg\" id=\"blogsy-1362010979968.4792\" class=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" height=\"182\" alt=\"\"></a></div>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">This is a big juicy, bold Spanish red wine from the local variety of Tempranillo in the Toro region.  Toro offers wines similar to the uber-trendy Ribera del Duero region but at much more affordable prices.  The climate is even more extreme continental so in Toro wines you get even more intense, exuberant fruit, good acidity...big wines, but with good freshness and balance.  The Almirez is one of the entry-level wines of an impressive Toro range from the famous Eguren family and offers great value at 15€ in Spain and about 20$ in the US.</p>\n\n<!--more--><p style=\"text-align: justify;\">&gt;The Eguren family is more famous for its Rioja wines with such icons as La Nieta, El Bosque and San Vicente, but it&#39;s range of Toro wines have been getting lots of attention lately.  There a four wines.  the baby is Romanico and is a lovely simple wine showcasing that exuberant Toro fruit with just 6 months in French oak for a touch of complexity.  It&#39;s amazing value at 9€ or 15$ in the US.  Next on is the Almirez...read on below for more detail.  Then there is a big step up to the spectacular Victorino...one of my favorite Toro wines.  It&#39;s a bit pricy at 35€ or about 50$ but it is a big, bold, intense beauty!  Despite how big it is...it is not tiring to drink, but slides down so easily.  I served it a ton at my tastings and never found anyone who didn&#39;t love it.   Last up is the Alasbaster, which is priced at a mind-numbing 130€ in Spain.  I just tasted the 2010 in November.  Bold, big, intense, big tannins too...but I&#39;ll take Victorino any day for the price vs complexity difference.</p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The Almirez for me is the best value of the bunch in terms of its quality and price relationship.  It has great Toto fruit...intense, spicy black fruit, a bit sweet, but with fresh acidity. Full-bodied, big, but not tiring....smooth long finish. It&#39;s 100% Tinta de Toro, the local name for Tempranillo, and has a very some very pleasant and moderate oak notes from its 12 months in French oak barrels.  </p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Toro wines are great with the local cuisine of the area, which includes a lot of stews and game meats, and would work with any meats or more robust preparations.   But this wine has such delicious, exuberant fruit that it is also a great wine to sip on its own after a hard day&#39;s work!  </p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</p>\n\n<p>&nbsp;</p>','Spanish Wine Review: Almirez 2010','This is a big juicy, bold Spanish red wine from the local variety of Tempranillo in the Toro region. Toro offers wines similar to the uber-trendy Ribera del Duero region but at much more affordable prices. The climate is even more extreme continental so in Toro wines you get even more intense, exuberant fruit, good acidity...big wines, but with good freshness and balance. The Almirez is one of the entry-level wines of an impressive Toro range from the famous Eguren family and offers great value at 15€ in Spain and about 20$ in the US.','inherit','open','open','','967-revision-8','','','2013-02-28 00:23:30','2013-02-28 00:23:30','',967,'http://planetavino.net/2013/02/28/967-revision-8/',0,'revision','',0),(1178,1,'2013-02-18 20:09:18','2013-02-18 20:09:18','<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><a style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/wpid-Photo-Feb-14-2013-1507.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft\" id=\"blogsy-1360876435717.2993\" alt=\"\" src=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/wpid-Photo-Feb-14-2013-1507.jpg\" width=\"150\" height=\"261\" /></a></div>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Great intro to pricy Priorat at the hands of the master Alvaro Palacios, this Spanish red wine is easy to drink and easy on the wallet at about 18$ in the US and 15€ in Spain. The Priorat region offers wines full of character, with an intensity, boldness and a savory minerality that reflects the unique terroir. Unfortunately all this comes at a very premium price, especially in a good-value Spanish context. The upside of crisis times is that many top wineries have come out with cheaper wines that can give you some glimpses into this amazing stuff. Also check out neighboring Montsant for some great values....</p>\r\n<!--more-->\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The label is an old pic of mine but the 2011 has the same label. It\'s a typical Priorat blend of Cariñena, Garnacha, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah, and has 8 months of aging in barrels and larger format oak. It\'s a lighter wine by Priorat standards, but still full-bodied. Attractive, simple black fruit is supported by a touch of spice and a nice freshness that gives it surprising freshness in an entry-level wine. Like all the wines of the region, it has a very long finish.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Alvaro is most famous for the amazing l\'Ermita, for Finca Dofi, and now for his fantastic wines from the Mencía grape in the Bierzo region. He has sought out some of the most interesting terroir in Spain and consistently produces some of its top wines. It\'s nice that he also produce some wines for the little man. The equivalent entry level wine in the Bierzo line is the Pétalos de Bierzos, which has had huge critical acclaim at a small price point. I like it, but it has never been my favorite entry-level Mencía. I do recommend to give it a try though as many are crazy about it!</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);\">I always say I would happily drink Priorat every day but my budget rarely covers the 60€ I need for my habit. I love these wines! they have so much personality! I\'m always on the look out for great values in the area. The Camins was one of my \"everyday\" wines while I lived in Spain and I\'m happy to see it readily available at a good price here in the US. </span></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"></p>\r\n&nbsp;','Spanish Red Wine Review: Camins del Priorat 2011','Great intro to pricy Priorat at the hands of the master Alvaro Palacios, this Spanish red wine is easy to drink and easy on the wallet at about 18$ in the US and 15€ in Spain. The Priorat region offers wines full of character, with an intensity, boldness and a savory minerality that reflects the unique terroir. Unfortunately all this comes at a very premium price, especially in a good-value Spanish context. The upside of crisis times is that many top wineries have come out with cheaper wines that can give you some glimpses into this amazing stuff. Also check out neighboring Montsant for some great values....','inherit','open','open','','959-revision-3','','','2013-02-18 20:09:18','2013-02-18 20:09:18','',959,'http://planetavino.net/2013/02/18/959-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(1179,1,'2013-01-31 05:36:20','2013-01-31 05:36:20','<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><a style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/wpid-Photo-Jan-30-2013-1748.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft\" id=\"blogsy-1359586467891.6829\" alt=\"\" src=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/wpid-Photo-Jan-30-2013-1748.jpg\" width=\"250\" height=\"267\" /></a></div>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">This is a great value Spanish red wine from the Montsant area of Catalonia. Montsant offers similar wines to neighboring Priorat, which has become known for it\'s bold, intense reds, at a much lower price point. Prefer to review wines I can also find in the US but I have to make a few exceptions and this is one to keep an eye out for. It\'s the house wine of my new favorite restaurant in Madrid, <a title=\"Wine lovers guide to Madrid\" href=\"http://planetavino.net/2012/12/14/wine-lovers-madrid-2012/\" target=\"_blank\">Laredo</a>, and it offers intense black fruit, minerality and length but also loads of charm and freshness. Very easy to drink and at 14 euros a bottle it\'s a steal! Can\'t find it yet stateside but here\'s hoping.....</p>\r\n<!--more-->\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The wine is produced by Cellers Masroig and is made from old-vine Carignan (Cariñena) and Grenache (Garnacha). It\'s aged for 15 months in French oak barrels followed by another 12 months minimum bottle aging. Though it has 14.5% alcohol, it has great balance and good freshness and shows wears it very well.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The winery is actually a historic cooperative founded in 1917 and makes several lines, including boxed wine. They also make olive oil. They are all great value!</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The Étnic Negre 2008 is pretty approachable and easy to drink at this price point...it hints at what the slate soils and the most intense terroirs of Montsant can give you. It has some black olive, some herbal and mineral notes along with it sweet black fruit that gives a little complexity. Round, big mouth, long finish with big, soft tannins. Just enough acidity to balance it all out. Very attractive package.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"></p>\r\n&nbsp;','Spanish Red Wine Review: Étnic Negre 2008','This is a great value Spanish red wine from the Montsant area of Catalonia. Montsant offers similar wines to neighboring Priorat, which has become known for it\'s bold, intense reds, at a much lower price point. Prefer to review wines I can also find in the US but I have to make a few exceptions and this is one to keep an eye out for. It\'s the house wine of my new favorite restaurant in Madrid, Laredo, and it offers intense black fruit, minerality and length but also loads of charm and freshness. Very easy to drink and at 14 euros a bottle it\'s a steal! Can\'t find it yet stateside but here\'s hoping.....','inherit','open','open','','951-revision-2','','','2013-01-31 05:36:20','2013-01-31 05:36:20','',951,'http://planetavino.net/2013/01/31/951-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(1180,1,'2012-12-04 00:14:33','2012-12-04 00:14:33','<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><a href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/wpid-Photo-Dec-3-2012-1724.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img src=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/wpid-Photo-Dec-3-2012-1724.jpg\" id=\"blogsy-1354575029846.7312\" class=\"alignleft\" width=\"424\" height=\"267\" alt=\"\"></a></div>\n\n<p> This Catalan Grenache blend is delicious, food-friendly, easy to drink and really light on the pocket book!  Two styles of Garnacha have dominated in Spain:  big, bold, fruit bombs and lean, mineral, more austere styles.  Both are delicious, but neither are for everyone.  This wine walks the line beautifully between the styles; it offers friendly fruit, but with good freshness and some nice mineral notes.  It feels like a big wine but doesn&#39;t tire you out...</p>\n\n<!--more--><p>The appellation is the general DO Cataluña though the vineyards for this wine are located just outside Barcelona.  The blend is Grenache, Syrah and Cariñena (Carignan) and the wine gets 14 months in French oak.  The wine has great balance and the 2010 went really well with a challenging tapas meal, which included seafood, egg dishes, wild mushrooms, and steak tartare!   The 2009 I tried at a wine show and it fared well amongst some much more expensive wines.</p>\n\n<p>The labels are very creative and change every year....fun!   The wine retails for about 14 euros and in restaurants in Madrid you can find it for the maxing price of only 22 euros!  I&#39;m working on finding it in the US and will be back with an update when I do.  </p>\n\n<p>&nbsp;</p>','Wine Review: L\'Equilibrista 2009/2010','This Catalan Grenache blend is delicious, food-friendly, easy to drink and really light on the pocket book!  Two styles of Garnacha have dominate in Spain:  big, bold, fruit bombs and lean, mineral, more austere styles.  Both are delicious, but neither are for everyone.  This wine walks the line beautifully between the styles; it offers friendly fruit, but with good freshness and some nice mineral notes.  It feels like a big wine but doesn\'t tire you out...read on for more...','inherit','open','open','','788-revision-8','','','2012-12-04 00:14:33','2012-12-04 00:14:33','',788,'http://planetavino.net/2012/12/04/788-revision-8/',0,'revision','',0),(1181,1,'2012-12-02 01:08:44','2012-12-02 01:08:44','<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><a style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/84220010@N06/8235507098\" target=\"_blank\"><img id=\"blogsy-1354410367918.9456\" class=\"alignleft\" src=\"http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8338/8235507098_3a00891967_z.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"317\" height=\"395\" /></a></div>\r\nParada de Atauta is the new entry-level wine from Dominio de Atauta in Ribera de Duero. This Spanish Tempranillo wine is fresh, attractive, with sweet fruit; it\'s an approachable wine but also has some good intensity and depth. It really is great value from this fairly expensive Spanish wine region, only 18 euros in Spain. Here in the US I\'ve seen it online for 30 dollars, which is a pretty good import price. Parada del Duero is my new favorite value Ribera del Duero...for more detail read on...\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n\r\nDominio de Atauta has always been one of my favorite wineries in Ribera del Duero. These wines buck the current trend of extraction and heavy oak that is still dominate in the region, offering a fresh, terroir-driven style. In my earlier <a title=\"Domino de Atauta\" href=\"http://planetavino.net/2009/03/12/wine-rating-dominio-de-atauta-2005/\" target=\"_blank\">blog article</a> I wrote about the basic Domino de Atauta cuvée and mentioned the single vineyard wines. These wines can be quite austere and tannic at first and need lots of time. That 2005 basic Atauta I review in the 2009 article is drinking youthfully still today and is really beautiful! I had a chance to try the 2009 single vineyard wines and the basic cuvee in Oct 2012 and they were amazing but wound as tight as a drum!\r\n\r\nI was really pleased to see the Parada out at such a great price point. It\'s so accessible and drinkable comparable to its big brothers....the 2009, on the market now, is perfectly delightful! Intense red fruit, a bit sweet, touch of spice, approachable tannins, but with that freshness that vineyards planted at over 3000 ft will give you. The fruit intensity comes from old vines...there are no vineyards less than 60 years old at the winery.\r\n\r\nIt would be great with any red meats or any roasted meats, poultry or vegetables. At 13.5% alcohol and with only 12 months in French oak, it\'s a lot more food friendly than some of the heavier, oakier Riberas.\r\n\r\nRibera is one of Spain\'s most expensive regions and this is a lot of wine for 18 euros. At <a title=\"\" href=\"http://www.wine-searcher.com/find/dominio+atauta+ribera+del+duero+parada+atauta/2009/usa\" target=\"_blank\">winesearcher.com</a> there are several options to buy it for 30$ on up here in the US.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Wine review: Parada de Atauta 2009','Parada de Atauta is the new entry-level wine from Dominio de Atauta in Ribera de Duero. This Spanish Tempranillo wine is fresh, attractive, with sweet fruit; it\'s an approachable wine but also has some good intensity and depth. It really is great value from this fairly expensive Spanish wine region, only 18 euros in Spain. Here in the US I\'ve seen it online for 30 dollars, which is a pretty good import price. Parada del Duero is my new favorite value Ribera del Duero...for more detail read on...','inherit','open','open','','775-revision-4','','','2012-12-02 01:08:44','2012-12-02 01:08:44','',775,'http://planetavino.net/2012/12/02/775-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(1182,1,'2012-12-01 03:55:38','2012-12-01 03:55:38','<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: right;\"><a style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\" href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/84220010@N06/8078657937\" target=\"_blank\"><img src=\"http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8327/8078657937_e169b3dc14_n.jpg\" id=\"blogsy-1354334044815.1406\" class=\"alignright\" alt=\"\" width=\"360\" height=\"270\"></a></div>\n\n<p><br>\nThe striking label on Matsu \"el Recio\" draws you in, the man&#39;s face fascinates in its stark realism. The taste of the wine brings you back again and again. This wine is from biodynamic producer Matsu in the Toro region of Spain. This is the middle wine of the range, a sort of crianza, with 14 months in oak, and my favorite. It offers the intense black fruit and structure typical of Toro with just enough oak. There is a great balance that makes it quite easy to drink. It&#39;s a fantastic value at about 12 euros! </p>\n\n<!--more--><p>It&#39;s part of a range of realistic labels that represent both the style of the wine in terms of maturity and complexity and a different generation that devotes his life to the vineyard. The younger man, el Picaro, is for the joven or \"young\" wine, with the least oak. The grandfather figure, el Viejo, is for the reserva style wine with 16 months oak. All of them are made with Tinta de Toro, the local version of Tempranillo, are very reasonably priced in their category, and make beautiful gift wines.</p>\n\n<p>Here is a link to a cool video about the wines on <a title=\"Matsu video\" href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FgUAG18a6Ig&list=UUZSs2KpIjtU8tgJWzqvehZQ&index=2&feature=plcp\" target=\"_blank\">you tube</a>.<br>\n</p>\n\n<p>&nbsp;</p>','Tasty and Beautiful Toro Wine','The striking label on Matsu \"el Recio\" draws you in, the man\'s face fascinates in its stark realism. The taste of the wine brings you back again and again.  This wine is from biodynamic producer Matsu in the Toro region of Spain. This is the middle wine of the range, a sort of crianza, with 14 months in oak, and my favorite. It offers the intense black fruit and structure typical of Toro with just enough oak. There is a great balance that makes it quite easy to drink. It\'s a fantastic value at about 12 euros!','inherit','open','open','','539-revision-7','','','2012-12-01 03:55:38','2012-12-01 03:55:38','',539,'http://planetavino.net/2012/12/01/539-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(1183,1,'2012-10-08 16:49:44','2012-10-08 16:49:44','<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: right;\"><a href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/wpid-Photo-Oct-5-2012-1618.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img src=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/wpid-Photo-Oct-5-2012-1618.jpg\" id=\"blogsy-1349468899595.4314\" class=\"alignright\" width=\"244\" height=\"232\" alt=\"\"></a></div>\n\n<p> The retail mark ups on Spanish wines here in the US are so puzzling, some are so reasonable and others outrageous.  Walking around a Total Wine store here in Florida yesterday, I was happy to see an old favorite at a very decent 13$ price point.  LAN Crianza was always my safety wine in Spain.  I could count on it to be on most mediocre restaurant wine lists....it could even be found in most cheap Asian restaurants.  It was always a crowd pleaser and you could order plenty of bottles without wincing at the price.  It&#39;s a fairly simple wine, but offers lots of bright cherry fruit, freshness and just a touch of vanilla oak.  Attractive and light enough to be food friendly in a way Tempranillos from Rioja can often do.    Really great value. Nice to see an old friend hasn&#39;t been priced out of its quality category.</p>\n\n<p>&nbsp;</p><div style=\"text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;\" id=\"blogsy_footer\"><a href=\"http://blogsyapp.com\" target=\"_blank\"><img src=\"http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png\" alt=\"Posted with Blogsy\" style=\"vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>','LAN Crianza: Bright and Fruity Rioja at a Good Price','The retail mark ups on Spanish wines here in the US are so puzzling, some are so reasonable and others outrageous.  Walking around a Total Wine store here in Florida yesterday, I was happy to see an old favorite at a very decent 13$ price point.','inherit','open','open','','422-revision-4','','','2012-10-08 16:49:44','2012-10-08 16:49:44','',422,'http://planetavino.net/2012/10/08/422-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(1184,1,'2012-10-08 16:49:23','2012-10-08 16:49:23','<a href=\"http://myplanetavino.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/finca-terrerazo-2005.jpg\" title=\"Finca Terrerazo is a Spanish wine from the Utiel region\"><img align=\"right\" src=\"http://myplanetavino.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/finca-terrerazo-2005.jpg\" alt=\"Finca Terrerazo is a Spanish wine from the Utiel region\" /></a>This is a top notch red from the southeastern Utiel region of Spain.  I recently rated this winery’s bargain wine <a href=\"http://www.planetavino.net/2009/03/14/wine-rating-mestizaje-20062007/\" title=\"Spanish wine Mestizaje\">Mestizaje</a> and more recently tasted the Finca Terrerazo wine, which is their intermediate wine at about 25€.  The winery also has a top cru called Quincha Corral.    As I mentioned in the previous article, these wines are released under a Vino de la Tierra Category, in theory table wine, and are based upon the local grape Bobal.  Bobal is a mediocre grape when over cropped, but can make some unique, top quality wines with a lot of care.  The Ficna Terrerazo 2005 is a Bobal blend, with Cabernet Sauvignon and Tempranillo.  Very complex nose, with tobacco, menthol and black fruit.  The mouth has all those elements plus surprisingly fresh acidity and big, smooth tannins.  I tasted the wine a day later and it was even better…smoother and more in balance.  It has a whopping 19 months in new French oak, but the intensity of the wine allows for it.  Shows what Bobal can do…this is a good value wine, considered the complexity it gives you.  Read on for more details on Finca Terrerazo 2005.\n\nWine:  Finca Terrerazo 2005\nWinery:  Bodegas Mustiguillo\nDenominación de Origen (DO):Vino de la Tierra El Terrerazo\nAlc: 14.5%\nGrape varieties: 60% Bobal, 20% Tempranillo, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon\nOak regime:  19 months in new French oak, malo in barrel\nPrice:  22-25€ retail in Madrid\n\nTasting notes\nVisual:  Opaque purple ruby color\nNose:  Very complex nose, with sweet black fruit, tobacco and touches of menthol.  At first a little closed...needed air to open the fruit.  The next day the nose had a much bigger fruit element.\nMouth:  Big intense mouth, though aromatically it needs air to open up.   Lots of tobacco and menthol, red fruit...quite acidic.  Big, full body, long tannic finish.  Tannins are very smooth. Really complex and impressive.  A day later, the Cabernet was more evident with touches of green pepper, but the fruit was much bigger and sweeter.  Better mouth balance the second day. \n\nConclusion: Complex, intense, lots of personality.  Really interesting wine that is also very drinkable.  Though a bit pricy, it is worth every penny. ','Wine rating: Finca Terrerazo 2005','','inherit','open','open','','269-revision-3','','','2012-10-08 16:49:23','2012-10-08 16:49:23','',269,'http://planetavino.net/2012/10/08/269-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(1185,1,'2009-04-29 21:52:31','2009-04-29 19:52:31','<a href=\"http://myplanetavino.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/acustic-2007.jpg\" title=\"Acustic, a Spanish wine from Montsant\"><img align=\"right\" src=\"http://myplanetavino.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/acustic-2007.jpg\" alt=\"Acustic, a Spanish wine from Montsant\" /></a>Another great red wine from the Montsant area of Spain.  In recent articles, I’ve rated <a href=\"http://www.planetavino.net/2009/04/08/wine-rating-finca-l%e2%80%99argata-2004/\" title=\"Finca L\'Argatá\">Finca L’Argatá</a> and <a href=\"http://www.planetavino.net/2009/02/08/spanish-wine-rating-brunus-2006/\" title=\"Brunus\">Brunus</a>.  Montsant is the great value area that surrounds the cult wine area of Priorat.  Many of the vineyard sites in Montsant offer similar great terroir as those in Priorat but at a fraction of the price.  But, it’s best to know your producers….there are still some fairly rustic wines out there.  The Acústic 2007 is my favorite kind a Montsant:  super mineral, intense black fruit, huge but smooth tannins.    Admittedly it’s a bit closed at first, but it’s a 2007 and needs some air and even some time in bottle.  Acústic has that distinct Montsant character that gives it real originality.  Also interesting in this wine is the use of Samsó, an obscure regional variety that is coming back into favor lately.  It is an intense, structured grape that really plays well with the old vine Garnacha so typical of the area.  Acústic Celler also makes a higher end wine called Braó, that retails for about 22€ and is more a more typical Montsant blend of old vine Garnacha and Cariñena.  Read on for more information on Acústic 2007.\n\nWine:  Acústic 2007\nWinery:  Acústic Celler\nDenominación de Origen (DO):Montsant\nAlc: 14.5%\nGrape varieties: old vine Samsó and Garnacha (35-65 yr old vines)\nOak regime:  10 months in French oak (light toast)\nPrice:  13€ retail in Madrid\n\nTasting notes\nVisual:  Deep purple color\nNose:  Intense mineral and black fruit nose, a bit earthy, a touch of garrigue.  Quite complex, but the fruit really opens up with some air\nMouth:  Mouth a bit tight at first, with some air, the wine really explodes in them mouth.  Very silky texture, intensely structured with good acidity and big, ripe tannins.  Long, intense finish.\n\nConclusion: Not the easiest wine to drink at first, so intense, yet tight.  The air really opens it up by bringing the fruit more into play.  This is a wine that will definitely improve in the bottle for the next couple of years.  After one week on the nitrogen machine, it was so much more approachable...though it retained that unique personality that is so characteristic of the area.  Love it!','Wine rating: Acústic 2007','','inherit','open','open','','267-revision','','','2009-04-29 21:52:31','2009-04-29 19:52:31','',267,'http://planetavino.net/2009/04/29/267-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(1186,1,'2009-04-25 22:50:52','2009-04-25 20:50:52','<a href=\"http://myplanetavino.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/caliza-2005.jpg\" title=\"Spanish wine Caliza 2005 is made from Syrah and Petit Verdot\"><img align=\"right\" src=\"http://myplanetavino.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/caliza-2005.jpg\" alt=\"Spanish wine Caliza 2005 is made from Syrah and Petit Verdot\" /></a>Caliza is the value wine in the Marques de Griñon Dominio de Valdepusa line.  Dominio de Valdepusa is the estate wine appellation or vino de pago located in Toledo province to the southwest of Madrid.  The estate specializes in very ripe, big wines from mostly French varieties, though they are starting to work with Graciano, a Rioja grape.  The estate has been very important in the evolution of Spanish wines over the last 25 years, and has been innovating in terms of grape varieties and technologies in the vineyard.  I’ve previously written posts about the <a href=\"http://www.planetavino.net/2007/06/13/tasting-dominio-de-valdepusa-wines/\" title=\"Rating of Valdepusa wines\">wines</a> and the <a href=\"http://www.planetavino.net/2007/06/13/winery-dominio-de-valdepusa-in-toledo/\" title=\"Visit to the winery Dominio de Valdepusa\">winery</a>, but the Caliza was not part of the line-up back then.  Previously, the estates wines started at about 19€, topping out at about 45€. I’ve always loved these wines but often found them a little pricy.  Now the winery has come out with a lower end wine, the Caliza, that is much more reasonably priced at 12€.  The Caliza, made from Syrah and Petit Verdot, is soft and full, with wonderful black fruit.  It is not super complex, but has surprising freshness for such a hot weather wine and has quite a long finish, with very ripe tannins.  I really think it is a lot of wine for a good price….and it’s perfect to drink this year.  I don’t love the label though…it looks like a bland version of Didier Dagueneau’s original Silex label...also the shape of the stone looks a little like the outline of Africa.  Read on for more info on Caliza 2005.\n\nWine:  Caliza 2005\nWinery:  Marques de Griñon\nDenominación de Origen (DO): Dominio de Valdepusa (estate appellation)\nAlc: 14.5%\nGrape varieties: 65% Syrah, 35% Petit Verdot\nOak regime:  10 months in French oak\nPrice:  12€ retail in Madrid\n\nTasting notes\nVisual:  Deep ruby color\nNose:  Very attractive nose, very intense.  Ripe, sweet black fruit and a little oak spice.  Not super complex, but with some air, some interesting smoky, meaty notes came out. \nMouth:  Big, soft mouth....sweet black fruit, good acidity, and a big, long finish with fruit aromas and very ripe, smooth tannins.  The alcohol, though high, is really well balanced with all the other elements.   With some air a bit of complexity arrive, with some very interesting smoky aromas.\n\nConclusion: Easy to drink and attractive, the 2005 is in its perfect drinkable moment this year.  Really show the good qualities that a well-made La Mancha wine can bring to the table.  Very good value, a very nice price for a good wine.\n ','Wine rating: Caliza 2005','','inherit','open','open','','265-revision','','','2009-04-25 22:50:52','2009-04-25 20:50:52','',265,'http://planetavino.net/2009/04/25/265-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(1187,1,'2009-04-20 19:54:21','2009-04-20 17:54:21','<a href=\"http://myplanetavino.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/baltasar-gracian-vinas-viejas-2006.jpg\" title=\"Old vine Garnacha Baltasar from Calatayud, Spain\"><img align=\"right\" src=\"http://myplanetavino.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/baltasar-gracian-vinas-viejas-2006.jpg\" alt=\"Old vine Garnacha Baltasar from Calatayud, Spain\" /></a>In a recent article I compared two great Garnachas from France and Spain:  <a href=\"http://www.planetavino.net/2009/02/04/grenache-shines-in-spain-and-france/\" title=\"Grenache Shines in France and Spain\">Atteca and a Cairanne Côte du Rhône</a>.  I’ve since wrote about many great Garnacha’s from around Spain.  Today’s wine is an old vine Garnacha, from Calatayud, the same region in north-eastern Spain that the Atteca comes from.  This region, though still rustic, is producing an amazing array of old-vine Garnacha wines that are great value.  An interesting thing about Calatayud is that the cooperatives are producing some of the top wines.  Cooperatives in many regions produce pretty ordinary stuff, but here they can excel.  The Baltasar Gracian 2006 is from one such cooperative…San Alejandro…their whole range of inexpensive old-vine wines are really worth trying.  This wine is easy-drinking, but offers exuberant, attractive fruit, some spiciness and some good intensity and decent complexity.  For about 5-6€, it’s a steal!  Read on for more details on the wine. \n\nWine:  Baltasar Gracian Viñas Viejas 2006\nWinery:  Cooperativo San Alejandro\nDenominación de Origen (DO): Calatayud\nAlc: 14.5%\nGrape varieties: 100% old-vine Garnacha (60-80 yrs old)\nOak regime:  10 months in French and American oak\nPrice:  5-6€ retail in Madrid\n\nTasting notes\nVisual:  Medium intensity, fresh ruby color\nNose:  Medium intensity...red, sweet raspberry fruit, some spice.  There is a touch of chalk and some raspberry leaf.  Super attractive nose.\nMouth:  Soft sweet fruit mouth, medium intensity...almost restrained for Garnacha.  Raspberry jam, leafy, good fresh acidity...tastes light despite it’s 14.5% alcohol content.  Not the longest wine, some soft tannins and red fruit.\nFood:  A great summer wine, like so many of these Garnacha’s...great with barbecue.   \n\nConclusion: So easy to drink, soft, yet with grip...amazing price.  The one major criticism is the length, but it has a very decent length for this price point. \n ','Wine rating: Baltasar Gracian Viñas Viejas 2006','','inherit','open','open','','259-revision','','','2009-04-20 19:54:21','2009-04-20 17:54:21','',259,'http://planetavino.net/2009/04/20/259-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(1188,1,'2009-04-08 13:58:09','2009-04-08 11:58:09','<a href=\"http://myplanetavino.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/finca-largata-2004.jpg\" title=\"Spanish wine Finca L’Argata from Montsant\"><img align=\"right\" src=\"http://myplanetavino.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/finca-largata-2004.jpg\" alt=\"Spanish wine Finca L’Argata from Montsant\" /></a>I recently rated the <a href=\"http://www.planetavino.net/2009/02/08/spanish-wine-rating-brunus-2006/\">Brunus 2006</a> from Montsant…it wasn’t my favorite, but it seems to be garnering high points from all the critics.  As I mentioned in that post, Montsant is a great value alternative to Priorat but can be very hit or miss.  One of the good ones is Finca L’Argatá…it’s been a favorite of mine since the 2002 vintage.  Recently I tried the 2004 for the first time and loved it.  If the Brunus was lacking that intense black fruit that I associate with the region, the Finca L’Argatá has it in spades!  It also has those original, wild aromas that the best Montsants and Priorats have.  It’s a bit of stone and slate with what in Spanish we call “bajo monte” and in French “garrigue.”  The English translation always comes out a little poor but wild herbs, herbes de Provence are similar.  When you walk through dry and scrubby areas of southern France or the Med you get those wonderful smells of all the wild herbs such as rosemary and them, but it is mixed in with an earthiness as well.  Love it!  The 2004 is perfect to drink now…the sometimes tough tannins have really smoothed out and it has a really long liqueur black fruit finish.  The only criticism I could make is that the alcohol is a bit notable in the finish.  The best part is that the price is really reasonable at 13€ retail.  This is what’s best about Montsant!  Read on for more details on Finca L’Argatá.  \n\nWine:  Finca L’Argatá 2004\nWinery:  Cellers Joan d’Anguera\nDenominación de Origen (DO): Montsant\nAlc: 14.5%\nGrape varieties: 40% Syrah, 40% Garnacha, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon\nOak regime:  14 months in French oak\nPrice:  13€ retail in Madrid\n\nTasting notes\nVisual:  Dark semi-opaque purple…very youthful\nNose:  Very intense:  jammy sweet black fruit with strong aromas of garrigue and mineral notes, slate.  Really attractive in a brooding sort of way!          \nMouth:  There is initially a burst of intense liqueur fruit, with really fresh acidity...surprising acidity given the sweetness of the nose. There are also the garrigue aromas and the slate with a little bit of oak smokiness and spice.  he tannins are very big but super smooth and the fruit lingers along with them in a super long finish.  The alcohol heats up a little too much in the finish.\nFood:  This wine would be perfect with a roast leg of lamb with herbs, but not the tiny baby ones they have hear in Spain...the older gammier version done rare with herbes de Provence in France.   \n\nConclusion: Love this wine...it has so much personality...perhaps too much for some people.  I find in my wine groups, people either love this style or hate it...it leaves few people indifferent.  I also love that the oak is so well integrated it almost disappears...adding complexity to the wine in a perfect supporting role.  All too often the oak is the star these days. ','Wine rating: Finca L’Argatá 2004','','inherit','open','open','','253-revision','','','2009-04-08 13:58:09','2009-04-08 11:58:09','',253,'http://planetavino.net/2009/04/08/253-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(1189,1,'2009-03-25 23:57:25','2009-03-25 21:57:25','<a href=\"http://myplanetavino.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/predicador-2006.jpg\" title=\"Spanish wine from Rioja called Predicador\"><img align=\"right\" src=\"http://myplanetavino.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/predicador-2006.jpg\" alt=\"Spanish wine from Rioja called Predicador\" /></a>I have been meaning to try this Rioja wine for some time and in the last week I have tried it in two vintages.  Both were impressive, but the 2007 could use a little more time in bottle to achieve a better balance.  Predicador is the inexpensive wine that Benjamin Romeo brought onto the market in 2005.  Benjamin Rome is a cult winemaker in Rioja and is responsible for such amazing wines as Contador, La Cueva de Contador, La Viña de Andrés, all priced 80 euros or higher.  Benjamin Romeo also offers one of Spain’s most unique whites, Que Bonito Cacareaba, which retails for about 35€.  The story behind the name is funny…it translates as “How wonderfully it crowed.”  Seems strange but originally it was called Gallo canto or “Cock crows”, but obviously Gallo in Spanish is spelled the same as the famous winery Gallo.  Need I say more….so Benjamin killed off the Gallo and in memoriam named the wine Que Bonito Cacareaba!  Love it and love the wine.  The Predicador is less intense and simpler than it’s pricy big brother, but it offers a lot of bang for the buck at only about 19€.   It is an intense, sweet fruit, fresh modern Rioja with great oak integration and a long finish.  The 2006 has the edge for me right now…much smoother.  The 2007 is delicious, but the tannins are a bit tight still.     It really a pleasure to drink a good value wine from this unique and creative winemaker.  Read on for more details on Predicador.  \n\nWine:  Predicador 2006/2007\nWinery:  Bodega Benjamin Romeo\nDenominación de Origen (DO): Rioja\nAlc: 14.5%\nGrape varieties: 100% Tempranillo\nOak regime:  at least 12 months aging in new French oak\nPrice:  19-20€ retail in Madrid\n\nTasting notes\nVisual:  Pretty medium intensity ruby…typical Rioja color\nNose:  2006:  sweet cherry, spicy oak nose...really intense and attractive though not super complex.  2007:  A bit floral with sweet candy cherry fruit...a bit hot on the nose too.  A little more complex than the 2006 but not as attractive.          \nMouth:  2006:  Intense, smooth mouth, very fresh acidity.  Vanilla and cherry fruit, a bit of spice.  Really long finish with lots of ripe, silky tannins.  Fruit lasts long as well.  2007:  Better in mouth than in the nose, though the tannins are a bit tough.  Very fresh, great oak aromas....quite silky in mid-palate, but the tannins need some time.  The fruit comes back again in the long finish. \n\nConclusion: Both vintages were great!  I prefer the 2006 now, but it seems a little simpler than the 2007 which shoes great potential.  A great modern Rioja for a very good price. ','Wine rating: Predicador 2006/2007','','inherit','open','open','','247-revision','','','2009-03-25 23:57:25','2009-03-25 21:57:25','',247,'http://planetavino.net/2009/03/25/247-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(1190,1,'2009-03-19 23:51:15','2009-03-19 21:51:15','<a href=\"http://myplanetavino.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/leione-2005.jpg\" title=\"Spanish wine Leione made form Prieto Picudo\"><img align=\"right\" src=\"http://myplanetavino.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/leione-2005.jpg\" alt=\"Spanish wine Leione made form Prieto Picudo\" /></a>Leione is an interesting wine made from the grape variety Prieto Picudo.  Prieto Picudo is a local variety found in the Leon province of Spain, the same region that is home to the more high profile Mencía grape.  Mencía has become quite trendy and just stepping out its shadow is this very good quality grape.  There are so many quite obscure grape varieties in Spain that are finally getting some attention.  The winery is Dominio de Tares, one of the pioneering wineries that brought Mencía and Bierzo to prominence.  They have started a second project, Dominio Dos Tares, making a range of wines exclusively from Prieto Picudo.  Right now these wines don’t enter into any wine appellation and so are labeled very broadly as Vino de la Tierra de Castilla Leon.  Previously Prieto Picudo was used for basic reds and rosés for local consumption, but with some care the grape can really shine.  It is generally very aromatic with intense red fruit, some floral and mineral notes.  The wine Leione has all of that as well as some really nice oak spice and some leather.  The 2005 is in perfect balance with smooth tannins and nice acidity.  It is a very pretty wine, but also has substance.  Prieto Picudo is definitely a grape to watch out for.  Domino Dos Tares also makes two more wines from 100% Prieto Picudo:  Cumal and Estay.  Read on for more details on Leione 2005.  \n\nWine:  Leione 2005\nWinery:  Dominio Dos Tares\nDenominación de Origen (DO): Vino de la Tierra de Castilla León\nAlc: 13.5%\nGrape varieties: 100% Prieto Picudo\nOak regime:  9 months aging in French, American and Hungarian oak\nPrice:  11-12€ retail in Madrid\n\nTasting notes\nVisual:  Exuberant purple ruby…medium intensity\nNose:  Pretty yet intense nose...sweet red fruit, floral notes and a bit of leather and earthiness.          \nMouth:  Enters the mouth with a burst of sweet fruit which is followed mid palate by floral notes, a bit of vanilla, spice and fresh acidity...the mouth finishes very long, with sweet red fruit and smooth tannins.  With some air the fruit becomes even more intense.\n\nConclusion: I really loved this wine...I had tasted it only once before at a wine show....it really didn’t make a mark as my palate was so saturated.  It is a really attractive wine, in balance and easy to drink, yet also has some complexity.  The oak is really well integrated and plays a great supporting role to the great Prieto Picudo fruit.  Really an excellent wine for the price.','Wine rating: Leione 2005','','inherit','open','open','','240-revision','','','2009-03-19 23:51:15','2009-03-19 21:51:15','',240,'http://planetavino.net/2009/03/19/240-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(1191,1,'2009-03-14 23:56:05','2009-03-14 21:56:05','<a href=\"http://myplanetavino.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/mestizaje-2006-2007.jpg\" title=\"Mestizaje:  A Bobal based Spanish wine\"><img align=\"right\" src=\"http://myplanetavino.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/mestizaje-2006-2007.jpg\" alt=\"Mestizaje:  A Bobal based Spanish wine\" /></a>In the last two days I’ve had two different vintages of this juicy, big wine from the southern Spanish region of Utiel…the 2006, which is still widely available, and the 2007, which was just released about a month ago.  The 2006, which sis months ago was a little rough, was really delicious.  The 2007 is better at this point than the 2006, but needs more time in bottle to round out.  Mestizaje is the basic wine of the winery Mustiguillo, one of the pioneers in fine wine in their region.  The wines are released under the appellation Vino de la Tierra El Terrerazo, which is located in Utiel Requena in the southeastern region of Valencia.  The Mestizaje is great value at about 10€ and their two prestige blends, Finca el Terrerazo and Quincha Corral are spectacular.  The wines are blends, but based on the local grape variety Bobal.  Bobal is a unique grape variety that is widespread in the area and parts of La Mancha.  It is largely used for low quality, bulk wines, but with a lot of care, can make some really top quality wines.  It is a grape that is very high in acidity and retains its freshness in hot weather.  Though not as aromatic as some grapes it does have attractive aromas of red fruit and can sometimes have a meaty quality.   Bobal has a problem with uneven ripening and has very vigorous shoot growth….so careful selection and controlled yields are necessary to make a top quality wine.  The climate in the area is also challenging….the heat can be extreme.  Mestizaje from Bodegas Mustiguillo really shows what Bobal is capable of in a blend.  Read on for more details on the wine.  \n\nWine:  Mestizaje 2006/2007\nWinery:  Bodegas Mustiguillo\nDenominacion de Origen (DO): Vino de la Tierra El Terrerazo\nAlc: 14.5%\nGrape varieties: 50% Bobal, 20% Tempranillo, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Garnahca, 5% Merlot, 5% Syrah\nOak regime:  3 months aging in large oak vats followed by 8 months in lightly used French oak barrels\nPrice:  10€ retail in Madrid\n\nTasting notes\nVisual:  Deep ruby purple\nNose:  2006...Quite intense red liqueur fruit and spice...really attractive....sweet.  2007...Nice sweet red fruit but a bit sharp.        \nMouth:  2006....Really lovely sweet red fruit, super ripe but very fresh with really great acidity....some smoky oak notes, especially opening up with some air.  Really long finish...tannins present yet ripe.  Great balance.  2007...nice sweet intense red liqueur fruit, but a bit alcoholic...the tannins are a bit sharp...the mouth is lacking balance, but is not bad.\nFood:  The 2007 was very nice with our Cecina, a cured beef dish.\n\nConclusion: I was amazed at how delicious the 2006 was...just a few short months ago it was quite unpleasant, really all sharp edges with high alcohol.  Now it is perfectly in balance and so smooth!  The 2007, which is just out is better thant he 2006, but still needs some polishing...all the parts have great potential, but they are not yet integrated.  I’ll be trying it in a few months.  Goes to show you what a little patience can do!','Wine rating: Mestizaje 2006/2007','','inherit','open','open','','236-revision','','','2009-03-14 23:56:05','2009-03-14 21:56:05','',236,'http://planetavino.net/2009/03/14/236-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(1192,1,'2009-03-10 17:50:13','2009-03-10 15:50:13','<a href=\"http://myplanetavino.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/mauro-2005.jpg\" title=\"Mauro Tempranillo wine from Ribera del Duero\"><img align=\"right\" src=\"http://myplanetavino.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/mauro-2005.jpg\" alt=\"Mauro Tempranillo wine from Ribera del Duero\" /></a>Another slightly high end wine….but the Mauro 2005 is totally worth its 22€ price tag.  Mauro was one of the pioneers in making top quality wine outside the traditional wine appellation areas.  Its category is Vino de la Tierra, in theory a table wine category, but also producing some of the best and best value wines in Spain.  Mauro was founded in 1980 in the Ribera del Duero area.  Outside the wine appellation has given the winery more flexibility in grape varieties, which include Tempranillo, Garnacha and Syrah.  In the mid to late 90’s Mauro changed wine styles along with many area wineries, seeking fresher fruit and more intensity.  Mariano Garcia, the famed winemaker from Vega Sicilia took over and the result was one of the hottest wines in Spain…it really put the category of Vino de la Tierra de Castilla Leon on the map.  Even the casual wine-drinker has heard of this winery.   I used to drink a lot of this wine, but had ignored it in the past few vintages.  I’ve rediscovered the wine in the very good 2005 vintage…an intense, yet attractive wine with a perfect oak balance…something sadly lacking in many Ribera del Duero wines. It’s great to revisit a pioneer and find it still deserves its reputation.  For more information on the Vino de la Tierra Category of wine see my blog post on the <a href=\"http://www.planetavino.net/2007/03/01/exciting-spanish-wine-in-unconventional-categories/\" title=\"Spanish wine in unconventional categories\">unconventional wine categories in Spain</a>.  Read on for more details on the wine.\n\nWine:  Mauro 2005\nWinery:  Bodegas Mauro\nDenominacion de Origen (DO): Vino de la Tierra de Castilla Léon\nAlc: 14.5%\nGrape varieties: 90% Tinto Fino (Tempranillo), 10% Syrah\nOak regime:  15 months in new French (75%) and American oak\nPrice:  20-22€ retail in Madrid\n\nTasting notes\nVisual:  Deep black ruby color\nNose:  Intense nose...black liqueur fruit, anis, some oak spice....quite complex but not the prettiest nose at first.  With air the fruit opens up and is more appealing.     \nMouth:  Sweet black fruit, great acidity, intense structure and tannins...quite a mouthful!  Big full-bodied mouth, but the alcohol is in balance.  The oak is lovely; adding spicy notes and complexity, but the fruit dominates it.  The tannins are very big but the rest of the wine can stand up to them and the tannins are very ripe. Very long fruit and tannin finish. \nFood:  Perfect with roast lamb in the region.  \n\nConclusion: This wine really represents the new generation of wine drinkers in Spain...the new young drinkers are looking for the intense sensations these wines can give.  It is a really well-done Ribera del Duero style....big, intense, but with appealing fruit and oak that plays a great supporting role.  What I also love about this wine is that it has so much more personality than some of the Ribera clone wines that seem to be everywhere.    ','Wine rating: Mauro 2005','','inherit','open','open','','230-revision','','','2009-03-10 17:50:13','2009-03-10 15:50:13','',230,'http://planetavino.net/2009/03/10/230-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(1193,1,'2009-03-05 23:17:25','2009-03-05 21:17:25','<a href=\"http://myplanetavino.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/roda-reserva-2004.jpg\" title=\"Spanish wine Roda Reserva 2004\"></a><a href=\"http://myplanetavino.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/roda-reserva-2004.jpg\" title=\"Spanish wine Roda Reserva 2004\"><img align=\"right\" src=\"http://myplanetavino.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/roda-reserva-2004.jpg\" alt=\"Spanish wine Roda Reserva 2004\" /></a>Roda Reserva 2004 from Rioja is the wine I have consumed most over the past year.  I love to change the wines I put in my tastings constantly….otherwise I get bored!  The Roda, however, has been the exception…it is the consistently the favorite wine in my line-ups of eight wines from all over Spain.  The 2004 vintage, which is really structured, has only been getting better over the months…I’m dreading the day they come out with the 2005…it’s a very nice wine, but it will take a year to get to where the 2004 is now.  This wine is a firmly modern Rioja with only 16 months in new French oak.  The special thing about it is that perfect balance it has between sweet red fruit, fresh Rioja acidity, perfectly integrated oak and firm, yet ripe tannins.  It is so youthful, with many years ahead, but so easy to drink now.  It is really good value at 20-22€ retail in Madrid. It is the all round wine, a wine that please all types and nationalities of wine drinkers.  I serve it so much I do get burned out on Roda but I can’t stop serving it!  Read on for more details on the wine.\n\nWine:  Roda 2004\nWinery:  Bodegas Roda\nDenominacion de Origen (DO): DO Rioja\nAlc: 14%\nGrape varieties: 85% Tempranillo, 11% Graciano, 4% Garnacha\nOak regime:  16 months in new French oak\nPrice:  22-22€ retail in Madrid\n\nTasting notes\nVisual:  Pretty deep ruby color\nNose:  A medium intensity nose that gets very intense with some air.  Smoky, spicy notes mix with fresh red fruit and vanilla.  Good complexity and very appealing.     \nMouth:  More complex and intense mouth, with the same spice and fruit notes....fresh, slightly tart yet sweet red fruit, cranberry and cherry.  The fruit really lasts such a long time with the medium, very ripe tannins.  It has really impressive balance between all the parts\nFood:  I have has this wine with many different meals and it really goes well with so much food.  The balance, the fresh acidity and the ripe tannins make it match with a variety of dishes.  \n\nConclusion: The wine has 14% alcohol but it seems lighter....it’s really easy to drink.  It’s a crowd-pleaser that I can serve to almost anyone.  It’s not the most complex wine, but it is so attractive, fresh and has such good balance.   ','Wine rating: Roda Reserva 2004','','inherit','open','open','','228-revision','','','2009-03-05 23:17:25','2009-03-05 21:17:25','',228,'http://planetavino.net/2009/03/05/228-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(1194,1,'2009-03-04 23:56:54','2009-03-04 21:56:54','<a href=\"http://myplanetavino.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/cenit-2005.jpg\" title=\"Cenit Tempranillo wine from Zamora\"><img align=\"right\" src=\"http://myplanetavino.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/cenit-2005.jpg\" alt=\"Cenit Tempranillo wine from Zamora\" /></a>I usually rate wines that retail under 20€ because I think they are more useful for the typical wine buyer, but the other day I tasted a great wine that I really wanted to put out there.  The wine Cenit 2005 costs about 35-40€ retail here in Spain, though I’ve seen it for less on US sites at 40$.  Cenit is from one of the most recently created wine appellations in Spain, DO Tierra del Vino de Zamora…not the most practical name!  But it’s an interesting region located in northwestern Spain right on the border with Portugal…  The region is best known for reds made from old-vine Tempranillo, some of them on original rootstock….though there are only a handful of wineries so far, some very interesting wines are being made.  The climate is very extreme with big temperature changes between the day and night.  The best wines are generally big, full-bodied and intense.   If you want to check out this new wine appellation see <a href=\"http://www.tierradelvino.net/home.html\">http://www.tierradelvino.net/home.html</a>.  Read on for more details on the wine.\n\nWine:  Cénit 2005\nWinery:  Viñas del Cénit\nDenominacion de Origen (DO): DO Tierra del Vino de Zamora\nAlc: 14.5%\nGrape varieties: 100% old-vine Tempranillo\nOak regime:  19 months in new oak\nPrice:  35-40€ retail in Madrid\n\nTasting notes\nVisual:  Intense opaque purple color.\nNose:  The nose is really intense, attractive with black fruit, blueberry and blackberry, mineral and spice nose.  Really impressive.     \nMouth:  A bit closed at first and the tannins are huge...also a bit hot on the finish.  Needs air...the wine continued to improve in the glass for hours and hours.  Lots of black liqueur fruit and spice, with good acidity.  After some air, the wine really came into balance, the fruit opened up and balanced the tannins and alcohol really.  Big, blockbuster mouth, but delicious. \nFood:  I didn’t have it with food, but this would be perfect with some game dishes from the Zamora area. \n\nConclusion: This is a really impressive wine.  Definitely will improve in bottle and is very youthful and a bit closed still.  But with some air, the powerful fruit opens up and the wine really takes off.  It’s a pricy wine but it gives a lot of bang for the buck!  I was thinking about it long after I drank it. ','Wine rating: Cénit 2005','','inherit','open','open','','225-revision','','','2009-03-04 23:56:54','2009-03-04 21:56:54','',225,'http://planetavino.net/2009/03/04/225-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(1195,1,'2012-10-01 05:12:14','2012-10-01 05:12:14','<a href=\"http://myplanetavino.files.wordpress.com/2009/02/ferratus-2004.jpg\" title=\"The red wine Ferratus 2004 from Ribera del Duero\"><img align=\"right\" src=\"http://myplanetavino.files.wordpress.com/2009/02/ferratus-2004.jpg\" alt=\"The red wine Ferratus 2004 from Ribera del Duero\" /></a>I’ve been complaining a bit about the over-oaked state of many Spanish wines lately and probably the worst region for it is Ribera del Duero.  There’s no denying that some of Spain’s best reds come from the area….reds from a robust variant of Tempranillo called Tinto Fino.  Tinto Fino gives wines of great body and structure that do well in new oak.  Many wine-makers have taken that favorable characteristic and taken it too far.  Many top Riberas have way too much oak despite their great fruit and structure….many of my clients have been disappointed by tastings of top Riberas lately.  Inexpensive Riberas are often tough and hollow…lacking in fruit.  It’s not an inexpensive region by Spanish standards….I have found few Riberas below 20€ that I have really liked.  I tasted an Emilio Moro Crianza the other day…it used to be one of my favorites…it’s good value for Ribera at 17€, but the 2005 I tasted the other day was overly oaky.  One of my favorite wineries in Ribera is Dominio de Atauta…they make a range of blends and single vineyards wines that really stand apart from other Riberas...they really focus on terroir.  They are very intense and focused with lean, elegant fruit and great acidity…most importantly they are very carefully and moderately oaked.  Ferratus, the wine I’m rating below, is a new winery (2003) that has garnered some great ratings from Spanish critics.  I am not so impressed.  Read on for my detailed rating.\n\nWine:  Ferratus 2004\nWinery:  Bodegas Cuevas Jimenez\nDenominacion de Origen (DO): Ribera del Duero\nAlc: 14%\nGrape varieties: 100% Tinto Fino (Tempranillo)\nOak regime:  14 months in new French (80%) and American (20%) oak\nPrice:  18-20€ retail in Madrid\n\nTasting notes\nVisual:  Intense opaque black ruby color.\nNose:  Attractive nose with blackberry and blueberry fruit and spicy oak...very promising.       \nMouth:  A bit disappointing.  The fruit is not as rich in the mouth and the tannins are huge...I can only imagine how tough they were when this wine was released!  The oak is well-integrated and there is good acidity but it ends on a tough, overly tannic finish.\n\nConclusion: This wine avoids the usual transgression of too much oak, but the tannins are bitingly hard and unripe.  The fruit is not big or fresh enough at this point to wait for the tannins to smooth enough.  With aeration, the wine opened up a bit but never came into balance.  20€ is too pricy for this quality in Spanish wine. \n\nFor more on over-oaking in Spain read my previous post at:  <a href=\"http://www.planetavino.net/2009/02/07/pingus-winemaker-sisseck-more-wary-of-new-oak/\">http://www.planetavino.net/2009/02/07/pingus-winemaker-sisseck-more-wary-of-new-oak/</a>','Wine rating: Ferratus 2005','','inherit','open','open','','218-revision-2','','','2012-10-01 05:12:14','2012-10-01 05:12:14','',218,'http://planetavino.net/2012/10/01/218-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(1196,1,'2012-10-01 05:14:07','2012-10-01 05:14:07','<a href=\"http://myplanetavino.files.wordpress.com/2009/02/da-2006.jpg\" title=\"Da 2006; a Spanish red wine from La Mancha\"><img align=\"right\" src=\"http://myplanetavino.files.wordpress.com/2009/02/da-2006.jpg\" alt=\"Da 2006; a Spanish red wine from La Mancha\" /></a>The Ciudad Real area of La Mancha produces some interesting wines; in particular there are some really interesting Syrahs and Tempranillos.  Many times the wines are really good value though prices are rising.  Typically these wines are easy drinking, glugable reds….high alcohol but with gobs of sweet attractive fruit.  The best can have some complexity and subtlety, with better equilibrium between fruit, alcohol, oak, and acidity.  The worse are out of balance:  too much alcohol, often over-ripe fruit and lacking acidity….or even worse over sharp acidity from enthusiastic acid rectification.   The wines of La Mancha are hot weather wines, big wines that often resemble new world wines from similarly hot regions.  They are big wines, even the most complex and elegant wines, and many of my Spanish wine tasters find them overwhelming.  On the other hand, many of my foreign groups love them!  I tend to drink them chilled with barbecues in the summer….when I first came to Spain I drank them more frequently at home, but I got a bit burned out and lately I’ve used them solely in tasting.  Always a region to re-visit as change and improvement is constant. \n\nThis wine is the house wine of Dominio de Antargu, a restaurant and wine shop in Madrid.  While I was there buying some wine, they convinced me to give their signature wine a try.  I was bit taken aback by the price, but decided to take a bottle home.\n\nWine:  Da 2006\nWinery:  Dominio de Antargu\nDenominacion de Origen (DO): Vino de la Tierra de Castilla (La Mancha)\nAlc: 14%\nGrape varieties: 95% Syrah, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon\nOak regime:  The Syrah is aged 6 months in French oak while the Cabernet is aged 12 months in American oak\nPrice:  15€ retail in the Domino de Antargu store\n\nTasting notes\nVisual:  Intense purple, opaque color\nNose:  Attractive and intense black fruit nose.  Not very complex but very appealing.   \nMouth:  The fruit is more subtle but still nice in the mouth, acidity ok....but very big tannins.  Medium length, tannic finish...the fruit does not linger. \nFood:  We had it with takeout Chinese...terrible, metallic...it was much better on its own after lunch.  It would have been good with the meatloaf I made last weekend.     \n\nConclusion: A good wine that got better as we drank it.  No major defaults, but it doesn’t have a very exciting personality.  It left me pretty indifferent...though it could have been the Chinese food!    Very similar in profile to many La Mancha wines, but is lacking the complexity of the best.  I would certainly include it in tastings as a typical, good La Mancha wine....but at 15€ it is way too expensive for this wine.  I would pay 10 euros max.','Wine rating:  Da 2006','','inherit','open','open','','207-revision-2','','','2012-10-01 05:14:07','2012-10-01 05:14:07','',207,'http://planetavino.net/2012/10/01/207-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(1197,1,'2012-10-01 05:15:25','2012-10-01 05:15:25','<a href=\"http://myplanetavino.files.wordpress.com/2009/02/brunus-2006-montsant.jpg\" title=\"Montsant Brunus 2006\"><img align=\"right\" src=\"http://myplanetavino.files.wordpress.com/2009/02/brunus-2006-montsant.jpg\" alt=\"Montsant Brunus 2006\" /></a>Montsant is an interesting region to try for those legions of folks who love Priorat but find the prices a little steep!  Montsant is the region that surrounds Priorat and many parts of it share the similar licorella soils that make Priorat wines so unique.  Montsant is relatively new Denominacion de Origen (wine appellation) as previously it was known as Falset district of the large and variable wine region Tarragona.  Montsant is a very good value alternative to Priorat…the best ones are quite similar.  The problem with Montsant is that it is much more variable in quality than Priorat, especially as there are some sites and soils that are not as good.  Also some Montsant wineries make a more rustic-style wine.  The good news is you can try a lot of Montsants to find the good ones without breaking the bank! \n\nThe grapes used in the region are the same as in Priorat:  old vine indigenous varieties such as Garnacha (Grenache) and Cariñena (Carignan) and some French varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah.  The wine style tends to preserve the intense, often mineral fruit by oaking lightly…the more rustic ones generally have over-ripe, jammy fruit….some of the modern ones have a bit too much oak.\n\nThis winery, Portal del Montsant, is keen on careful site selection and use of indigenous varieties.  Besides the wine below, they also make a reserva-level red with older vines and more oak, a white from white Grenache, and a Grenache-based rosé.  \n\nWine:  Brunus 2006\nWinery:  Portal del Montsant\nDenominacion de Origen (DO): Montsant\nAlc: 14%\nGrape varieties: 60% Cariñena, 25% Garnacha, 15% Syrah (20-50 yr old vines)\nOak regime:  8 months in American and French oak\nPrice:  12€ retail in Madrid\n\nTasting notes\nVisual:  Intense cherry color...very youthful\nNose:  Attractive liqueur blackberry fruit with toasty, spicy oak notes, a hint of menthol and eucalyptus.   A bit hollow and oaky at first....more expressive and intense fruit with air.   \nMouth:  Not as intense in fruit as the nose...a bit tough in tannins and oak.  Some nice blackberry and blueberry fruit, a touch of balsamic, menthol.  Nice blueberry finish though a bit tannic. \nFood:  Happened to have some with my mozzarella, tomato and white truffle oil salad.  Surprisingly wasn’t too bad...the truffle oil made the match.   \n\nConclusion: Nice wine, really great nose, but a bit thin on fruit compared to the intense tannins in the mouth.  The best Montsants translate that opulent fruit from the nose to the mouth.  Very modern style of Montsant....but I’ve found that some of these modern ones do lack some depth and complexity of fruit.  Also Cariñena can be a tough grape, sometimes lacking fruit.  Good price for the area though...hard to find really good ones under 15€...a nice wine.  ','Spanish Wine Rating:  Brunus 2006','','inherit','open','open','','200-revision-2','','','2012-10-01 05:15:25','2012-10-01 05:15:25','',200,'http://planetavino.net/2012/10/01/200-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(1198,1,'2012-10-01 05:20:29','2012-10-01 05:20:29','<a href=\"http://myplanetavino.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/abellars-2004.jpg\" title=\"Abellars 2004 wine from Priorat\"><img align=\"right\" src=\"http://myplanetavino.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/abellars-2004.jpg\" alt=\"Abellars 2004 wine from Priorat\" /></a>Always looking for a good value Priorat…some of my most favorite wines but very, very pricy.  At Bodega Santa Cecilia one day I noticed a Priorat priced around 15€ and decided to try.  Love it and decided to put it into some of my wine tastings with some clients.  I set about doing some research on the wine and come to find that it has just been rated above 90 by Parker….too funny…here I was thinking I had uncovered a hidden gem!\n\nWine:  Abellars 2004 (Finca Mas de l’Abella)\nWinery:  Celelrs Noguerales\nDenominacion de Origen (DO): Priorat\nAlc: 14.5%\nGrape variety: 50% Garnacha, 25% Cariñena, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Syrah\nOak regime:  aged 12 months in French and Eastern European oak (First and second year barrels only)\nPrice:  around 15€ retail in Madrid (Bodega Santa Cecilia)\n\nTasting notes\nVisual:  Deep, opaque purple-red\nNose:  Intense sweet black fruit, liqueur blackberry, coffee, smoky, cloves...quite complex.    \nMouth:  Huge mouth!  Very intense black liqueur fruit, smoke, and spice...fruit lasts through a very long finish.  Big tannins, but very smooth and ripe.  Good acidity to balance all that bigness!   Big wine but very easy to drink...not tiring.\nFood:  This would do well with some roast lamb, or a big bean dish such as fabada.   \n\nConclusion:  Good complexity and lovely black liqueur fruit so typical of Priorat....all for a tiny price...15€.  Very distinct personality that is present in the best Priorats.  One of the reasons I love them so much is that strong personality that reflects a sense of place or terroir.  No mistaking them for anything but what they are.  As I am in a Garnacha frame of mind, I want to also point out that this is another great Garnacha-based wine!','Wine Rating:  Abellars 2004','','inherit','open','open','','185-revision-2','','','2012-10-01 05:20:29','2012-10-01 05:20:29','',185,'http://planetavino.net/2012/10/01/185-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(1199,1,'2012-10-01 05:21:21','2012-10-01 05:21:21','<a href=\"http://myplanetavino.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/novellum-2005.jpg\" title=\"Novellum Crianza 2005\"><img align=\"right\" src=\"http://myplanetavino.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/novellum-2005.jpg\" alt=\"Novellum Crianza 2005\" /></a>Toro is a wine region that 10 years ago was just starting to change its wines, making more elegant modern styles.  Now it has gained a new reputation and though there is still a lot of room for improvement, its top wines are some of the most respected in the wine community.  Within Spain, Toro still hasn’t shaken off its somewhat rustic reputation for big “bull’s blood” style wines, though when I give Toro wines to my Spanish wine tasting groups, they are generally pleasantly surprised.  Among wine aficionados and in the export market Toro already enjoys a very good reputation.  Unfortunately this has led to some pretty high prices for the top wines.  Some of my favourites have increased in price by at least half in only a few years...I remember when Termanthia was only 50€....now it starts at 120€!  Amongst my favourites....still reasonably priced at less than 35€:  Numanthia, San Roman, Quinta de Quietud, Gran Elias Moro, and Pintia (at 25€ this is still a great bargain!) \n\nToro is a beautiful little town to visit, though sadly my favourite restaurant, Restaurante Lera, closed last year.  A nice winery to visit in the downtown area is Bodegas Rejadorada, which maintains an ancient cellar and tasting room for visitors.  The modern winery is elsewhere, but it’s a fun, short visit...you can see a film explaining the history or Toro wines, see the old lagares, and taste wines and buy regional products in the tasting room. \n\nThe wine of Rejadorada offer great value.  They represent modern Toro wines well...intense yet elegant black fruit with nicely balanced oak.  I love the Reserva wine, but at 20€, it’s for special occasions.  \n\nToday I want to introduce their crianza wine, Novellum, which at about 10€ is a great value wine.  \n\nWine:  Novellum 2005\nWinery:  Rejadorada\nDenominacion de Origen (DO): Toro\nAlc: 14.5%\nGrape variety: 100% Tinta de Toro (a very distinctive variant of Tempranillo)\nOak regime:  aged 12 months in French, American and Rumanian oak\nPrice:  10-12€ (Bodega Santa Cecilia)\n\nTasting notes\nVisual:  Intense opaque purple red\nNose:  Blackberry liqueur fruit, blueberry pie, with oak spices and vanilla.  A touch of earthy/leafy notes.  \nMouth:  Huge mouth, but good balanced...lots of everything!  Big black fruit, spicy oak, huge, ripe tannins.  Very silky texture and a very long, though quite tannic  finish.    \nFood:  Great with any big, earthy, meaty food....Toro wines are awesome with the hearty food of the region, which can include a lot of game.\n\nConclusion:  Love this wine...it’ not for the faint of heart, but though it’s big....the equilibrium between the elements is impressive.  It’s a crowd pleaser and often my groups prefer it to some more expensive wines in a wine tasting.  Great value! ','Wine Rating:  Novellum 2005','','inherit','open','open','','178-revision-2','','','2012-10-01 05:21:21','2012-10-01 05:21:21','',178,'http://planetavino.net/2012/10/01/178-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(1200,1,'2012-10-01 05:22:14','2012-10-01 05:22:14','<a href=\"http://myplanetavino.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/descalzos-viejos-winery.jpg\" title=\"The Descalzos Viejos winery\"><img align=\"right\" src=\"http://myplanetavino.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/descalzos-viejos-winery.jpg\" alt=\"The Descalzos Viejos winery\" /></a>The second winery we visited is Descalzos Viejos, a traditional moniker literally meaning “old unshoed ones”, which was a common name for certain orders of monks.  The winery is housed in the church and grounds of the old monastery. The site was completely abandoned when 2 architects from Ronda acquired it and restored it.  The nave of the 500 year old chapel is a unique and charming setting for the winery’s fermentation room! \n\nThe vineyards were planted in 2000 over 16 hectares and the grape varieties include: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Garnacha, and a little bit of Chardonnay.  They are also working with an experimental patch of Graciano, a grape originally from Rioja that is showing excellent potential in other parts of Spain.  The winery <a href=\"http://myplanetavino.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/descalzos-viejos-view.jpg\" title=\"tasting wine at Descalzos Viejos\"></a>does not intend to exceed production levels of 30,000 bottles per year.\n\n<a href=\"http://myplanetavino.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/descalzos-viejos-church.jpg\" title=\"Nave of church at Descalzos Viejos\"><img align=\"left\" src=\"http://myplanetavino.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/descalzos-viejos-church.jpg\" alt=\"Nave of church at Descalzos Viejos\" /></a>The enologist is another young and dynamic face in the Ronda wine scene, Vicente Inat, who is originally from Alicante, in the Levante.  His philosophy definitely shows influence from the hot climates of Alicante, where wines are often big, powerful, with dark liqueur fruit. Vicente is the first to admit that his wines are not made in the most commercial style.  The norm in Spain is still soft, approachable wines in the traditional Rioja style.  In fact his wines are much more new world in style and will suit foreign palates much more….big, extracted, dark fruit, great new oak and huge tannins.  These wines need some time in bottle and then some aeration.  In fact I, as the only foreigner, was the one who most appreciated his red wines amongst our group.\n\nHe is really passionate about these wines….Vicente said that the special climate of his vineyards, very hot during the day and chilly at night, gives them their intense structure and uniqueness.  He makes two reds, one which is more approachable and fruity and the DV+, which I really loved…intense black fruit, big structure, French oak, big mature tannins.  A really impressive wine that impacts the mouth in every corner.   <a href=\"http://myplanetavino.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/descalzos-viejos-view.jpg\" title=\"tasting wine at Descalzos Viejos\"><img align=\"right\" src=\"http://myplanetavino.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/descalzos-viejos-view.jpg\" alt=\"tasting wine at Descalzos Viejos\" /></a>Also very interesting was his Chardonnay, a big, full-bodied wine, with tropical fruit, with some toasty oak and critically…fresh acidity to provide some balance.  Not for every palate, but a really interesting hot-weather Chard.\n\nAny visit to the winery must include a tour of the old monastery gardens with their Moorish influences….beautiful…old fountains and pools, fruit trees, and a spectacular view off the cliff over the Ronda landscape.  It’s a really special experience to taste wines with the winemaker in this unique setting!\n\nQuite hard to find, these wines can be bought online in Spain for between 10 and 20 euros. ','Wineries in Ronda: Descalzos Viejos','','inherit','open','open','','169-revision-2','','','2012-10-01 05:22:14','2012-10-01 05:22:14','',169,'http://planetavino.net/2012/10/01/169-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(1201,1,'2007-11-05 22:10:10','2007-11-05 20:10:10','<a href=\"http://myplanetavino.files.wordpress.com/2007/11/manchuela-finca-sandoval-2004.jpg\" title=\"Finca Sandoval 2004\"><img align=\"right\" src=\"http://myplanetavino.files.wordpress.com/2007/11/manchuela-finca-sandoval-2004.thumbnail.JPG\" alt=\"Finca Sandoval 2004\" /></a>The Denominacion de Origen (DO) Manchuela, or wine appellation, is located in eastern La Mancha, close to the beautiful town of Cuenca.  This is one of the newest DOs in Spain, formed from the natural break-up of huge La Mancha into more coherent appellations.  Much of the production is still mediocre, but there are more interesting wines being made these days. \nOne of the pioneers in the area is Finca Sandoval, a winery which makes consistently excellent wines in a challengingly hot climate. The winery was founded in 1998 and is the personal project of a well known Spanish wine critic, Victor de la Serna.  There search for quality includes traditional open-top fermentation vats with manual punch down…the wines are neither fined nor filtered.  Most of the grapes are local:  Bobal, Monastrell, and Garnacha, but they also have some great Syrah, using clones from Chateauneuf-du-Pape.  There are only two wines:  Salia is a great entry-level option at only about 12 euros. See below for my comments on their top wine:  Finca Sandoval. \n\nWine:  Finca Sandoval\nWinery:  Bodegas Finca Sandoval\nVintage: 2004\nDenominacion de Origen (DO): Manchuela\nAlc: 14.5%\nGrape variety: 83% Syrah, 9% Monastrell, 8% Bobal\nOak regime:  aged 11 months in French oak (40% new)\nPrice:  about 20 euros in Spain\n\nTasting notes\nVisual:  Deep purple color\nNose:  Big intense nose with liqueur plum fruit…a touch hot…a little oak spice, but huge fruit dominates. \nMouth:  Big footprint in mouth….mouth filling. Plum fruit dominates, but good balance with sufficient freshness and huge, yet smooth tannins.  Once again the alcohol jumps a little in the mouth, but not aggressive and doesn\'t distract from the intensity of the other elements.  Good complexity\nFood:  This is a big wine that overwhelmed many of our dishes but was perfect with the huge chuleta my husband and brother-in-law shared!  I kept sneaking bites to go with my wine! \n\nConclusion:  The Mediterranean Syrahs can be so alcoholic and flat.  This is Med done well!  It has heat written all over it, but all the elements are in balance.  I don\'t mind big wines, as long as everything is big!  Also, most critically in this wine:  sufficient and balanced acidity.  In so many southern Spanish wines, we either find a lack of acidity or the piercing sharpness of over-adjusted acidity levels.  Another plus the fruit is sweet and jammy in flavour yet not over-ripe and burnt tasting. \nReally very good wine….especially for those of you who appreciate a big, new world style!','Wine Rating: Finca Sandoval 2004','','inherit','open','open','','106-revision','','','2007-11-05 22:10:10','2007-11-05 20:10:10','',106,'http://planetavino.net/2007/11/05/106-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(1202,1,'2007-06-17 13:17:00','2007-06-17 11:17:00','<img border=\"0\" src=\"http://bp2.blogger.com/_N6XlKRvqM98/RnUZ4hLBVkI/AAAAAAAAAJI/JLy7KNhE3No/s200/Pago+de+Larrainzar+vineyard.JPG\" style=\"float:right;cursor:hand;margin:0 0 10px 10px;\" />As mentioned in my article below on Navarra Wine Country, we recently had the chance to visit an impressive new winery project near Estella in Navarra: Pago de Larrainzar.\n\nThe project is the vision of Miguel Canalejo Larrainzar, the former president of Alcatel in Spain. It is a real family project: a couple of his children are involved full-time in the winery.\n\nThe project is simple yet top of the line: produce a single, top-quality wine using the best grapes and wine-making techniques available. Top quality is the key word here.\nThe folks at Pago de Larrainzar also believe in the future of enotourism in their region and have built a wonderful winery space to receive visitors. They are also creating a trellis museum, a garden-like vineyard that displays different training systems form around the world. The vineyards are charming, enclosed by a historic wall and overlooking the famous Irache Monastery. The winery has modern and clean lines, with an ample, elegant, and airy tasting/eating area upstairs.\nThe Director for Enotourism, Marian San Martin, gave us a wonderful tour, including a walk around the walled vineyard and the adjoining forest. Though the winery is a new project, the estate has been in the family for 150 years.\n\nAfter the tour, we tasted the wine…an impressive wine for a first year effort! See below for my tasting note.\n<img border=\"0\" src=\"http://bp0.blogger.com/_N6XlKRvqM98/RnUZrBLBVjI/AAAAAAAAAJA/8xPrrohJdlE/s200/Pago+de+Larrainzar+asparagus.JPG\" style=\"float:right;cursor:hand;margin:0 0 10px 10px;\" />\nIt was our lucky day…Santiago Canalejo, the son of the owner was planning to come to the winery and have lunch. Very graciously we were invited to stay and have lunch with the family and their friends.\nWhat a fantastic lunch…fresh, regional products made into some pure, simple and delicious dishes. Josetxo, the winery chef is a master of this kind of local cuisine.\nOur first course was unforgettable! Navarra is known for its famous white asparagus...they were the largest ones I had ever seen (check the picture)! Normally we get the white asparagus in cans, but these were fresh, boiled and served with vinaigrette and some lettuce. Truly amazing flavour….never had anything like it!\nOur second course was a typical winery dish for the region…patatas a la Navarra (read Patatas Riojana), Potatoes cooked with chorizo until they have a soup-like consistency….simple, hearty and tasty!\nOur third course really surprised me….it was revuelto de mollejas de pato…this translates as scrambled eggs with duck gizzards….but this does not do it justice!\nTender vegetables, carrots, spring garlic, onion, mushrooms sautéed in duck fat (the secret to the flavour), then tender duck gizzards with fluffy, just-done eggs. It was simple yet astonishing! I can honestly say I wasn\'t a fan of gizzards before!\nAll these went great with the wine…but the perfect match was the scrambled eggs, whose earthy, intense flavour matched perfectly!\n\nOur hosts were charming and really passionate about the wine and the winery!\n\nWine: Pago de Larrainzar 2004 <a href=\"http://bp2.blogger.com/_N6XlKRvqM98/RnUZehLBViI/AAAAAAAAAI4/Ayq_e-65QsU/s1600-h/Pago+de+Larrainzar.JPG\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://bp2.blogger.com/_N6XlKRvqM98/RnUZehLBViI/AAAAAAAAAI4/Ayq_e-65QsU/s200/Pago+de+Larrainzar.JPG\" style=\"float:right;cursor:hand;margin:0 0 10px 10px;\" /></a>\nWinery: Pago de Larrainzar\nDenominacion de Origen (DO): Navarra\nAlc: 14.5%\nGrape variety: 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 20% Tempranillo\nOak regime: aged 12 months in new French oak, followed by 7 months aging in bottle before release. The oak was 72% new oak and 28% oak of one year. The winery uses two barrel sizes, 225l and 300l.\nPrice: 24 euros\n\nTasting notes:\nVisual: Quite intense, youthful color\nNose: Intense nose...big fruit, fresh plums and anis. Hint of both green pepper and some black pepper from the Cabernet.\nMouth: More complex and more restrained than the nose. Impressive structure, refreshing acidity. Fruit cooler in mouth, more cherry and cranberry…that\'s the impressive acidity talking! Loads of black pepper and a touch of green pepper. Very long finish….elegant, but very intense tannins.\n\nFood: See above for the lunch matching\n\nSecond look: I retasted the wine a couple of months after the winery visit and already the tannins had smoothed out some….even more impressive in this second tasting. I was also able to decant the wine and taste it through a 4-5 hour period….it continued opening, really improving further with aeration.\n\nConclusion: Wonderful, complex food, with excellent quality of fruit. A little more time in bottle will smooth out those impressive tannins even more! This is wine that will improve in the bottle for 5 years and maintain its peak form for many more. An impressive first wine…the winery can only go on to even greater wines!','Winery: Pago de Larrainzar in Navarra','','inherit','open','open','','53-revision','','','2007-06-17 13:17:00','2007-06-17 11:17:00','',53,'http://planetavino.net/2007/06/17/53-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(1203,1,'2007-06-13 23:11:00','2007-06-13 21:11:00','<a href=\"http://bp3.blogger.com/_N6XlKRvqM98/RnBeTBLBVbI/AAAAAAAAAIA/-k60p9jjCpQ/s1600-h/Dominio+de+Valdepusa+wines.JPG\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://bp3.blogger.com/_N6XlKRvqM98/RnBeTBLBVbI/AAAAAAAAAIA/-k60p9jjCpQ/s200/Dominio+de+Valdepusa+wines.JPG\" style=\"float:right;cursor:hand;margin:0 0 10px 10px;\" /></a>At the winery, we got to taste the whole range of wines, all from 2003. These are some of Spain top-rated wines…for more information on the winery, see the article below.\n\nThese are really impressive wines! With careful and high tech viticulture this winery is able to produce balanced wines in an extremely hot area of Spain. The problem in hot weather is that by the time the tannins are ripe the fruit is over-ripe and the acid levels are quite low. These wine all retained a freshness, despite being big intense wines. An outstanding series of wines!\n\nThe winery has three main grape varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Petit Verdot. They are starting to introduce Graciano, a grape native to Rioja, which they feel has the potential to make world class varietal wines.\n\n1. El Rincon 2003: This actually a Vino de Madrid, from a different estate near Madrid. The vineyards there are higher in altitude, giving a cooler climate. The wine is 90% Syrah, 10% Garnacha. 10 months in French oak. 14.5% alcohol. 55,000 bottles produced. 19 euros.\nTasting note: Chocolate, mint and mineral, liqueur cherry fruit in the nose. The nose and mouth are very intense. Very potent mouth, mineral with fruit, fresh acidity. Intense tannins could use a little more time in bottle. Very nice Vino de Madrid!\n\n2. Summa Varietalis 2003: This is the considered the everyday drinking wine of Dominio de Valdepusa. It is by far the biggest production at 120,000 bottles. It has the most accessible price at 19 euros. The coupage can change every year but this vintage it was 60% Syrah, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Petit Verdot. 12 months in French oak. 14% alcohol.\nTasting note: Spicy oak notes in the nose. Complex with cherry jam fruit and vanilla. Herbal with hints of rosemary. The mouth showed similar notes…very ripe wine…shows it\'s hot origins, yet retains an easy elegance. Very smooth and easy to drink. Tannins less intense than in the El Rincon. Very nice...a lot easier to drink than the Summa 2002, which had been a little more structured.\n\n3. Cabernet Sauvignon 2003: This is the first of the varietal line..there are plans to add Graciano to the line of Cabernet, Syrah and Petit Verdot. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon…12-14 months in French oak. 14.5% alcohol. 25 euros. Tasting note: Blueberry, cassis and black pepper nose…very complex. Perfectly ripe Cabernet nose….not a hint of the bell pepper! In the mouth it is firmly structured but fleshed out with this intense, super ripe cassis fruit and good acidity. Long, long finish with both fruit and tannic components. Very silky mouthfeel. Intense, yet elegant and fresh. My favorite of the day!!!\n\n4. Syrah 2003: 100% Syrah, 12-14 months in French oak, 14.5% alcohol, 25 euros.\nTasting note: Really attractive nose with blackberry and violet but a little simpler than the Cab. Very smooth and fleshy mouth, very pleasant, but alcohol shows more here. Really drinkable, but not my favorite vintage of the Syrah.\n\n5. Petit Verdot 2003: 100% Petit Verdot (one of the few!), 12-14 months in French oak, 14.5%, 25 euros.\nTasting note: Sweet Cranberry, cedar notes with a candy like character and a slight nail polish remover note. Intense, complex nose. In the mouth…very intense! Sweeter fruit, blueberry burst in the mouth then elegant structure. Huge tannins…the most concentrated of the wines. Good balance and fresh acidity. Huge wine! No for the faint hearted. Loved it!\n\n6. Emeritus 2003: This is the top of the line, for now! The winery plans to come out with a new top cuvée in Fall 2007. The coupage varies but is always based on Cabernet Sauvignon, with some Petit Verdot and Syrah. This vintage the CS is 55%. 24 months in new French oak, 12 months separated by variety, and 12 months after the coupage is made. 55 euros.\nTasting note: Fine, elegant oak notes, spice and coffee, with complex red fruit. Very elegant and complex…more restrained nose than the varietal series of wines. Perfect balance in mouth with fresh, elegant fruit support by great structure and oak. Excellent length with super fine tannins. A keeper! Definitely the most impressive wine, but not the one I would usually choose to drink….it\'s the varietal Cabernet for me!','Tasting: Dominio de Valdepusa Wines','','inherit','open','open','','51-revision','','','2007-06-13 23:11:00','2007-06-13 21:11:00','',51,'http://planetavino.net/2007/06/13/51-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(1204,1,'2007-06-07 10:44:00','2007-06-07 08:44:00','<a href=\"http://bp2.blogger.com/_N6XlKRvqM98/RnGjAhLBVcI/AAAAAAAAAII/CJ-PXS5n1Ns/s1600-h/Mancha+Red+Horn+2004.JPG\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://bp2.blogger.com/_N6XlKRvqM98/RnGjAhLBVcI/AAAAAAAAAII/CJ-PXS5n1Ns/s200/Mancha+Red+Horn+2004.JPG\" style=\"float:right;cursor:hand;margin:0 0 10px 10px;\" /></a>This is a great example of some of the great value, high quality wines coming out of La Mancha at the moment. Ezekiel Sánchez-Mateos, owner of the great little wine store, Reserva y Cata, makes this wine. He has a wonderful personalized selection of wines in his store and on the days he is there, he can guide you really well, and he can also help you in English! Ezekiel runs one of the few stores in town, where each wine is individually selected with care. Check out the website at: <a href=\"http://www.reservaycata.com/\">http://www.reservaycata.com/</a>\n\nLove the packaging and name of this wine…made for the export market with its English name alluding to the famous Spanish bull and its catchy label. This is it\'s inauguration vintage and it is already very good….it will be outstanding in the next few years.\n\nWine: Red Horn\nWinery: Galgo Wines\nVintage: 2004\nDenominacion de Origen (DO): LA Mancha\nAlc: 13.5%\nGrape variety: 90% Tempranillo, 10% Syrah\nOak regime: aged 6 months in American oak\nPrice: 7 euros in Spain\n\nTasting notes\nVisual: Deep ruby color\nNose: Med-high intensity in nose. Great blueberry and vanilla scents…offers some complexity.\nMouth: Enters mouth with a tremendous burst of smooth fruit…nice structure. Huge tannins, that are somewhat rough. Finish is dominated by tannins and spice.\nFood: A big wine that would do best with a big cut of meat.\n\nConclusion: A big, robust wine that offers a lot in its price point. It needs a few more months to smooth out the tannins, but the fruit is definitely robust enough to take some aging too. A perfect, inexpensive wine, to go with a wonderful \"chuleton\", one of the huge, bone-in, steaks so common in northern Spain!','Wine rating: La Mancha Red Horn 2004','','inherit','open','open','','49-revision','','','2007-06-07 10:44:00','2007-06-07 08:44:00','',49,'http://planetavino.net/2007/06/07/49-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(1205,1,'2007-01-14 17:58:00','2007-01-14 15:58:00','<a href=\"http://bp1.blogger.com/_N6XlKRvqM98/RapTi6F6DgI/AAAAAAAAABI/Bdd5bsADtoE/s1600-h/Toro+Elias+Mora+Crianza+2003.JPG\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://bp1.blogger.com/_N6XlKRvqM98/RapTi6F6DgI/AAAAAAAAABI/Bdd5bsADtoE/s200/Toro+Elias+Mora+Crianza+2003.JPG\" style=\"float:right;cursor:hand;margin:0 0 10px 10px;\" /></a>Before Xmas, we visited the wine region of Toro, NW of Madrid. This is a region that is famous for its potent red wines made from Tinta de Toro, a local variety of Tempranillo. The region has seen a lot of change over the last 5 years…the quality of the wines has improved dramatically, as have the prices! It can still represent good value, especially compared to its neighbour to the east Ribera del Duero! I hope to do a more in depth trip report to post at a later date.\n\nThe wines of Toro are intense and hearty, with often quite high alcohol. Just a few years ago, they could be more rustic, but now the wines have a more international profile…the same intense Toro fruit with gobs of new French and American oak! Typical of most Spanish wine regions today, the lower end wines tend to have more American oak, while the top Reserva wines often have 100% new French oak. Mixing the two oaks is the most popular practice of the moment, even mixing in some Eastern European or Russian oak. The main problems with Toro wines still remain sky high alcohol levels and over-ripe fruit in hot years.\n\nSome of the stars of the region include wines quite well known in the export market: Numanthia, Pintia (by Vega Sicilia), and San Roman. The wine I\'m rating today is from a small winery run by two dynamic women who are making amazing wines. They are still fairly low profile, but represent the modern, dynamic face of the new Toro.\n\nWine: Elias Mora 2003\nWinery: Bodegas Dos Victorias (named alter the two women!)\nDenominacion de Origen (DO): Toro\nAlc: 14.5%\nGrape variety: 100% Tinta de Toro (Tempranillo)\nOak regime: aged 12 months in new French and American oak\nPrice: Around 12 euros in Spain\n\nTasting notes:\nVisual: Opaque, intense ruby with purple notes, very youthful\nNose: Medium intensity. Blueberry and clove with milky/yogurt notes (very common in Spanish wines…not unpleasant). Very attractive…medium complexity.\nMouth: First impression is smoothness…ready to drink! Good balalnce between oak structure and fruit. Some intense tannins kick in at the end, but they are very smooth. Alcohol shows more in the mouth, Thoughthe wine is quite fresh, with good acid levels. Blueberry and sour cherry fruit.\nFood: Quite nice with the provoleta I had with it, an Argentinina grilled cheese. The cheese is quite mild, but it had lots of Italian herbs and smoked paprika that stood up to the wine nicely.\n\nRetaste: No retaste…all gone!\n\nConclusion: Very nice wine…we bought and tasted this at the winery and it didn\'t disappoint at home. I particularly appreciated that it comes off as an elegant, structured wine in a very hot, difficult year. At about 12 euros it is not cheap for a Toro crianza, but by international, premium wine standards, it is extremely good value. It is quite well balanced to drink now, but will improve more in bottle…the tannins will mellow out a little more. Rating: 7.5/10','Wine Rating: Toro - Elias Mora Crianza 2003','','inherit','open','open','','29-revision','','','2007-01-14 17:58:00','2007-01-14 15:58:00','',29,'http://planetavino.net/2007/01/14/29-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(1206,1,'2007-01-12 23:12:00','2007-01-12 21:12:00','<a href=\"http://bp0.blogger.com/_N6XlKRvqM98/RagEaKF6DcI/AAAAAAAAAAU/PaX9kWbGLEo/s1600-h/Ribera+Montecastro.JPG\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://bp0.blogger.com/_N6XlKRvqM98/RagEaKF6DcI/AAAAAAAAAAU/PaX9kWbGLEo/s200/Ribera+Montecastro.JPG\" style=\"float:right;cursor:hand;margin:0 0 10px 10px;\" /></a>Ribera del Duero produces some of Spain stop red wines, but at a price. By Spanish standard, the region is one of the most expensive. I\'m always looking out for a wine that represents quality for price…fairly tricky!\n\nThis wine is quite good value:\n\nWine: Montecastro 2004\n\nWinery: Bodegas y Viñedos Montecastro\nDenominacion de Origen (DO): Ribera del Duero\nAlc: 14.5%\nGrape variety: 100% Tinto Fino (local variety of Tempranillo)\nOak regime: 18 months in oak (50% 1st year, 50% 2nd year)\n70% French, 25% American, 5% Lithuanian\nPrice: Around 12 euros in SpainI tasted the 2003 of this wine a few weeks ago and found it a little flat in terms of over-ripe fruit and an excess of tannins. The 2004 much better (in line with the better vintage)…it has just been released, so look for it.\n\nTasting notes:\nVisual: Opaque ruby with little rim\nNose: Medium-high intensity. Black cherry with serious oak notes of vanilla and cinnamon. Also some anise and plum. Later typical French barrel pencil shavings.\nMouth: Big, tannic, structured mouth. Nice clean fruit matches nose, but finish dominated by major tannins that need a little bottle time to smooth out.\nFood: The tannins were actually tamed by the Duck and Wild Mushroom risotto…really nice combination…surprising for such a big wine. Not as good with the warm lentil salad…too much vinegar!\n\nRetaste: 24 hours on….more liqueur fruit notes in nose, but holding up well. Mouth is mellowed out a little, tannins in better balance.\n\nConclusion: Definitely will improve with little bottle time…represents very good value. Points: 7/10 (testing out a ten point system…to see if I like it!)','Wine Rating: Ribera Del Duero - Montecastro 2004','','inherit','open','open','','27-revision','','','2007-01-12 23:12:00','2007-01-12 21:12:00','',27,'http://planetavino.net/2007/01/12/27-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(1207,1,'2013-05-03 22:43:57','2013-05-04 02:43:57',' ','','','publish','open','open','','1207','','','2013-05-03 22:53:39','2013-05-04 02:53:39','',0,'http://planetavino.net/?p=1207',11,'nav_menu_item','',0),(1208,1,'2013-05-03 22:21:08','2013-05-04 02:21:08','<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><a style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/84220010@N06/8696135705\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft\" id=\"blogsy-1367358017957.3953\" alt=\"Spanish wine from the Rioja region\" src=\"http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8402/8696135705_e42ee714f6.jpg\" width=\"220\" height=\"208\" /></a></div>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">It\'s been a while since I\'ve had a mellow, perfectly drinkable Rioja and this La Montesa fit the bill nicely. Rioja is still the king of Spanish wine but there are so many faces and styles to the region that it can be really confusing to find a nice bottle at a good price. The traditional Rioja styles remain popular amongst wine geeks but the good ones cost a pretty penny. The bold, modern style comes at all price points, but they are not always as mellow and ready to drink...something to cherish in Rioja. There are lots somewhere in between, embracing both tradition and the modern...the hybrid is maybe the most user-friendly style. La Montesa, from one of the modern masters of Spanish wine, Alvaro Palacios, is one of these and makes for good drinking at a great price in the 2009 vintage.</p>\r\n<!--more--><span style=\"text-align: justify;\">Alvaro Palacios was born into a wine family in Rioja but made his name making very different wines in the Catalan region of Priorat. His L\'Ermita, a Garnacha blend, is one of Spain\'s most iconic and expensive wines. He then expanded into Bierzo and soon gained fame for his intense and unique wine based on the local Mencía grape. He returned to his roots after his father died and took over the family winery, Herencia Remondo. He changed the more traditional line of his father a great deal, while still preserving that Rioja feel that is missing from some of the uber-modern wines. He was able to work with a very familiar grape, Garnacha, in the Rioja Baja area of Rioja.</span>\r\n<div>\r\n<div style=\"text-align: justify;\"></div>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">La Montesa by Bodegas Herencia Remondo is composed of 65% Garnacha, 30% Tempranillo, 5% Mazuelo and aged 12 months in French and American oak, 20% in new oak. The vineyard is in the part of Rioja where rainfall is very scarce, but the rocky soils in the La Montesa vineyard retain water quite well.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Sweet fruit and smoothness are the dominant impressions. Cherry, licorice and a touch of orange peel in the nose. Oh so smooth and ready to drink in the mouth...cherry and plum, a bit of spice. Medium in weight with smooth tannins and good length. The only negative is a slight hotness in the mouth from the alcohol...this is handled when the wine is taken with food. Maybe also lacking a touch of freshness for my liking...but it is a 2009, a very hot year with significant hydric stress. The vintage was saved by some late season rainfall, extending the ripening seasoning, making ultimately for a good year in Rioja, but not the freshest year. But all-round very pleasant drinking, very good with food, as are so many Riojas.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">I\'ve been tasting quite a few 2009 Riojas in various styles lately and many seem to have this hot alcoholic edge....more experimentation to come! I have to say I\'ve loved La Montesa even more in other vintages.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">This wine is from the Rioja Baja sub-zone of Rioja, one of three areas and the largest. Rioja Baja often suffers from a negative image compared to it\'s neighbors, Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa. This is partially because it a hotter area where the vines are subjected to a hotter and drier climate and also because Garnacha dominates in the vineyards instead of Tempranillo.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">It\'s true that Garnacha is the grape behind a lot of bad quality Rioja but I am passionate about this grape variety, especially in Spain, and it could make a lot better wine in Rioja if given more respect. Tempranillo gets all the respect and there is also a lot of bad Rioja made with that grape! Luckily there has been a trend in Rioja to include more of the other traditional varieties in top wines, including Garnacha, but also Graciano and Mazuelo.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">It\'s lovely to see wine-great Alvaro Palacios respecting Garnacha and it\'s place in Rioja here.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">With this weight and smoothness in a Rioja wine, all sorts of food matches are possible....pasta, pizza, all sorts of everyday food. It\'s great value at 13$ in Costco.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">What do you think of Rioja wines? Have you noticed the style differences?</p>\r\n\r\n</div>','Spanish Wine Review: La Montesa 2009','It\'s been a while since I\'ve had a mellow, perfectly drinkable Rioja and this La Montesa fit the bill nicely.  Rioja is still the king of Spanish wine but there are so many faces and styles to the region that it can be really confusing to find a nice bottle at a good price.  The traditional Rioja styles remain popular amongst wine geeks but the good ones cost a pretty penny.  The bold, modern style comes at all price points, but they are not always as mellow and ready to drink...something to cherish in Rioja.  There are lots somewhere in between, embracing both tradition and the modern...the hybrid is maybe the most user-friendly style.  La Montesa, from one of the modern masters of Spanish wine, Alvaro Palacios, is one of these and makes for good drinking at a great price in the 2009 vintage.','inherit','open','open','','1123-revision-4','','','2013-05-03 22:21:08','2013-05-04 02:21:08','',1123,'http://planetavino.net/2013/05/03/1123-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(1209,1,'2013-05-03 22:31:31','2013-05-04 02:31:31','<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><a style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/wpid-Photo-Apr-16-2013-2323.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft\" id=\"blogsy-1366174830341.0662\" alt=\"Zestos Garnacha 2011: Spanish wine from Madrid\" src=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/wpid-Photo-Apr-16-2013-2323.jpg\" width=\"150\" height=\"291\" /></a></div>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Exciting Spanish wine day in Costco today...but more on that later! The one I had to open first was the Zestos Garnacha 2011 from the Madrid wine region, called Vinos de Madrid. This is an area often overlooked, even in Spain and there are some really exciting wines, wines with some really unique personality. Also Madrid is like home to me, so I always like to see it represent! To find a good Madrid wine in Costco, and at the ridiculously affordable price of 7 dollars, really made my day! This Zestos is amazing value, it\'s such an attractive wine, and it gives a great glimpse of what Madrid producers are doing with their fantastic old vine Grenache vineyards.</p>\r\n<!--more-->\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Grenache in the San Martin area has a floral quality and this wine has that whiff of floral mixed with lovely dark cherry fruit....such an attractive nose. Then in the mouth, quite intense, red fruit, a hint of mineral. The tannins are fairly soft and the acidity is quite fresh. Despite 14% alcohol, the wine is quite balanced, though the alcohol stands out a touch on the finish. A fairly simple, but really delightful, fun wine.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The wine is made in cement and stainless only and really showcases the pure Madrid Grenache fruit. Spanish wines without oak aging are called \"joven\", meaning young, and many jovenes are bitter, thin and lacking fruit. Another typical joven profile is to show intense fruit that have distinct, unpleasant, over-ripe aromas, often matched by a high alcohol content. This joven strikes a perfect balance and shows how an un-oaked wine can really reflect a place and offer quality at a great price point.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">This is a great everyday wine..it would be a great house wine in any bar or restaurant. This is so much better than the thin, tinny Riojas they serve by the glass in so many Spanish bars. It is very food friendly...good acidity, low tannins, bright fruit makes a perfect red for everyday meals. It is even up to the tough wine challenge of tomato sauces and spiced food. I had it with an arancini (rice ball) and spicy arrabbiata sauce....it worked well.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Zestos is imported by Ole Imports and they have a great <a title=\"Ole Imports page for Spanish wine Zestos 2011\" href=\"http://www.oleimports.com/wine/Zestos-old-vine-Garnacha\" target=\"_blank\">page</a> with lots of detail on the wine. Ole has a very eclectic and interesting Spanish wine portfolio including the fantastic wines of the great Raúl Peréz.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Madrid is offering some really unique Grenache wines, very different than other Spanish Grenache, a bit lighter, more aromatic, more mineral. Zestos is an entry-level look at these great wines....and just an all round fantastic wine value!</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Have you tried any Spanish Grenache, from Madrid or any other region? Love to hear what you thought. Check out Zestos at Costco for 7$!</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"></p>\r\n&nbsp;','Spanish Wine Review: Zestos Garnacha 2011','Exciting Spanish wine day in Costco today...but more on that later! The one I had to open first was the Zestos Garnacha 2011 from the Madrid wine region, called Vinos de Madrid. This is an area often overlooked, even in Spain and there are some really exciting wines, wines with some really unique personality. Also Madrid is like home to me, so I always like to see it represent! To find a good Madrid wine in Costco, and at the ridiculously affordable price of 7 dollars, really made my day! This Zestos is amazing value, it\'s such an attractive wine, and it gives a great glimpse of what Madrid producers are doing with their fantastic old vine Grenache vineyards.','inherit','open','open','','1095-revision-4','','','2013-05-03 22:31:31','2013-05-04 02:31:31','',1095,'http://planetavino.net/2013/05/03/1095-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(1210,1,'2013-05-03 22:04:57','2013-05-04 02:04:57','<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><a href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/wpid-Photo-Feb-27-2013-1836.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img src=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/wpid-Photo-Feb-27-2013-1836.jpg\" id=\"blogsy-1362014366746.1582\" class=\"alignleft\" width=\"200\" height=\"291\" alt=\"\"></a></div>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Rueda white wine is the standard house white throughout much of Spain and for this we give thanks!  This Spanish wine saved me from wine hell so many times over the years in Madrid and I will be eternally grateful!  It is often maligned by wine aficionados as simple, tiring and lacking distinct personality, but for an under 10 price point, expectations should be reasonable.  A cheap Rueda may be simple, but it is also pleasant and pretty consistent.  With care, you can even find some that offer a little complexity.  Shaya is one of these wines.  It is made from old vines and has the typical cut grass and tropical fruit aromas of the Verdejo grape along with some great freshness and length.  All for 9€ in Spain and about 10$ here in the US!</p>\n\n<!--more--><p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Bodegas Shaya is part of of the <a href=\"http://www.orowines.com/\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Orowine: Spanish wine group\">Orowines</a> group, one of the great Spanish wine groups under the leadership of Jorge Ordoñez.  Unfortunately many changes in recent years have somewhat diminished the stable of top flight wineries that are part of the group, but there are still lots of great ones such as El Nido, Ateca, and Jorge Ordoñez&#39; own line of wines.  The Orowines group is one of the biggest importers of Spanish wines into the US market.</p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Shaya is made from 100% old-vine Verdejo, which is the best quality indigenous grape in the Rueda wine region.  It is made in stainless, with no aging in oak, as are most Rueda wines, in order to preserve the freshness of the fruit...and to suit the Spanish preference for inexpensive, unoaked whites.</p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The 2011 has the typical tropical touches of pineapple and slightly green aromas typical of the grape variety but also lovely acidity, a touch of minerality and the long, slightly bitter finish that is also so refreshing characteristic.  Really excellent Rueda in the under 10€ category....I was really happy to see it at such good prices in the US and so widely available.  On the web I saw it around the 10$ mark, but the range is large.</p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The winery also makes a barrel fermented and aged wine called Shaya Habis.  It has about 6 months in oak.  It&#39;s very nice....Verdejo can take oak really well...it conserves it&#39;s freshness and personality and the oak adds richness, roundness and even more length.  Very nice, but also markedly more expensive at 23€ and around 25$.  </p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The basic Shaya is more my kind of white for the right price.  For me Rueda wine offers great consistency and good quality at a great price point.   I am always seeking out the best ones to recommend and this is one of them!</p>\n\n<p>&nbsp;</p>','Spanish Wine Review: Shaya 2011','Rueda white wine is the standard house white throughout much of Spain and for this we give thanks! This Spanish wine saved me from wine hell so many times over the years in Madrid and I will be eternally grateful! It is often maligned by wine aficionados as simple, tiring and lacking distinct personality, but for an under 10 price point, expectations should be reasonable. A cheap Rueda may be simple, but it is also pleasant and pretty consistent. With care, you can even find some that offer a little complexity. Shaya is one of these wines. It is made from old vines and has the typical cut grass and tropical fruit aromas of the Verdejo grape along with some great freshness and length. All for 9€ in Spain and about 10$ here in the US!','inherit','open','open','','1010-revision-6','','','2013-05-03 22:04:57','2013-05-04 02:04:57','',1010,'http://planetavino.net/2013/05/03/1010-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(1211,1,'2013-05-03 22:32:07','2013-05-04 02:32:07','<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><a href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/wpid-Photo-Feb-18-2013-1756.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img src=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/wpid-Photo-Feb-18-2013-1756.jpg\" id=\"blogsy-1362010979968.4792\" class=\"alignleft\" width=\"300\" height=\"182\" alt=\"\"></a></div>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">This is a big juicy, bold Spanish red wine from the local variety of Tempranillo in the Toro region.  Toro offers wines similar to the uber-trendy Ribera del Duero region but at much more affordable prices.  The climate is even more extreme continental so in Toro wines you get even more intense, exuberant fruit, good acidity...big wines, but with good freshness and balance.  The Almirez is one of the entry-level wines of an impressive Toro range from the famous Eguren family and offers great value at 15€ in Spain and about 20$ in the US.</p>\n\n<!--more--><p style=\"text-align: justify;\">&gt;The Eguren family is more famous for its Rioja wines with such icons as La Nieta, El Bosque and San Vicente, but it&#39;s range of Toro wines have been getting lots of attention lately.  There a four wines.  the baby is Romanico and is a lovely simple wine showcasing that exuberant Toro fruit with just 6 months in French oak for a touch of complexity.  It&#39;s amazing value at 9€ or 15$ in the US.  Next on is the Almirez...read on below for more detail.  Then there is a big step up to the spectacular Victorino...one of my favorite Toro wines.  It&#39;s a bit pricy at 35€ or about 50$ but it is a big, bold, intense beauty!  Despite how big it is...it is not tiring to drink, but slides down so easily.  I served it a ton at my tastings and never found anyone who didn&#39;t love it.   Last up is the Alasbaster, which is priced at a mind-numbing 130€ in Spain.  I just tasted the 2010 in November.  Bold, big, intense, big tannins too...but I&#39;ll take Victorino any day for the price vs complexity difference.</p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The Almirez for me is the best value of the bunch in terms of its quality and price relationship.  It has great Toto fruit...intense, spicy black fruit, a bit sweet, but with fresh acidity. Full-bodied, big, but not tiring....smooth long finish. It&#39;s 100% Tinta de Toro, the local name for Tempranillo, and has a very some very pleasant and moderate oak notes from its 12 months in French oak barrels.  </p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Toro wines are great with the local cuisine of the area, which includes a lot of stews and game meats, and would work with any meats or more robust preparations.   But this wine has such delicious, exuberant fruit that it is also a great wine to sip on its own after a hard day&#39;s work!  </p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</p>\n\n<p>&nbsp;</p>','Spanish Wine Review: Almirez 2010','This is a big juicy, bold Spanish red wine from the local variety of Tempranillo in the Toro region. Toro offers wines similar to the uber-trendy Ribera del Duero region but at much more affordable prices. The climate is even more extreme continental so in Toro wines you get even more intense, exuberant fruit, good acidity...big wines, but with good freshness and balance. The Almirez is one of the entry-level wines of an impressive Toro range from the famous Eguren family and offers great value at 15€ in Spain and about 20$ in the US.','inherit','open','open','','967-revision-9','','','2013-05-03 22:32:07','2013-05-04 02:32:07','',967,'http://planetavino.net/2013/05/03/967-revision-9/',0,'revision','',0),(1212,1,'2013-05-03 22:32:19','2013-05-04 02:32:19','<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><a style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/wpid-Photo-Feb-14-2013-1507.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft\" id=\"blogsy-1360876435717.2993\" alt=\"\" src=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/wpid-Photo-Feb-14-2013-1507.jpg\" width=\"150\" height=\"261\" /></a></div>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Great intro to pricy Priorat at the hands of the master Alvaro Palacios, this Spanish red wine is easy to drink and easy on the wallet at about 18$ in the US and 15€ in Spain. The Priorat region offers wines full of character, with an intensity, boldness and a savory minerality that reflects the unique terroir. Unfortunately all this comes at a very premium price, especially in a good-value Spanish context. The upside of crisis times is that many top wineries have come out with cheaper wines that can give you some glimpses into this amazing stuff. Also check out neighboring Montsant for some great values....</p>\r\n<!--more-->\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The label is an old pic of mine but the 2011 has the same label. It\'s a typical Priorat blend of Cariñena, Garnacha, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah, and has 8 months of aging in barrels and larger format oak. It\'s a lighter wine by Priorat standards, but still full-bodied. Attractive, simple black fruit is supported by a touch of spice and a nice freshness that gives it surprising freshness in an entry-level wine. Like all the wines of the region, it has a very long finish.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Alvaro is most famous for the amazing l\'Ermita, for Finca Dofi, and now for his fantastic wines from the Mencía grape in the Bierzo region. He has sought out some of the most interesting terroir in Spain and consistently produces some of its top wines. It\'s nice that he also produce some wines for the little man. The equivalent entry level wine in the Bierzo line is the Pétalos de Bierzos, which has had huge critical acclaim at a small price point. I like it, but it has never been my favorite entry-level Mencía. I do recommend to give it a try though as many are crazy about it!</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><span style=\"-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);\">I always say I would happily drink Priorat every day but my budget rarely covers the 60€ I need for my habit. I love these wines! they have so much personality! I\'m always on the look out for great values in the area. The Camins was one of my \"everyday\" wines while I lived in Spain and I\'m happy to see it readily available at a good price here in the US. </span></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"></p>\r\n&nbsp;','Spanish Red Wine Review: Camins del Priorat 2011','Great intro to pricy Priorat at the hands of the master Alvaro Palacios, this Spanish red wine is easy to drink and easy on the wallet at about 18$ in the US and 15€ in Spain. The Priorat region offers wines full of character, with an intensity, boldness and a savory minerality that reflects the unique terroir. Unfortunately all this comes at a very premium price, especially in a good-value Spanish context. The upside of crisis times is that many top wineries have come out with cheaper wines that can give you some glimpses into this amazing stuff. Also check out neighboring Montsant for some great values....','inherit','open','open','','959-revision-4','','','2013-05-03 22:32:19','2013-05-04 02:32:19','',959,'http://planetavino.net/2013/05/03/959-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(1213,1,'2013-05-03 22:32:29','2013-05-04 02:32:29','<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><a style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/wpid-Photo-Jan-30-2013-1748.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft\" id=\"blogsy-1359586467891.6829\" alt=\"\" src=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/wpid-Photo-Jan-30-2013-1748.jpg\" width=\"250\" height=\"267\" /></a></div>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">This is a great value Spanish red wine from the Montsant area of Catalonia. Montsant offers similar wines to neighboring Priorat, which has become known for it\'s bold, intense reds, at a much lower price point. Prefer to review wines I can also find in the US but I have to make a few exceptions and this is one to keep an eye out for. It\'s the house wine of my new favorite restaurant in Madrid, <a title=\"Wine lovers guide to Madrid\" href=\"http://planetavino.net/2012/12/14/wine-lovers-madrid-2012/\" target=\"_blank\">Laredo</a>, and it offers intense black fruit, minerality and length but also loads of charm and freshness. Very easy to drink and at 14 euros a bottle it\'s a steal! Can\'t find it yet stateside but here\'s hoping.....</p>\r\n<!--more-->\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The wine is produced by Cellers Masroig and is made from old-vine Carignan (Cariñena) and Grenache (Garnacha). It\'s aged for 15 months in French oak barrels followed by another 12 months minimum bottle aging. Though it has 14.5% alcohol, it has great balance and good freshness and shows wears it very well.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The winery is actually a historic cooperative founded in 1917 and makes several lines, including boxed wine. They also make olive oil. They are all great value!</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The Étnic Negre 2008 is pretty approachable and easy to drink at this price point...it hints at what the slate soils and the most intense terroirs of Montsant can give you. It has some black olive, some herbal and mineral notes along with it sweet black fruit that gives a little complexity. Round, big mouth, long finish with big, soft tannins. Just enough acidity to balance it all out. Very attractive package.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"></p>\r\n&nbsp;','Spanish Red Wine Review: Étnic Negre 2008','This is a great value Spanish red wine from the Montsant area of Catalonia. Montsant offers similar wines to neighboring Priorat, which has become known for it\'s bold, intense reds, at a much lower price point. Prefer to review wines I can also find in the US but I have to make a few exceptions and this is one to keep an eye out for. It\'s the house wine of my new favorite restaurant in Madrid, Laredo, and it offers intense black fruit, minerality and length but also loads of charm and freshness. Very easy to drink and at 14 euros a bottle it\'s a steal! Can\'t find it yet stateside but here\'s hoping.....','inherit','open','open','','951-revision-3','','','2013-05-03 22:32:29','2013-05-04 02:32:29','',951,'http://planetavino.net/2013/05/03/951-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(1214,1,'2013-05-03 22:05:18','2013-05-04 02:05:18','<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><a style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/wpid-Photo-Jan-24-2013-1748.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft\" id=\"blogsy-1359071320796.348\" alt=\"\" src=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/wpid-Photo-Jan-24-2013-1748.jpg\" width=\"200\" height=\"209\" /></a></div>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">I rated the <a title=\"Louro do Bolo Godello 2007: Great Spanish wine\" href=\"http://planetavino.net/2009/04/24/wine-rating-louro-do-bolo-2007/\" target=\"_blank\">2007 vintage</a> of this Spanish wine in 2009, and almost 4 years later, this wine remains one of my favorite whites. Godello, the top notch grape behind this delicious wine, has come a long way, but is still under-appreciated in both Spain and abroad. I keep expecting it to take off...more people are talking about it as Pain\'s next great white grape.... but it\'s still on the runway! This wine shows both the complex and friendly sides of Godello: round, lemon, slightly tropical fruit, but with great acidity and just enough oak smoke for some complexity. Amazingly the price remains the same as in 2009!</p>\r\n<!--more-->\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">This wine is from the hand of Rafael Palacios, a member of a very important Spanish wine dynasty. He has broken from the family mold and gone his own way in the northwestern Galician area of Valdeorras, focusing entirely on Godello and seeking to make a truly great Spanish white. When you meet him, and taste his wines with him, he really transmits such a passion and enthusiasm for the region, his vineyards and the grape variety.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Louro do Bolo\'s big sister As Sortes has set the benchmark in fine Godello since it first came out in 2004. Many still consider it to be Spain\'s best white wine. In some vintages the As Sortes can be so mineral it\'s like sucking on stones! Only with time in bottle, decanting can the depth and complexity come out.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">As Sortes is quite a special wine but is priced for a special occasion at 30 euros in Spain and 40 dollars on up here in the US. A splurge, but well worth it!</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Louro do Bolo, on the other hand, offers glimpses into greatness, but in a much more approachable and friendly package! It is made from grapes from slightly less older vines than the As Sortes and is fermented and aged in large-format foudres, giving only a subtle oak complexity.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">This wine is steely enough to go with seafood, yet has some roundness, smoke, complexity that makes it easy to go with so much more! Try it with some mussels in a robust sauce...it\'s one of my favorites with big cheeses. It\'s a lot of wine for the price and can be found in Spain for 12 euros and in the US from about 16 dollars on up...what a steal!</p>\r\n&nbsp;','Spanish White Wine Review: Louro do Bolo 2011','I rated the 2007 vintage of this Spanish wine in 2009, and almost 4 years later, this wine remains one of my favorite whites. Godello, the top notch grape behind this delicious wine, has come a long way, but is still under-appreciated in both Spain and abroad. I keep expecting it to take off...more people are talking about it as Pain\'s next great white grape.... but it\'s still on the runway! This wine shows both the complex and friendly sides of Godello: round, lemon, slightly tropical fruit, but with great acidity and just enough oak smoke for some complexity. Amazingly the price remains the same as in 2009!','inherit','open','open','','942-revision-6','','','2013-05-03 22:05:18','2013-05-04 02:05:18','',942,'http://planetavino.net/2013/05/03/942-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(1215,1,'2013-05-03 22:33:48','2013-05-04 02:33:48','<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: right;\"><a href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/wpid-Photo-Oct-5-2012-1618.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;\"><img src=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/wpid-Photo-Oct-5-2012-1618.jpg\" id=\"blogsy-1349468899595.4314\" class=\"alignright\" width=\"244\" height=\"232\" alt=\"\"></a></div>\n\n<p> The retail mark ups on Spanish wines here in the US are so puzzling, some are so reasonable and others outrageous.  Walking around a Total Wine store here in Florida yesterday, I was happy to see an old favorite at a very decent 13$ price point.  LAN Crianza was always my safety wine in Spain.  I could count on it to be on most mediocre restaurant wine lists....it could even be found in most cheap Asian restaurants.  It was always a crowd pleaser and you could order plenty of bottles without wincing at the price.  It&#39;s a fairly simple wine, but offers lots of bright cherry fruit, freshness and just a touch of vanilla oak.  Attractive and light enough to be food friendly in a way Tempranillos from Rioja can often do.    Really great value. Nice to see an old friend hasn&#39;t been priced out of its quality category.</p>\n\n<p>&nbsp;</p><div style=\"text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;\" id=\"blogsy_footer\"><a href=\"http://blogsyapp.com\" target=\"_blank\"><img src=\"http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png\" alt=\"Posted with Blogsy\" style=\"vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>','LAN Crianza: Bright and Fruity Rioja at a Good Price','The retail mark ups on Spanish wines here in the US are so puzzling, some are so reasonable and others outrageous.  Walking around a Total Wine store here in Florida yesterday, I was happy to see an old favorite at a very decent 13$ price point.','inherit','open','open','','422-revision-5','','','2013-05-03 22:33:48','2013-05-04 02:33:48','',422,'http://planetavino.net/2013/05/03/422-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(1216,1,'2013-05-03 22:53:40','2013-05-04 02:53:40',' ','','','publish','open','open','','1216','','','2013-05-03 22:53:40','2013-05-04 02:53:40','',0,'http://planetavino.net/?p=1216',17,'nav_menu_item','',0),(1217,1,'2013-03-12 03:03:46','2013-03-12 03:03:46','<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><a style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/wpid-Photo-Mar-11-2013-1717.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft\" id=\"blogsy-1363041090129.2847\" alt=\"\" src=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/wpid-Photo-Mar-11-2013-1717.jpg\" width=\"200\" height=\"267\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Talking with wine geek friends, so many of our top Spanish wine experiences, those exquisite wine moments, are from old and rare sherries. I\'ve religiously dragged out my favorite bottles to every social event, served it at every one of my meals, trying to to convert my \"normal\" wine drinking friends and family. To no avail...I end up savoring and admiring it by myself...secretly a little happy because there\'s more for me! Really though, it makes me sad...if I could just help them appreciate these wonderful wines. All these thoughts are running through my head tonight as I sip a real beauty, the Fernando de Castilla Antique Pedro Ximenez.</p>\r\n<!--more--><span style=\"text-align: justify;\">I was inspired to write this by an article about how under-appreciated Riesling is by Jamie Goode on <a title=\"Riesling article on Wine Anorak\" href=\"http://wineanorak.com/riesling_has_its_time_come.htm\" target=\"_blank\">Wine Anorak</a> last week. It rang so true as Riesling is another wine obsession that my friends roll their eyes at.</span>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Sherry is also a complex problem because there are so many styles and besides being generally unknown, it means different things to different people. For most Spaniards, it is a dry fiesta or aperitivo wine, either the fino or manzanilla styles. These are the primary drink at some of Andalucia\'s famous fiestas, most notably that of Seville, and are always available cold, and usually fresh, throughout southern Spain. But they are largely disregarded outside of Andalucia. To people outside of Spain sherry has always meant sweet, or cream sherries, many of them very average in quality. That has changed a little recently, but the idea of sweet and cheap still dominates outside of wine aficionado circles.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The fact is, is that the average wine drinker does not like sherry...it is sadly an acquired taste. I started out serving fino dry sherry in my intro to Spanish wine classes and they were universally hated, except by a few French and Hungarian folk who had been exposed to wines made under a yeast or flor covering in a similar way. The rest of the students left convinced they hated sherry. After a long struggle, I gave up, only serving sherries to more advanced classes and groups who requested it. Wine teachers love putting fino in their intro to Spain class...they love it themselves and it\'s cheap! But it\'s another case of us, the wine experts, trying to cram a complex wine into a simple situation. Sherry deserves and needs more....we want new Spanish wine drinkers turned on, not off to these wonderful wines!</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">It takes patience and a more advanced setting to explain the wonderful and complex world of sherry. There is so much magic in the flor, the classiciation, the solera aging system, the \"cathedrals\", the wondrous soils; once you understand what is behind that tangy salinity of a manzanilla, it\'s uniqueness, it starts to come alive.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">I attented the fantastic sherry educators class run by the Sherry consejo regulador with my then partner in Planeta Vino, Miguel. Miguel loves wine but is a very average Spanish Basque wine drinker who happens to have been exposed to some great wines. He had always disliked sherry and I was hoping this could be the truning point to bring him aorund to share my passion. the course is a dream for wine educators and sherry lovers: a three day total immersion into every aspect of the Jerez, with the added rigor of an exam at the end to keep you a bit focused on learning! Heaven! Every meal was matched with sherry inan eye-opening way, VOS and VORS tastings (old, rare sherries), extended time in the vineyards, lots of time with certified sherry experts to really clarify what is a palo cortado! I was in heaven!</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Miguel went through this amazing experience and came out still largely disliked sherries. I came out of the course admiring and loving sherry even more and thinking what a marketing and educational challenge it is.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">This Fernando de Castilla Pedro Ximenez has a deep amber color and a thick body, coats impressively the sides of the glass. It has a very complex nose of coffee, dried figs, hay and a touch of date and nuts. It enters the mouth surprisingly fresh and sweet at the same time, hay and coffee aromas hit first, then figs, raisins, dates. Coats the mouth like the glass, and the finish lasts at least a minute, with good acidity in the end as well. Sweet but the bitter coffee notes and the acidity an older sherry develops keep it in check...not at all cloying. A very special and complex wine that requires some special explanation. Not cheap for a 500ml bottle at 35€ or 40$, but fantastic value for a 20+ year old wine. Joy! ..they have it in the otherwise very ordinary Madrid airport duty-free wine section, where I always pick up a bottle at discount price.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">I just want everyone to love sherry but I know it\'s a lot to ask! The Jerez region of Spain offers such amazing consistently and quality at really amazing value, but it\'s a hard wine to sell. It\'s been great start to see the rising popularity of sherry themed wine bars in some towns or at least more sherries on offer at many wine bars.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">In the article on Riesling, Jamie Goode says patience, better marketing, and improvements in the quality of the wines are all needed. For sherry, while the same patience and better marketing are definitely needed, also better education of the educators and persistent (if slow) conversion of wine lovers by the converted will eventually bring this great wine area back up on top.</p>\r\n&nbsp;','Sherry: the Spanish wine only a mother could love','Talking with wine geek friends, so many of our top Spanish wine experiences, those exquisite wine moments, are from old and rare sherries. I\'ve religiously dragged out my favorite bottles to every social event, served it at every one of my meals, trying to to convert my \"normal\" wine drinking friends and family. To no avail...I end up savoring and admiring it by myself...secretly a little happy because there\'s more for me! Really though, it makes me sad...if I could just help them appreciate these wonderful wines. All these thoughts are running through my head tonight as I sip a real beauty, the Fernando de Castilla Antique Pedro Ximenez.','inherit','open','open','','1018-revision-3','','','2013-03-12 03:03:46','2013-03-12 03:03:46','',1018,'http://planetavino.net/2013/03/12/1018-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(1218,1,'2012-10-08 17:03:55','2012-10-08 17:03:55','<a href=\"http://bp1.blogger.com/_N6XlKRvqM98/Ra1I2KF6DiI/AAAAAAAAABg/3oTFN5msjUE/s1600-h/Madeira+H%26H+Sercial.JPG\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://bp1.blogger.com/_N6XlKRvqM98/Ra1I2KF6DiI/AAAAAAAAABg/3oTFN5msjUE/s200/Madeira+H%26H+Sercial.JPG\" style=\"float:right;cursor:hand;margin:0 0 10px 10px;\" /></a>Madeira is a wonderful wine that is often misunderstood, certainly it is little known here in Spain. Whenever I am in Portugal, I try and stock up as it is very difficult to get much here. Recently, I was fortunate enough to taste a series of Madeiras from Henriques &amp; Henriques, one of the top Madeira producers. We tried 3 wines, all 10 yr old single varietal Madeira. The four noble varieties of Madeira are (from sweetest to driest): Malmsey, Bual, Verdelho, Sercial. Wine from the noble varieties must be aged at least 5 years and will indicate the age and grape variety on the label. As with all EU wines, 85% of the contents must be from the designated grape variety in order to put it on the label.\n\nThe noble varieties tend to be grown at different altitudes on the island, altitudes that are most suitable for the style of wine they make. For instance, Sercial, which is the driest style, is grown in the highest altitude vineyards.\n\nMany of the blended Madeiras, especially the less expensive are made from a number of lesser varieties that now dominate the vineyards, especially the most planted variety: Tinta Negra Mole.\n\nMadeiras are cooked wines and after being fortified, most are heated for several months in estufas that gently heat the wine. The best wines are left to age slowly in oak barrels on the roof, being naturally heated by the sun. This natural method is a much slower, more natural process that gives fresher, more elegant wines. Due to the oxidative nature of the wines and the heating process, these wines are virtually indestructible. Very old bottles can be bought without fear. The oldest wine I\'ve ever had was an 1865 Madeira…and it was fantastic!! They also stay very fresh for a long time once opened, which makes them an ideal bottle to have open for a pre-dinner or after dinner sip.\n\nMadeira wines are known for a tangy acidity that makes even the sweetest ones refreshing. They are also known for their caramel and orange peel notes that come from the aging process. Estufa-heated wines often have stronger notes of caramel than the naturally heated ones.\n\nI took a bottle of the Sercial home with me after our horizontal tasting and tasted it in detail. My detailed notes on the Sercial are followed by more brief notes on the Verdelho and Bual.\n\nWine: 10 yr old Sercial\nWinery: Henriques &amp; Henriques\nAppellation: Madeira, Portugal\nAlc: 20%\nGrape variety: Sercial\nOak regime: 10 years aging in oak\nPrice: Around 25 euros in Portugal\n\nTasting notes:\nVisual: Pale amber\nNose: Very intense nose…some volatile acidity, but overall very complex and attractive, with brown sugar, almond, marzipan, and orange peel.\nMouth: Off-dry, very smooth, bracing acidity…these are the first impressions. Very complex, orange peeel with a slight caramel…very tangy. Lingers endlessly in the mouth, with a slight, pleasant bitterness cleaning up the mouth.\nFood: This is certainly not a dessert wine…more of an aperitif wine with Spanish jamon and other tapas.\n\nConclusion: This Madeira is outstanding...complex, yet refreshing. I tasted this with an expert on Spanish sherries and he said the nose was similar to many Spanish fortified wines, but that the bracing acidity in the mouth set it apart. My favorite of the series! Rating: 9/10!\n\n10 yr old Verdelho: Next level up from Sercial in terms of sweetness. Medium amber color. Nuts and orange peel, rubber, and a touch of raisin. Very complex, long mouth…a touch more bitter at the finish than the Sercial. Rating: 8/10\n\n10 yr old Bual: Sweetest of this tasting…only the Malmsey Madeiras are sweeter. Not very sweet overall…I would still not pair this with many desserts. Medium-dark amber color. Raisin notes dominate the nose, also notes of hazelnut and candied orange peel, caramel and coffee notes. All these notes were reflected in a complex, long mouth. Rating: 8.5/10','Madeira Series: Henriques & Henriques Sercial Verdelho, Bual','','inherit','open','open','','31-revision-2','','','2012-10-08 17:03:55','2012-10-08 17:03:55','',31,'http://planetavino.net/2012/10/08/31-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(1219,1,'2012-10-08 17:04:21','2012-10-08 17:04:21','<a href=\"http://bp0.blogger.com/_N6XlKRvqM98/Ralds6F6DfI/AAAAAAAAAA0/c5Ot-xpMnQk/s1600-h/Sherry+Matusalem.JPG\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://bp0.blogger.com/_N6XlKRvqM98/Ralds6F6DfI/AAAAAAAAAA0/c5Ot-xpMnQk/s200/Sherry+Matusalem.JPG\" style=\"float:right;cursor:hand;margin:0 0 10px 10px;\" /></a>My husband\'s family loves a good dessert wine…so we break one out as often as possible. Often they are not Spanish ones, as the Spanish dessert wine scene can be limiting, but today we had one of our favourite sweet sherries. Pedro Ximenez (PX) is the typical sweet sherry that you see over here. PX is the sweetening grape made after drying the grapes in the sun. The monovarietal wine is thick, syrupy and intensely sweet, especially after long aging. It can be quirt nice but many of them are very cloying. One sip suffices…or it can be used over vanilla ice cream.\n\nI prefer the sweet old Olorosos myself. Dry aged Oloroso is blended with PX to make these wonderful wines. I like them because the nutty, refreshing bitterness of the Oloroso is a perfect counterbalance to the raisiny sweet PX.\n\n<img border=\"0\" src=\"http://bp1.blogger.com/_N6XlKRvqM98/RaldTKF6DeI/AAAAAAAAAAs/5nBtlN8F5PA/s200/VORS.jpg\" style=\"display:block;cursor:hand;text-align:center;margin:0 auto 10px;\" />\nA fairly new category of wines under the Denominacion de Origen (DO) is VORS (Vinum Optimum Rare Signatum), which guarantees the wine is over 30 years old. VOS (Vinum Optimum Signatum) guarantees at least 20 years old. These are generally extremely high quality wines!\n\nA quick note on sherry value: sherry remains one of the best value wines in the world. The quality of the wines, from the youngest, freshest Manzanilla to the oldest, most comlex Oloroso, is consistently very high and the prices are amazingly low! This is not so good for the sherry industry but great for us the consumer.Wine: Matusalem NV\nWinery: Gonzalez Byass\nDenominacion de Origen (DO): Jerez\nAlc: 20.5%\nGrape variety: Palomino and Pedro Ximenez\nOak regime: aged for 30 years in oak\nPrice: Around 30 euros in Spain\n\nTasting notes:\nVisual: Dark amber/brown\nNose: High intensity. Raisins and prunes dominate with notes of honey, cinnamon, nuts. Very alcoholic nose.\nMouth: Sweet and bitter mouth…very complex. Enters sweet, with prunes and raisin fruit, but the finish dries out into a very pleasant and refreshing bitterness. Alcohol less sharp in mouth. Extremely long finish.\nFood: Better on it own or with blue cheese, or other cheeses. Not sweet enough for most desserts.\n\nRetaste: 8 hours on… exposed to oxygen…nose more mellow…less alcohol….prunes and almonds. Mouth is almost exactly the same.\n\nConclusion: Amazing, complex wine! This wine is a wonderful combination of sweet and bitter…not cloying at all. Great value fro such a high quality sweet wine! Points: 9/10!','Wine Rating: Sherry - Matusalem','','inherit','open','open','','28-revision-2','','','2012-10-08 17:04:21','2012-10-08 17:04:21','',28,'http://planetavino.net/2012/10/08/28-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(1220,1,'2013-05-03 21:41:09','2013-05-04 01:41:09','<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\">We will soon be launching Planeta Vino Wine Events: Singular, custom wine events to make every occasion memorable and stress free!</h2>\r\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\">Stay tuned for more information....</h2>\r\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\">Meanwhile, please feel to contact me at <a href=\"mailto:info@planetavino.net\">info@planetavino.net</a></h2>','Wine Events','','inherit','open','open','','1133-revision-v1','','','2013-05-03 21:41:09','2013-05-04 01:41:09','',1133,'http://planetavino.net/2013/05/03/1133-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(1221,1,'2013-05-03 23:36:42','2013-05-04 03:36:42','<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\">We will soon be launching Planeta Vino Wine Events: Singular, custom wine events to make every occasion memorable and stress free!</h2>\r\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\">Stay tuned for more information....</h2>\r\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\">Meanwhile, please feel to contact me at <a href=\"mailto:info@planetavino.net\">info@planetavino.net</a></h2>','Singular Wine Events','','inherit','open','open','','1133-revision-v1','','','2013-05-03 23:36:42','2013-05-04 03:36:42','',1133,'http://planetavino.net/2013/05/03/1133-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(1222,1,'2013-05-03 23:37:51','2013-05-04 03:37:51','<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\">We will soon be launching Planeta Vino Wine Events: Singular, custom wine events to make every occasion memorable and stress free!</h2>\r\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\">Stay tuned for more information....</h2>\r\n<h2 style=\"text-align: justify;\">Meanwhile, please feel to contact me at <a href=\"mailto:info@planetavino.net\">info@planetavino.net</a></h2>','Unique Wine Events','','inherit','open','open','','1133-revision-v1','','','2013-05-03 23:37:51','2013-05-04 03:37:51','',1133,'http://planetavino.net/2013/05/03/1133-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(1223,1,'2013-02-26 03:57:48','2013-02-26 03:57:48','<a href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Mary-about1.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-508\" title=\"Mary O\'Connor\" alt=\"\" src=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Mary-about1-229x300.jpg\" width=\"229\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Welcome to the new Planeta Vino! I\'m Mary O\'Connor and after more than 10 years living in Madrid, Spain, I\'ve returned to the US for personal, family reasons...</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Hard to leave Spain, great to come home!  Crazy hard to leave a Spanish family, friends and my business behind... closing the business and transitioning has taken a lot longer than I thought!</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Planeta Vino was originally the website for my wine tasting school and wine events business in Madrid. Now I\'ve redesigned it and am re-inventing it as a blog primarily on Spanish wine and food, but also about anything wine that grabs me.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Spanish food is seemingly everywhere in the US and is quite popular at the moment thanks to high-profile chefs such as Jose Andres.  Despite this I still find it is pretty hard to find places that walk the line between respecting Spanish traditions and innovating enough to add that something special. Also a lot of what is billed as \"spanish\" is anything but!  I\'m excited to find some of the good places as well as discover the new gems in Madrid and around Spain on my trips back there.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Spanish wine is less well represented here in the US than Spanish cuisine; it definitely does not get the respect it is due for offering top-notch wines at extremely good prices. Ten years of immersing myself in these wines have really instilled me with a missionary zeal to spread the gospel of Spanish wine!</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Check <a href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/old-planeta-vino/\">here</a> for more info on the \"Old Planeta Vino\"</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">To follow me as I share my passion, follow my blog or sign up <a href=\"http://eepurl.com/qrtFH\" target=\"_blank\">here</a> to get my monthly newsletters with the latest on Spanish wine and food.</p>','About','','inherit','open','open','','500-revision-v1','','','2013-02-26 03:57:48','2013-02-26 03:57:48','',500,'http://planetavino.net/2013/02/26/500-revision-10/',0,'revision','',0),(1224,1,'2013-05-03 23:39:17','2013-05-04 03:39:17','<a href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Mary-about1.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-508\" title=\"Mary O\'Connor\" alt=\"\" src=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Mary-about1-229x300.jpg\" width=\"229\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Welcome to the new Planeta Vino! I\'m Mary O\'Connor and after more than 10 years living in Madrid, Spain, I\'ve returned to the US for personal, family reasons...</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Hard to leave Spain, great to come home!  Crazy hard to leave a Spanish family, friends and my business behind... closing the business and transitioning has taken a lot longer than I thought!</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Planeta Vino was originally the website for my wine tasting school and wine events business in Madrid. Now I\'ve redesigned it and am re-inventing it as a blog primarily on Spanish wine and food, but also about anything wine that grabs me.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Spanish food is seemingly everywhere in the US and is quite popular at the moment thanks to high-profile chefs such as Jose Andres.  Despite this I still find it is pretty hard to find places that walk the line between respecting Spanish traditions and innovating enough to add that something special. Also a lot of what is billed as \"spanish\" is anything but!  I\'m excited to find some of the good places as well as discover the new gems in Madrid and around Spain on my trips back there.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Spanish wine is less well represented here in the US than Spanish cuisine; it definitely does not get the respect it is due for offering top-notch wines at extremely good prices. Ten years of immersing myself in these wines have really instilled me with a missionary zeal to spread the gospel of Spanish wine!</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Check <a href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/old-planeta-vino/\">here</a> for more info on the \"Old Planeta Vino\"</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">To follow me as I share my passion, follow my blog or sign up <a href=\"http://eepurl.com/qrtFH\" target=\"_blank\">here</a> to get my monthly newsletters with the latest on Spanish wine and food.</p>','My Story','','inherit','open','open','','500-revision-v1','','','2013-05-03 23:39:17','2013-05-04 03:39:17','',500,'http://planetavino.net/2013/05/03/500-revision-11/',0,'revision','',0),(1225,1,'2013-05-03 23:43:28','2013-05-04 03:43:28','<a href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Mary-about1.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-508\" title=\"Mary O\'Connor\" alt=\"\" src=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Mary-about1-229x300.jpg\" width=\"229\" height=\"300\" /></a>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Welcome to the new Planeta Vino! I\'m Mary O\'Connor and after more than 10 years living in Madrid, Spain, I\'ve returned to the US for personal, family reasons...</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Hard to leave Spain, great to come home!  Crazy hard to leave a Spanish family, friends and my business behind... closing the business and transitioning has taken a lot longer than I thought!</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Planeta Vino was originally the website for my wine tasting school and wine events business in Madrid. When first got back I redesigned it and re-invented it as a blog primarily on Spanish wine and food, but also about anything wine that grabs me.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Now, a few months later, I\'m working on relaunching Planeta Vino as a corporate and custom wine events business here in Miami!  More exciting change!</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Spanish food is seemingly everywhere in the US and is quite popular at the moment thanks to high-profile chefs such as Jose Andres.  Despite this I still find it is pretty hard to find places that walk the line between respecting Spanish traditions and innovating enough to add that something special. Also a lot of what is billed as \"spanish\" is anything but!  I\'m excited to find some of the good places as well as discover the new gems in Madrid and around Spain on my trips back there.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Spanish wine is less well represented here in the US than Spanish cuisine; it definitely does not get the respect it is due for offering top-notch wines at extremely good prices. Ten years of immersing myself in these wines have really instilled me with a missionary zeal to spread the gospel of Spanish wine!</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Check <a href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/old-planeta-vino/\">here</a> for more info on the \"Old Planeta Vino\"</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">To follow me as I share my passion, follow my blog or sign up <a href=\"http://eepurl.com/qrtFH\" target=\"_blank\">here</a> to get my monthly newsletters with the latest on Spanish wine and food.</p>','My Story','','inherit','open','open','','500-revision-v1','','','2013-05-03 23:43:28','2013-05-04 03:43:28','',500,'http://planetavino.net/2013/05/03/500-revision-12/',0,'revision','',0),(1226,1,'2013-02-11 02:21:07','2013-02-11 02:21:07','<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\">¡Winekeeper: Hágase con el sistema domestico de conservación de vino mas completo!</h3>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">La mejor manera de conservar los vinos y servirlos por copas para el sibarita domestico. El regalo perfecto para los amantes del buen vino.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Planeta Vino es el importador exclusivo para España de los productos de Winekeeper.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Los productos de Winekeeper le permiten conservar sus vinos sin perder sus cualidades durante un mínimo de tres semanas.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Existen tres modelos diferentes que se adaptan a las diferentes necesidades de su día a día.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Para mantener su vino refrigerado, use el sistema de desconexión rápida para poder desconectar la botella del sistema principal y así guardarla en una cava refrigerada. La presión del nitrógeno se mantiene perfectamente. Para volver a servirse una copa, simplemente conecte de nuevo la botella al sistema principal.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Llame al 91 310 2855 para mas información.</p>\r\n\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\">The Vintner</h3>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><a title=\"Winekeeper Vintner\" href=\"http://www.planetavino.net/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/vintner-pro.jpg\"><img alt=\"Winekeeper Vintner\" src=\"http://www.planetavino.net/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/vintner-pro.thumbnail.jpg\" align=\"right\" /></a>El primero, nuestro modelo mas clásico, The Vintner, que permite preservar y servir tres botellas al mismo tiempo.  Ideal para uso domestico.</p>\r\n\r\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\r\n	<li>Sencillo de usar.</li>\r\n	<li>Diseño clásico en madera de roble.</li>\r\n	<li>Cilindro de nitrógeno y reductor ocultos en su interior.</li>\r\n	<li>Sistema de desconexión rápida que permite desconectar las botellas del sistema para mantenerlas refrigeradas.</li>\r\n	<li>El cilindro de nitrógeno es valido para preservar aproximadamente 24 botellas de 0,75 l.</li>\r\n	<li>Grifos opcionales para preservar múltiples botellas.</li>\r\n	<li>Precio: 325,00 €</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\">The Noir</h3>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><a title=\"Winekeeper Noir\" href=\"http://www.planetavino.net/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/petit-noir-pro.jpg\"><img alt=\"Winekeeper Noir\" src=\"http://www.planetavino.net/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/petit-noir-pro.thumbnail.jpg\" align=\"right\" /></a>Nuestro siguiente modelo, The Noir, tiene unas líneas mas modernas y puede también preservar y servir tres botellas al mismo tiempo.</p>\r\n\r\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\r\n	<li>Simple to use.</li>\r\n	<li>Ideal para uso domestico.</li>\r\n	<li>Diseño moderno, minimalista.</li>\r\n	<li>Cilindro de nitrógeno y reductor ocultos en su interior.</li>\r\n	<li>Sistema de desconexión rápida que permite desconectar las botellas del sistema para mantenerlas refrigeradas.</li>\r\n	<li>El cilindro de nitrógeno es valido para preservar aproximadamente 24 botellas de 0,75 l.</li>\r\n	<li>Grifos opcionales para preservar múltiples</li>\r\n	<li>Precio: 340,00 €</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\">The Keeper</h3>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">El modelo básico, The Keeper, es una versión mas económica que da servicio a una botella cada vez.\r\nIdeal para uso domestico.</p>\r\n\r\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\r\n	<li><a title=\"Winekeeper Keeper\" href=\"http://www.planetavino.net/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/keeper-pro.jpg\"><img alt=\"Winekeeper Keeper\" src=\"http://www.planetavino.net/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/keeper-pro.thumbnail.jpg\" align=\"right\" /></a>Sencillo de usar.</li>\r\n	<li>Diseño clásico en madera de roble.</li>\r\n	<li>Sistema de desconexión rápida que permite desconectar la botella del sistema para mantenerla refrigerada.</li>\r\n	<li>El cilindro de nitrógeno es valido para preservar aproximadamente 24 botellas de 0,75l.</li>\r\n	<li>Grifos opcionales para preservar múltiples botellas.</li>\r\n	<li>Precio: 99,00 €</li>\r\n	<li>Opcional: Conector múltiple, precio 30,00 €</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: justify;\">Accesorios Winekeeper</h3>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><a title=\"Winekeeper faucet\" href=\"http://www.planetavino.net/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/faucet1.jpg\"><img alt=\"Winekeeper faucet\" src=\"http://www.planetavino.net/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/faucet1.thumbnail.jpg\" /></a>           <a title=\"Winekeeper canisters\" href=\"http://www.planetavino.net/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/canisters1.jpg\"><img alt=\"Winekeeper canisters\" src=\"http://www.planetavino.net/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/canisters1.thumbnail.jpg\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">También podemos proveerle de los cilindros de nitrógeno adicionales que eventualmente necesitara para su sistema.</p>\r\n\r\n<ul style=\"text-align: justify;\">\r\n	<li>Precio de la bombona: 19,00 €</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">También podemos proporcionarle mas grifos sueltos para preservar varias botellas usando solamente una bombona de nitrógeno gracias al sistema de conexión-desconexión rápida.</p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li style=\"text-align: justify;\">Grifo: Precio 42,00 €</li>\r\n</ul>','Winekeeper en Español','','inherit','open','open','','323-revision-10','','','2013-02-11 02:21:07','2013-02-11 02:21:07','',323,'http://planetavino.net/2013/02/11/323-revision-10/',0,'revision','',0),(1227,1,'2013-05-04 01:47:44','2013-05-04 05:47:44','','wpid-Photo-Apr-27-2013-1414.jpg','','inherit','open','open','','wpid-photo-apr-27-2013-1414-jpg','','','2013-05-04 01:47:44','2013-05-04 05:47:44','',1228,'http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Apr-27-2013-1414.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1228,1,'2013-05-04 01:47:49','2013-05-04 05:47:49','<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><a style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/84220010@N06/8706755292\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft\" id=\"blogsy-1367646614604.0093\" alt=\"Spanish wine: great Amontillado sherry from Lustau\" src=\"http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8547/8706755292_1e018b30d8_c.jpg\" width=\"200\" height=\"274\" /></a></div>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Some of my top Spanish wine experiences have been with sherries, but it\'s also just as important to find the great value, every day sherries. The Lustau Los Arcos Amontillado is a delicious example of a great sherry to enjoy, sip and cook with. Once you start cooking with and trying sherry with food, you will never go back....it\'s one of the most food friendly wines around. Amontillado is the perfect Sherry style for summer cooking and drinking. The tangier, edgier Fino style can be an acquired taste, while Oloroso has a winter feel to it. Amontillado, especially a really friendly, soft one like the Los Arcos is the perfect wine compromise. A complex, fresh, unique wine for only about 15$!</p>\r\n<!--more-->\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><a title=\"Lustau Sherry\" href=\"http://www.lustau.es/en/lustau_2.html\" target=\"_blank\">Lustau</a> is an amazing winery to visit...it\'s a bit off the typical tourist track in the city of Jerez, but well worth making an appointment to visit. They have a huge range of wines, from more commercial larger production lines to the amazing almacenista line, special bottlings of small producers top flight sherries. There is a large range in pricing and all the wines are good value at their price point. Luckily they have always been very well placed in the US market, so many of their wines are easy to find here.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The Los Arcos is from the Solera Reserva line, the basic line, but which has some excellent wines.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The amontillado style is a sherry that has been partially aged under \"flor\" or a yeast covering that gives the dryer styles, such as fino their distinct, tangy salinity. In the case of Amontillado, the flor is eventually allowed to die off, and the wine finishes aging exposed to oxygen in the typical oxidative style of heavier sherry styles such as Oloroso. So Amontillado is really a combination of the characteristics of both Fino and Oloroso....this makes it a very versatile and attractive sherry style.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Though the label says dry, there is a touch of sweetness to the the Los Arcos Amontillado. This makes it an easy introductory amontillado as it softens some of the sharper edges that older wines can have. There is still a nice lightness and some tanginess from it\'s time under flor, but it also has some hazelnut and dried orange peel notes from it oxidative aging.</p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Apr-27-2013-1414.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"aligncenter\" id=\"blogsy-1367646614613.6921\" alt=\"Spanish wine: amontillado sherry\" src=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Apr-27-2013-1414.jpg\" width=\"300\" height=\"400\" /></a></div>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">When served a bit chilled, 55-58F or 13-14C, the Los Arcos is round, smooth, a bit tangy and refreshing, but also with some good depth and length. Very attractive. Here it is served in a pretty sherry glass!</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Great value and a lovely everyday sherry. Try it with any cheese and meat platter, pâtés, hot or cold soups, shellfish, fried foods....or just sip it on it\'s own like I did yesterday!</p>\r\n&nbsp;','Spanish Wine Review: Lustau Los Arcos Amontillado','Some of my top Spanish wine experiences have been with sherries, but it\'s also just as important to find the great value, every day sherries.  The Lustau Los Arcos Amontillado is a delicious example of a great sherry to enjoy, sip and cook with.  Once you start cooking with and trying sherry with food, you will never go back....it\'s one of the most food friendly wines around.  Amontillado is the perfect Sherry style for summer cooking and drinking.  The tangier, edgier Fino style can be an acquired taste, while Oloroso has a winter feel to it.  Amontillado, especially a really friendly, soft one like the Los Arcos is the perfect wine compromise.  A complex, fresh, unique wine for only about 15$!','publish','open','open','','spanish-wine-review-lustau-los-arcos-amontillado','','','2013-05-04 11:56:58','2013-05-04 15:56:58','',0,'http://planetavino.net/?p=1228',0,'post','',0),(1229,1,'2013-05-04 01:47:45','2013-05-04 05:47:45','<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/84220010@N06/8706755292\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img src=\"http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8547/8706755292_1e018b30d8_c.jpg\" id=\"blogsy-1367646469971.2102\" class=\"alignleft\" alt=\"Spanish wine: great Amontillado sherry from Lustau\" width=\"200\" height=\"274\"></a></div>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Some of my top Spanish wine experiences have been with sherries, but it&#39;s also just as important to find the great value, every day sherries.  The Lustau Los Arcos Amontillado is a delicious example of a great sherry to enjoy, sip and cook with.  Once you start cooking with and trying sherry with food, you will never go back....it&#39;s one of the most food friendly wines around.  Amontillado is the perfect Sherry style for summer cooking and drinking.  The tangier, edgier Fino style can be an acquired taste, while Oloroso has a winter feel to it.  Amontillado, especially a really friendly, soft one like the Los Arcos is the perfect wine compromise.  A complex, fresh, unique wine for only about 15$!</p>\n\n<!--more--><p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Lustau is an amazing winery to visit...it&#39;s a bit off the typical tourist track in the city of Jerez, but well worth making an appointment to visit.  They have a huge range of wines, from more commercial larger production lines to the amazing almacenista line, special bottlings of small producers top flight sherries.  There is a large range in pricing and all the wines are good value at their price point.  Luckily they have always been very well placed in the US market, so many of their wines are easy to find here.</p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The Los Arcos is from the Solera Reserva line, the basic line, but which has some excellent wines.  </p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The amontillado style is a sherry that has been partially aged under \"flor\" or a yeast covering that gives the dryer styles, such as fino their distinct, tangy salinity.  In the case of Amontillado, the flor is eventually allowed to die off, and the wine finishes aging exposed to oxygen in the typical oxidative style of heavier sherry styles such as Oloroso.  So Amontillado is really a combination of the characteristics of both Fino and Oloroso....this makes it a very versatile and attractive sherry style.</p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Though the label says dry, there is a touch of sweetness to the the Los Arcos Amontillado.  This makes it an easy introductory amontillado as it softens some of the sharper edges that older wines can have. There is still a nice lightness and some tanginess from it&#39;s time under flor, but it also has some hazelnut and dried orange peel notes from it oxidative aging.  <br>\n</p>\n\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Apr-27-2013-1414.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img src=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Apr-27-2013-1414.jpg\" id=\"blogsy-1367646469946.6917\" class=\"aligncenter\" width=\"300\" height=\"400\" alt=\"Spanish wine: amontillado sherry\"></a></div>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">When served a bit chilled, 55-58F or 13-14C, the Los Arcos is round, smooth, a bit tangy and refreshing, but also with some good depth and length.  Very attractive.  Here it is served in a pretty sherry glass!</p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Great value and a lovely everyday sherry.  Try it with any cheese and meat platter, pâtés, hot or cold soups, shellfish, fried foods....or just sip it on it&#39;s own like I did yesterday!</p>\n\n<p>&nbsp;</p>','Spanish Wine Review: Lustau Los Arcos Amontillado','Some of my top Spanish wine experiences have been with sherries, but it\'s also just as important to find the great value, every day sherries.  The Lustau Los Arcos Amontillado is a delicious example of a great sherry to enjoy, sip and cook with.  Once you start cooking with and trying sherry with food, you will never go back....it\'s one of the most food friendly wines around.  Amontillado is the perfect Sherry style for summer cooking and drinking.  The tangier, edgier Fino style can be an acquired taste, while Oloroso has a winter feel to it.  Amontillado, especially a really friendly, soft one like the Los Arcos is the perfect wine compromise.  A complex, fresh, unique wine for only about 15$!','inherit','open','open','','1228-revision','','','2013-05-04 01:47:45','2013-05-04 05:47:45','',1228,'http://planetavino.net/2013/05/04/1228-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(1231,1,'2013-05-04 11:55:50','2013-05-04 15:55:50','','Lustau Los Arcos Amontillado thumbnail','','inherit','open','open','','lustau-los-arcos-amontillado-thumbnail','','','2013-05-04 11:55:50','2013-05-04 15:55:50','',1228,'http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Lustau-Los-Arcos-Amontillado-thumbnail.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1232,1,'2013-05-04 01:50:19','2013-05-04 05:50:19','<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/84220010@N06/8706755292\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img src=\"http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8547/8706755292_1e018b30d8_c.jpg\" id=\"blogsy-1367646614604.0093\" class=\"alignleft\" alt=\"Spanish wine: great Amontillado sherry from Lustau\" width=\"200\" height=\"274\"></a></div>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Some of my top Spanish wine experiences have been with sherries, but it&#39;s also just as important to find the great value, every day sherries.  The Lustau Los Arcos Amontillado is a delicious example of a great sherry to enjoy, sip and cook with.  Once you start cooking with and trying sherry with food, you will never go back....it&#39;s one of the most food friendly wines around.  Amontillado is the perfect Sherry style for summer cooking and drinking.  The tangier, edgier Fino style can be an acquired taste, while Oloroso has a winter feel to it.  Amontillado, especially a really friendly, soft one like the Los Arcos is the perfect wine compromise.  A complex, fresh, unique wine for only about 15$!</p>\n\n<!--more--><p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><a href=\"http://www.lustau.es/en/lustau_2.html\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Lustau Sherry\">Lustau</a> is an amazing winery to visit...it&#39;s a bit off the typical tourist track in the city of Jerez, but well worth making an appointment to visit.  They have a huge range of wines, from more commercial larger production lines to the amazing almacenista line, special bottlings of small producers top flight sherries.  There is a large range in pricing and all the wines are good value at their price point.  Luckily they have always been very well placed in the US market, so many of their wines are easy to find here.</p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The Los Arcos is from the Solera Reserva line, the basic line, but which has some excellent wines.  </p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The amontillado style is a sherry that has been partially aged under \"flor\" or a yeast covering that gives the dryer styles, such as fino their distinct, tangy salinity.  In the case of Amontillado, the flor is eventually allowed to die off, and the wine finishes aging exposed to oxygen in the typical oxidative style of heavier sherry styles such as Oloroso.  So Amontillado is really a combination of the characteristics of both Fino and Oloroso....this makes it a very versatile and attractive sherry style.</p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Though the label says dry, there is a touch of sweetness to the the Los Arcos Amontillado.  This makes it an easy introductory amontillado as it softens some of the sharper edges that older wines can have. There is still a nice lightness and some tanginess from it&#39;s time under flor, but it also has some hazelnut and dried orange peel notes from it oxidative aging.  <br>\n</p>\n\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Apr-27-2013-1414.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img src=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Apr-27-2013-1414.jpg\" id=\"blogsy-1367646614613.6921\" class=\"aligncenter\" width=\"300\" height=\"400\" alt=\"Spanish wine: amontillado sherry\"></a></div>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">When served a bit chilled, 55-58F or 13-14C, the Los Arcos is round, smooth, a bit tangy and refreshing, but also with some good depth and length.  Very attractive.  Here it is served in a pretty sherry glass!</p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Great value and a lovely everyday sherry.  Try it with any cheese and meat platter, pâtés, hot or cold soups, shellfish, fried foods....or just sip it on it&#39;s own like I did yesterday!</p>\n\n<p>&nbsp;</p>','Spanish Wine Review: Lustau Los Arcos Amontillado','Some of my top Spanish wine experiences have been with sherries, but it\'s also just as important to find the great value, every day sherries.  The Lustau Los Arcos Amontillado is a delicious example of a great sherry to enjoy, sip and cook with.  Once you start cooking with and trying sherry with food, you will never go back....it\'s one of the most food friendly wines around.  Amontillado is the perfect Sherry style for summer cooking and drinking.  The tangier, edgier Fino style can be an acquired taste, while Oloroso has a winter feel to it.  Amontillado, especially a really friendly, soft one like the Los Arcos is the perfect wine compromise.  A complex, fresh, unique wine for only about 15$!','inherit','open','open','','1228-revision-2','','','2013-05-04 01:50:19','2013-05-04 05:50:19','',1228,'http://planetavino.net/2013/05/04/1228-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(1233,1,'2013-05-08 23:58:13','2013-05-09 03:58:13','<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><a style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/84220010@N06/8722488208\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft\" id=\"blogsy-1368072829097.9888\" alt=\"Spanish wine: Faunus 2011\" src=\"http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7300/8722488208_d6bbea72f3_c.jpg\" width=\"180\" height=\"284\" /></a></div>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">I tasted a few great Spanish wines by the glass from the self-serve Enomatic wine dispensers at one of Miami\'s really authentic Spanish restaurants, Xixón. My favorite for both quality and value was another impressive entry from the Montsant region, the Faunus 2011, by Ediciones i-Limitadas. Another great value Spanish wine from the Montsant region. I love this region for its intense, earthy, balanced reds. Though perhaps not as consistent and remarkable as neighboring Priorat\'s more famous wines, they\'re also a lot less expensive in general. This wine is amazing value at 11 euros in Spain, but a little pricier at 22 dollars here in the US.</p>\r\n<!--more-->\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The wine is a blend of Tempranillo, Syrah, Merlot, and Cariñena and is from 20-50 year old vines. It\'s aged 8 months in American and French oak barrels. Montsant, though improving rapidly, has had some trouble establishing a top-notch reputation. This is due to many factors: living in the shadow of Priorat, variable consistency, and price point expectations. Though in Spain, it has surged in popularity as Spaniards outside of the Catalan region finally become more aware of the good value options available.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The other Spanish wines of the day were notable for their sweet fruit, but also for their slightly out of balance alcohol. The fruit in the Faunus had a savory and herbal element as well as floral aromas on the nose. despite it\'s 14% alcohol, it had really good balance. The finish though long, has a slight roughness in the tannins that some bottle time could help. Unlike so many tougher wines, there is ample fruit and acidity to reach that perfect balance. Montsant wines generally age very well...this wine is no exception and feels really young right now.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">As I was researching the wine, I remembered a New York Times article from Feb 2013 on <a title=\"New York Times article on Montsant wines from Feb 2013\" href=\"http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/27/dining/reviews/spanish-reds-that-emerge-from-the-shadows.html?pagewanted=all&amp;_r=0\" target=\"_blank\">Montsant wines</a>. It\'s a nice summary of the region, some great picks are mentioned and I was happy to find the Faunus came out fourth! I was also pleased to see one of my favorites, Orto, come out on top! Very different price range though.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">So hopefully Montsant will continue to emerge from Priorat\'s shadow, forge its own distinct identity, and the best wines will become more readily available here in the US market.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The Faunus is only about 11€ in Spain, so is fantastic value there, but runs about 22$ here stateside..so good value, but not in my top value category. If this wine sounds good to you, I recently rated a great Montsant <a title=\"Spanish Red Wine Review: Étnic Negre 2008\" href=\"http://planetavino.net/2013/01/30/spanish-red-wine-review-etnic-negre-2008/\">Étnic</a> and a great value Priorat, <a title=\"Spanish Red Wine Review: Camins del Priorat 2011\" href=\"http://planetavino.net/2013/02/14/spanish-red-wine-review-camins-del-priorat-2011/\">Camins</a>.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Any favorite Montsant wines?</p>\r\n&nbsp;','Spanish Wine Review: Faunus 2011','I tasted a few great Spanish wines by the glass from the self-serve Enomatic wine dispensers at one of Miami\'s really authentic Spanish restaurants, Xixón.  My favorite for both quality and value was another impressive entry from the Montsant region, the Faunus 2011, by Ediciones i-Limitadas.  Another great value Spanish wine from the Montsant region.  I love this region for its intense, earthy balanced reds.  Though perhaps not as consistent and remarkable as neighboring Priorat\'s more famous wines, they\'re also a lot less expensive in general.','publish','open','open','','spanish-wine-review-faunus-2011','','','2013-05-09 00:22:55','2013-05-09 04:22:55','',0,'http://planetavino.net/?p=1233',0,'post','',0),(1234,1,'2013-05-08 23:58:09','2013-05-09 03:58:09','<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/84220010@N06/8722488208\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img src=\"http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7300/8722488208_d6bbea72f3_c.jpg\" id=\"blogsy-1368071879919.5962\" class=\"alignleft\" alt=\"Spanish wine: Faunus 2011\" width=\"200\" height=\"314\"></a></div>\n\n<p>I tasted a few great Spanish wines by the glass from the self-serve Enomatic wine dispensers at one of Miami&#39;s really authentic Spanish restaurants, Xixón.  My favorite for both quality and value was another impressive entry from the Montsant region, the Faunus 2011, by Ediciones i-Limitadas.  thisin Miami, Another great value Spanish wine from the Montsant region.  I love this region for its intense, earthy balanced reds.  Though perhaps not as consistent and remarkable as neighboring Priorat&#39;s more famous wines, they&#39;re also a lot less expensive in general.</p>\n\n<!--more-->The wine is a blend of of Tempranillo, Syrah, Merlot, and Cariñena and is from 20-50 year old vines. It&#39;s aged 8 months in American and French oak barrels.  Montsant, though improving rapidly, has had some trouble establishing a top notch reputation.  This is due to many factors: living in the shadow of Priorat, variable consistency, and price point expectations.  Though in Spain, it has surged in popularity as Spaniards outside of the Catalan region finally become more aware of the good value options available.\n\n<p>The other Spanish wines of the day were notable for their sweet fruit, but also for their slightly out of balance alcohol.  The fruit in the Faunus had a savory and herbal element as well as floral aromas on the nose.  despite it&#39;s 14% alcohol, it had really good balance.  The finish though long, has a slight roughness in the tannins that some bottle time could help.  Unlike so many tougher wines, there is ample fruit and acidity to reach that perfect balance.  Montsant wines generally age very well...this wine is no exception and feels really young right now.  </p>\n\n<p>As I was researching the wine, I remembered a New York Times article from Feb 2013 on Montsant wines.  It&#39;s a nice summary of the region, some great picks are mentioned and I was happy to find the Faunus came out fourth!  I was also pleased to see one of my favorites, Orto, come out on top!  Very different price range though.</p>\n\n<p>So hopefully Montsant will continue to emerge from Priorat&#39;s shadow, forge it&#39;s own distinct identity, and the best wines will become more readily available here in the US market.</p>\n\n<p>&nbsp;</p>','Spanish Wine Review: Faunus 2011','I tasted a few great Spanish wines by the glass from the self-serve Enomatic wine dispensers at one of Miami\'s really authentic Spanish restaurants, Xixón.  My favorite for both quality and value was another impressive entry from the Montsant region, the Faunus 2011, by Ediciones i-Limitadas.  thisin Miami, Another great value Spanish wine from the Montsant region.  I love this region for its intense, earthy balanced reds.  Though perhaps not as consistent and remarkable as neighboring Priorat\'s more famous wines, they\'re also a lot less expensive in general.','inherit','open','open','','1233-revision','','','2013-05-08 23:58:09','2013-05-09 03:58:09','',1233,'http://planetavino.net/2013/05/08/1233-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(1235,1,'2013-05-08 23:59:12','2013-05-09 03:59:12','<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/84220010@N06/8722488208\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img src=\"http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7300/8722488208_d6bbea72f3_c.jpg\" id=\"blogsy-1368071879919.5962\" class=\"alignleft\" alt=\"Spanish wine: Faunus 2011\" width=\"200\" height=\"314\"></a></div>\n\n<p>I tasted a few great Spanish wines by the glass from the self-serve Enomatic wine dispensers at one of Miami&#39;s really authentic Spanish restaurants, Xixón.  My favorite for both quality and value was another impressive entry from the Montsant region, the Faunus 2011, by Ediciones i-Limitadas.  Another great value Spanish wine from the Montsant region.  I love this region for its intense, earthy balanced reds.  Though perhaps not as consistent and remarkable as neighboring Priorat&#39;s more famous wines, they&#39;re also a lot less expensive in general.</p>\n\n<!--more-->The wine is a blend of of Tempranillo, Syrah, Merlot, and Cariñena and is from 20-50 year old vines. It&#39;s aged 8 months in American and French oak barrels.  Montsant, though improving rapidly, has had some trouble establishing a top notch reputation.  This is due to many factors: living in the shadow of Priorat, variable consistency, and price point expectations.  Though in Spain, it has surged in popularity as Spaniards outside of the Catalan region finally become more aware of the good value options available.\n\n<p>The other Spanish wines of the day were notable for their sweet fruit, but also for their slightly out of balance alcohol.  The fruit in the Faunus had a savory and herbal element as well as floral aromas on the nose.  despite it&#39;s 14% alcohol, it had really good balance.  The finish though long, has a slight roughness in the tannins that some bottle time could help.  Unlike so many tougher wines, there is ample fruit and acidity to reach that perfect balance.  Montsant wines generally age very well...this wine is no exception and feels really young right now.  </p>\n\n<p>As I was researching the wine, I remembered a New York Times article from Feb 2013 on Montsant wines.  It&#39;s a nice summary of the region, some great picks are mentioned and I was happy to find the Faunus came out fourth!  I was also pleased to see one of my favorites, Orto, come out on top!  Very different price range though.</p>\n\n<p>So hopefully Montsant will continue to emerge from Priorat&#39;s shadow, forge it&#39;s own distinct identity, and the best wines will become more readily available here in the US market.</p>\n\n<p>&nbsp;</p>','Spanish Wine Review: Faunus 2011','I tasted a few great Spanish wines by the glass from the self-serve Enomatic wine dispensers at one of Miami\'s really authentic Spanish restaurants, Xixón.  My favorite for both quality and value was another impressive entry from the Montsant region, the Faunus 2011, by Ediciones i-Limitadas.  Another great value Spanish wine from the Montsant region.  I love this region for its intense, earthy balanced reds.  Though perhaps not as consistent and remarkable as neighboring Priorat\'s more famous wines, they\'re also a lot less expensive in general.','inherit','open','open','','1233-revision-2','','','2013-05-08 23:59:12','2013-05-09 03:59:12','',1233,'http://planetavino.net/2013/05/08/1233-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(1236,1,'2013-05-09 00:09:13','2013-05-09 04:09:13','<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/84220010@N06/8722488208\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img src=\"http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7300/8722488208_d6bbea72f3_c.jpg\" id=\"blogsy-1368072499774.731\" class=\"alignleft\" alt=\"Spanish wine: Faunus 2011\" width=\"200\" height=\"314\"></a></div>\n\n<p>I tasted a few great Spanish wines by the glass from the self-serve Enomatic wine dispensers at one of Miami&#39;s really authentic Spanish restaurants, Xixón.  My favorite for both quality and value was another impressive entry from the Montsant region, the Faunus 2011, by Ediciones i-Limitadas.  Another great value Spanish wine from the Montsant region.  I love this region for its intense, earthy balanced reds.  Though perhaps not as consistent and remarkable as neighboring Priorat&#39;s more famous wines, they&#39;re also a lot less expensive in general.</p>\n\n<!--more-->The wine is a blend of of Tempranillo, Syrah, Merlot, and Cariñena and is from 20-50 year old vines. It&#39;s aged 8 months in American and French oak barrels.  Montsant, though improving rapidly, has had some trouble establishing a top notch reputation.  This is due to many factors: living in the shadow of Priorat, variable consistency, and price point expectations.  Though in Spain, it has surged in popularity as Spaniards outside of the Catalan region finally become more aware of the good value options available.\n\n<p>The other Spanish wines of the day were notable for their sweet fruit, but also for their slightly out of balance alcohol.  The fruit in the Faunus had a savory and herbal element as well as floral aromas on the nose.  despite it&#39;s 14% alcohol, it had really good balance.  The finish though long, has a slight roughness in the tannins that some bottle time could help.  Unlike so many tougher wines, there is ample fruit and acidity to reach that perfect balance.  Montsant wines generally age very well...this wine is no exception and feels really young right now.<br>\n</p>\n\n<p>As I was researching the wine, I remembered a New York Times article from Feb 2013 on <a href=\"http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/27/dining/reviews/spanish-reds-that-emerge-from-the-shadows.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"New York Times article on Montsant wines from Feb 2013\">Montsant wines</a>.  It&#39;s a nice summary of the region, some great picks are mentioned and I was happy to find the Faunus came out fourth!  I was also pleased to see one of my favorites, Orto, come out on top!  Very different price range though.</p>\n\n<p>So hopefully Montsant will continue to emerge from Priorat&#39;s shadow, forge it&#39;s own distinct identity, and the best wines will become more readily available here in the US market.</p>\n\n<p>The Faunus is only about 11€ in Spain, so is fantastic value there, but runs about 22$ here stateside..so good value, but not in my top value category. If this wine sounds good to you, I recently rated a great Montsant Étnic and a great value Priorat, Camins.</p>\n\n<p>Any favorite Montsant wines?</p>\n\n<p>&nbsp;</p>','Spanish Wine Review: Faunus 2011','I tasted a few great Spanish wines by the glass from the self-serve Enomatic wine dispensers at one of Miami\'s really authentic Spanish restaurants, Xixón.  My favorite for both quality and value was another impressive entry from the Montsant region, the Faunus 2011, by Ediciones i-Limitadas.  Another great value Spanish wine from the Montsant region.  I love this region for its intense, earthy balanced reds.  Though perhaps not as consistent and remarkable as neighboring Priorat\'s more famous wines, they\'re also a lot less expensive in general.','inherit','open','open','','1233-revision-3','','','2013-05-09 00:09:13','2013-05-09 04:09:13','',1233,'http://planetavino.net/2013/05/09/1233-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(1237,1,'2013-05-09 00:09:57','2013-05-09 04:09:57','<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/84220010@N06/8722488208\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img src=\"http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7300/8722488208_d6bbea72f3_c.jpg\" id=\"blogsy-1368072590379.1555\" class=\"alignleft\" alt=\"Spanish wine: Faunus 2011\" width=\"180\" height=\"283\"></a></div>\n\n<p>I tasted a few great Spanish wines by the glass from the self-serve Enomatic wine dispensers at one of Miami&#39;s really authentic Spanish restaurants, Xixón.  My favorite for both quality and value was another impressive entry from the Montsant region, the Faunus 2011, by Ediciones i-Limitadas.  Another great value Spanish wine from the Montsant region.  I love this region for its intense, earthy balanced reds.  Though perhaps not as consistent and remarkable as neighboring Priorat&#39;s more famous wines, they&#39;re also a lot less expensive in general.</p>\n\n<!--more-->The wine is a blend of of Tempranillo, Syrah, Merlot, and Cariñena and is from 20-50 year old vines. It&#39;s aged 8 months in American and French oak barrels.  Montsant, though improving rapidly, has had some trouble establishing a top notch reputation.  This is due to many factors: living in the shadow of Priorat, variable consistency, and price point expectations.  Though in Spain, it has surged in popularity as Spaniards outside of the Catalan region finally become more aware of the good value options available.\n\n<p>The other Spanish wines of the day were notable for their sweet fruit, but also for their slightly out of balance alcohol.  The fruit in the Faunus had a savory and herbal element as well as floral aromas on the nose.  despite it&#39;s 14% alcohol, it had really good balance.  The finish though long, has a slight roughness in the tannins that some bottle time could help.  Unlike so many tougher wines, there is ample fruit and acidity to reach that perfect balance.  Montsant wines generally age very well...this wine is no exception and feels really young right now.<br>\n</p>\n\n<p>As I was researching the wine, I remembered a New York Times article from Feb 2013 on <a href=\"http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/27/dining/reviews/spanish-reds-that-emerge-from-the-shadows.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"New York Times article on Montsant wines from Feb 2013\">Montsant wines</a>.  It&#39;s a nice summary of the region, some great picks are mentioned and I was happy to find the Faunus came out fourth!  I was also pleased to see one of my favorites, Orto, come out on top!  Very different price range though.</p>\n\n<p>So hopefully Montsant will continue to emerge from Priorat&#39;s shadow, forge it&#39;s own distinct identity, and the best wines will become more readily available here in the US market.</p>\n\n<p>The Faunus is only about 11€ in Spain, so is fantastic value there, but runs about 22$ here stateside..so good value, but not in my top value category. If this wine sounds good to you, I recently rated a great Montsant Étnic and a great value Priorat, Camins.</p>\n\n<p>Any favorite Montsant wines?</p>\n\n<p>&nbsp;</p>','Spanish Wine Review: Faunus 2011','I tasted a few great Spanish wines by the glass from the self-serve Enomatic wine dispensers at one of Miami\'s really authentic Spanish restaurants, Xixón.  My favorite for both quality and value was another impressive entry from the Montsant region, the Faunus 2011, by Ediciones i-Limitadas.  Another great value Spanish wine from the Montsant region.  I love this region for its intense, earthy balanced reds.  Though perhaps not as consistent and remarkable as neighboring Priorat\'s more famous wines, they\'re also a lot less expensive in general.','inherit','open','open','','1233-revision-4','','','2013-05-09 00:09:57','2013-05-09 04:09:57','',1233,'http://planetavino.net/2013/05/09/1233-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(1238,1,'2013-05-09 00:10:34','2013-05-09 04:10:34','<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/84220010@N06/8722488208\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img src=\"http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7300/8722488208_d6bbea72f3_c.jpg\" id=\"blogsy-1368072626728.294\" class=\"alignleft\" alt=\"Spanish wine: Faunus 2011\" width=\"160\" height=\"252\"></a></div>\n\n<p>I tasted a few great Spanish wines by the glass from the self-serve Enomatic wine dispensers at one of Miami&#39;s really authentic Spanish restaurants, Xixón.  My favorite for both quality and value was another impressive entry from the Montsant region, the Faunus 2011, by Ediciones i-Limitadas.  Another great value Spanish wine from the Montsant region.  I love this region for its intense, earthy balanced reds.  Though perhaps not as consistent and remarkable as neighboring Priorat&#39;s more famous wines, they&#39;re also a lot less expensive in general.</p>\n\n<!--more-->The wine is a blend of of Tempranillo, Syrah, Merlot, and Cariñena and is from 20-50 year old vines. It&#39;s aged 8 months in American and French oak barrels.  Montsant, though improving rapidly, has had some trouble establishing a top notch reputation.  This is due to many factors: living in the shadow of Priorat, variable consistency, and price point expectations.  Though in Spain, it has surged in popularity as Spaniards outside of the Catalan region finally become more aware of the good value options available.\n\n<p>The other Spanish wines of the day were notable for their sweet fruit, but also for their slightly out of balance alcohol.  The fruit in the Faunus had a savory and herbal element as well as floral aromas on the nose.  despite it&#39;s 14% alcohol, it had really good balance.  The finish though long, has a slight roughness in the tannins that some bottle time could help.  Unlike so many tougher wines, there is ample fruit and acidity to reach that perfect balance.  Montsant wines generally age very well...this wine is no exception and feels really young right now.<br>\n</p>\n\n<p>As I was researching the wine, I remembered a New York Times article from Feb 2013 on <a href=\"http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/27/dining/reviews/spanish-reds-that-emerge-from-the-shadows.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"New York Times article on Montsant wines from Feb 2013\">Montsant wines</a>.  It&#39;s a nice summary of the region, some great picks are mentioned and I was happy to find the Faunus came out fourth!  I was also pleased to see one of my favorites, Orto, come out on top!  Very different price range though.</p>\n\n<p>So hopefully Montsant will continue to emerge from Priorat&#39;s shadow, forge it&#39;s own distinct identity, and the best wines will become more readily available here in the US market.</p>\n\n<p>The Faunus is only about 11€ in Spain, so is fantastic value there, but runs about 22$ here stateside..so good value, but not in my top value category. If this wine sounds good to you, I recently rated a great Montsant Étnic and a great value Priorat, Camins.</p>\n\n<p>Any favorite Montsant wines?</p>\n\n<p>&nbsp;</p>','Spanish Wine Review: Faunus 2011','I tasted a few great Spanish wines by the glass from the self-serve Enomatic wine dispensers at one of Miami\'s really authentic Spanish restaurants, Xixón.  My favorite for both quality and value was another impressive entry from the Montsant region, the Faunus 2011, by Ediciones i-Limitadas.  Another great value Spanish wine from the Montsant region.  I love this region for its intense, earthy balanced reds.  Though perhaps not as consistent and remarkable as neighboring Priorat\'s more famous wines, they\'re also a lot less expensive in general.','inherit','open','open','','1233-revision-5','','','2013-05-09 00:10:34','2013-05-09 04:10:34','',1233,'http://planetavino.net/2013/05/09/1233-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(1239,1,'2013-05-09 00:12:57','2013-05-09 04:12:57','<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/84220010@N06/8722488208\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img src=\"http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7300/8722488208_d6bbea72f3_c.jpg\" id=\"blogsy-1368072739430.6123\" class=\"alignleft\" alt=\"Spanish wine: Faunus 2011\" width=\"160\" height=\"252\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"></a></div>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">I tasted a few great Spanish wines by the glass from the self-serve Enomatic wine dispensers at one of Miami&#39;s really authentic Spanish restaurants, Xixón.  My favorite for both quality and value was another impressive entry from the Montsant region, the Faunus 2011, by Ediciones i-Limitadas.  Another great value Spanish wine from the Montsant region.  I love this region for its intense, earthy, balanced reds.  Though perhaps not as consistent and remarkable as neighboring Priorat&#39;s more famous wines, they&#39;re also a lot less expensive in general.  This wine is amazing value at 11 euros in Spain, but a little pricier at 22 dollars here in the US.  </p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><!--more--></p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The wine is a blend of of Tempranillo, Syrah, Merlot, and Cariñena and is from 20-50 year old vines. It&#39;s aged 8 months in American and French oak barrels.  Montsant, though improving rapidly, has had some trouble establishing a top notch reputation.  This is due to many factors: living in the shadow of Priorat, variable consistency, and price point expectations.  Though in Spain, it has surged in popularity as Spaniards outside of the Catalan region finally become more aware of the good value options available.</p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The other Spanish wines of the day were notable for their sweet fruit, but also for their slightly out of balance alcohol.  The fruit in the Faunus had a savory and herbal element as well as floral aromas on the nose.  despite it&#39;s 14% alcohol, it had really good balance.  The finish though long, has a slight roughness in the tannins that some bottle time could help.  Unlike so many tougher wines, there is ample fruit and acidity to reach that perfect balance.  Montsant wines generally age very well...this wine is no exception and feels really young right now.<br>\n</p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">As I was researching the wine, I remembered a New York Times article from Feb 2013 on <a href=\"http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/27/dining/reviews/spanish-reds-that-emerge-from-the-shadows.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"New York Times article on Montsant wines from Feb 2013\">Montsant wines</a>.  It&#39;s a nice summary of the region, some great picks are mentioned and I was happy to find the Faunus came out fourth!  I was also pleased to see one of my favorites, Orto, come out on top!  Very different price range though.</p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">So hopefully Montsant will continue to emerge from Priorat&#39;s shadow, forge it&#39;s own distinct identity, and the best wines will become more readily available here in the US market.</p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The Faunus is only about 11€ in Spain, so is fantastic value there, but runs about 22$ here stateside..so good value, but not in my top value category. If this wine sounds good to you, I recently rated a great Montsant Étnic and a great value Priorat, Camins.</p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Any favorite Montsant wines?</p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</p>','Spanish Wine Review: Faunus 2011','I tasted a few great Spanish wines by the glass from the self-serve Enomatic wine dispensers at one of Miami\'s really authentic Spanish restaurants, Xixón.  My favorite for both quality and value was another impressive entry from the Montsant region, the Faunus 2011, by Ediciones i-Limitadas.  Another great value Spanish wine from the Montsant region.  I love this region for its intense, earthy balanced reds.  Though perhaps not as consistent and remarkable as neighboring Priorat\'s more famous wines, they\'re also a lot less expensive in general.','inherit','open','open','','1233-revision-6','','','2013-05-09 00:12:57','2013-05-09 04:12:57','',1233,'http://planetavino.net/2013/05/09/1233-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(1240,1,'2013-05-09 00:13:23','2013-05-09 04:13:23','<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/84220010@N06/8722488208\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img src=\"http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7300/8722488208_d6bbea72f3_c.jpg\" id=\"blogsy-1368072739430.6123\" class=\"alignleft\" alt=\"Spanish wine: Faunus 2011\" width=\"160\" height=\"252\" style=\"text-align: justify;\"></a></div>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">I tasted a few great Spanish wines by the glass from the self-serve Enomatic wine dispensers at one of Miami&#39;s really authentic Spanish restaurants, Xixón.  My favorite for both quality and value was another impressive entry from the Montsant region, the Faunus 2011, by Ediciones i-Limitadas.  Another great value Spanish wine from the Montsant region.  I love this region for its intense, earthy, balanced reds.  Though perhaps not as consistent and remarkable as neighboring Priorat&#39;s more famous wines, they&#39;re also a lot less expensive in general.  This wine is amazing value at 11 euros in Spain, but a little pricier at 22 dollars here in the US.  </p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><!--more--></p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The wine is a blend of of Tempranillo, Syrah, Merlot, and Cariñena and is from 20-50 year old vines. It&#39;s aged 8 months in American and French oak barrels.  Montsant, though improving rapidly, has had some trouble establishing a top notch reputation.  This is due to many factors: living in the shadow of Priorat, variable consistency, and price point expectations.  Though in Spain, it has surged in popularity as Spaniards outside of the Catalan region finally become more aware of the good value options available.</p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The other Spanish wines of the day were notable for their sweet fruit, but also for their slightly out of balance alcohol.  The fruit in the Faunus had a savory and herbal element as well as floral aromas on the nose.  despite it&#39;s 14% alcohol, it had really good balance.  The finish though long, has a slight roughness in the tannins that some bottle time could help.  Unlike so many tougher wines, there is ample fruit and acidity to reach that perfect balance.  Montsant wines generally age very well...this wine is no exception and feels really young right now.<br>\n</p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">As I was researching the wine, I remembered a New York Times article from Feb 2013 on <a href=\"http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/27/dining/reviews/spanish-reds-that-emerge-from-the-shadows.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"New York Times article on Montsant wines from Feb 2013\">Montsant wines</a>.  It&#39;s a nice summary of the region, some great picks are mentioned and I was happy to find the Faunus came out fourth!  I was also pleased to see one of my favorites, Orto, come out on top!  Very different price range though.</p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">So hopefully Montsant will continue to emerge from Priorat&#39;s shadow, forge it&#39;s own distinct identity, and the best wines will become more readily available here in the US market.</p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The Faunus is only about 11€ in Spain, so is fantastic value there, but runs about 22$ here stateside..so good value, but not in my top value category. If this wine sounds good to you, I recently rated a great Montsant Étnic and a great value Priorat, Camins.</p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Any favorite Montsant wines?</p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</p>','Spanish Wine Review: Faunus 2011','I tasted a few great Spanish wines by the glass from the self-serve Enomatic wine dispensers at one of Miami\'s really authentic Spanish restaurants, Xixón.  My favorite for both quality and value was another impressive entry from the Montsant region, the Faunus 2011, by Ediciones i-Limitadas.  Another great value Spanish wine from the Montsant region.  I love this region for its intense, earthy balanced reds.  Though perhaps not as consistent and remarkable as neighboring Priorat\'s more famous wines, they\'re also a lot less expensive in general.','inherit','open','open','','1233-revision-7','','','2013-05-09 00:13:23','2013-05-09 04:13:23','',1233,'http://planetavino.net/2013/05/09/1233-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(1241,1,'2013-05-09 00:19:31','2013-05-09 04:19:31','','Faunus 2011 thumbnail','','inherit','open','open','','faunus-2011-thumbnail','','','2013-05-09 00:19:31','2013-05-09 04:19:31','',1233,'http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Faunus-2011-thumbnail.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1242,1,'2013-05-09 00:13:55','2013-05-09 04:13:55','<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/84220010@N06/8722488208\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img src=\"http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7300/8722488208_d6bbea72f3_c.jpg\" id=\"blogsy-1368072829097.9888\" class=\"alignleft\" alt=\"Spanish wine: Faunus 2011\" width=\"180\" height=\"284\"></a></div>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">I tasted a few great Spanish wines by the glass from the self-serve Enomatic wine dispensers at one of Miami&#39;s really authentic Spanish restaurants, Xixón.  My favorite for both quality and value was another impressive entry from the Montsant region, the Faunus 2011, by Ediciones i-Limitadas.  Another great value Spanish wine from the Montsant region.  I love this region for its intense, earthy, balanced reds.  Though perhaps not as consistent and remarkable as neighboring Priorat&#39;s more famous wines, they&#39;re also a lot less expensive in general.  This wine is amazing value at 11 euros in Spain, but a little pricier at 22 dollars here in the US.  </p>\n\n<!--more--><p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><br>\n</p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The wine is a blend of of Tempranillo, Syrah, Merlot, and Cariñena and is from 20-50 year old vines. It&#39;s aged 8 months in American and French oak barrels.  Montsant, though improving rapidly, has had some trouble establishing a top notch reputation.  This is due to many factors: living in the shadow of Priorat, variable consistency, and price point expectations.  Though in Spain, it has surged in popularity as Spaniards outside of the Catalan region finally become more aware of the good value options available.</p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The other Spanish wines of the day were notable for their sweet fruit, but also for their slightly out of balance alcohol.  The fruit in the Faunus had a savory and herbal element as well as floral aromas on the nose.  despite it&#39;s 14% alcohol, it had really good balance.  The finish though long, has a slight roughness in the tannins that some bottle time could help.  Unlike so many tougher wines, there is ample fruit and acidity to reach that perfect balance.  Montsant wines generally age very well...this wine is no exception and feels really young right now.<br>\n</p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">As I was researching the wine, I remembered a New York Times article from Feb 2013 on <a href=\"http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/27/dining/reviews/spanish-reds-that-emerge-from-the-shadows.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"New York Times article on Montsant wines from Feb 2013\">Montsant wines</a>.  It&#39;s a nice summary of the region, some great picks are mentioned and I was happy to find the Faunus came out fourth!  I was also pleased to see one of my favorites, Orto, come out on top!  Very different price range though.</p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">So hopefully Montsant will continue to emerge from Priorat&#39;s shadow, forge it&#39;s own distinct identity, and the best wines will become more readily available here in the US market.</p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The Faunus is only about 11€ in Spain, so is fantastic value there, but runs about 22$ here stateside..so good value, but not in my top value category. If this wine sounds good to you, I recently rated a great Montsant Étnic and a great value Priorat, Camins.</p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Any favorite Montsant wines?</p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">&nbsp;</p>\n\n<p>&nbsp;</p>','Spanish Wine Review: Faunus 2011','I tasted a few great Spanish wines by the glass from the self-serve Enomatic wine dispensers at one of Miami\'s really authentic Spanish restaurants, Xixón.  My favorite for both quality and value was another impressive entry from the Montsant region, the Faunus 2011, by Ediciones i-Limitadas.  Another great value Spanish wine from the Montsant region.  I love this region for its intense, earthy balanced reds.  Though perhaps not as consistent and remarkable as neighboring Priorat\'s more famous wines, they\'re also a lot less expensive in general.','inherit','open','open','','1233-revision-8','','','2013-05-09 00:13:55','2013-05-09 04:13:55','',1233,'http://planetavino.net/2013/05/09/1233-revision-8/',0,'revision','',0),(1243,1,'2013-05-09 00:24:03','2013-05-09 04:24:03','<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><a style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/84220010@N06/8722488208\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft\" id=\"blogsy-1368072829097.9888\" alt=\"Spanish wine: Faunus 2011\" src=\"http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7300/8722488208_d6bbea72f3_c.jpg\" width=\"180\" height=\"284\" /></a></div>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">I tasted a few great Spanish wines by the glass from the self-serve Enomatic wine dispensers at one of Miami\'s really authentic Spanish restaurants, Xixón. My favorite for both quality and value was another impressive entry from the Montsant region, the Faunus 2011, by Ediciones i-Limitadas. Another great value Spanish wine from the Montsant region. I love this region for its intense, earthy, balanced reds. Though perhaps not as consistent and remarkable as neighboring Priorat\'s more famous wines, they\'re also a lot less expensive in general. This wine is amazing value at 11 euros in Spain, but a little pricier at 22 dollars here in the US.</p>\n<!--more-->\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The wine is a blend of Tempranillo, Syrah, Merlot, and Cariñena and is from 20-50 year old vines. It\'s aged 8 months in American and French oak barrels. Montsant, though improving rapidly, has had some trouble establishing a top-notch reputation. This is due to many factors: living in the shadow of Priorat, variable consistency, and price point expectations. Though in Spain, it has surged in popularity as Spaniards outside of the Catalan region finally become more aware of the good value options available.</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The other Spanish wines of the day were notable for their sweet fruit, but also for their slightly out of balance alcohol. The fruit in the Faunus had a savory and herbal element as well as floral aromas on the nose. despite it\'s 14% alcohol, it had really good balance. The finish though long, has a slight roughness in the tannins that some bottle time could help. Unlike so many tougher wines, there is ample fruit and acidity to reach that perfect balance. Montsant wines generally age very well...this wine is no exception and feels really young right now.</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">As I was researching the wine, I remembered a New York Times article from Feb 2013 on <a title=\"New York Times article on Montsant wines from Feb 2013\" href=\"http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/27/dining/reviews/spanish-reds-that-emerge-from-the-shadows.html?pagewanted=all&amp;_r=0\" target=\"_blank\">Montsant wines</a>. It\'s a nice summary of the region, some great picks are mentioned and I was happy to find the Faunus came out fourth! I was also pleased to see one of my favorites, Orto, come out on top! Very different price range though.</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">So hopefully Montsant will continue to emerge from Priorat\'s shadow, forge its own distinct identity, and the best wines will become more readily available here in the US market.</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The Faunus is only about 11€ in Spain, so is fantastic value there, but runs about 22$ here stateside..so good value, but not in my top value category. If this wine sounds good to you, I recently rated a great Montsant <a title=\"Spanish Red Wine Review: Étnic Negre 2008\" href=\"http://planetavino.net/2013/01/30/spanish-red-wine-review-etnic-negre-2008/\">Étnic</a> and a great value Priorat, <a title=\"Spanish Red Wine Review: Camins del Priorat 2011\" href=\"http://planetavino.net/2013/02/14/spanish-red-wine-review-camins-del-priorat-2011/\">Camins</a>.</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Any favorite Montsant wines?</p>\n&nbsp;','Spanish Wine Review: Faunus 2011','I tasted a few great Spanish wines by the glass from the self-serve Enomatic wine dispensers at one of Miami\'s really authentic Spanish restaurants, Xixón.  My favorite for both quality and value was another impressive entry from the Montsant region, the Faunus 2011, by Ediciones i-Limitadas.  Another great value Spanish wine from the Montsant region.  I love this region for its intense, earthy balanced reds.  Though perhaps not as consistent and remarkable as neighboring Priorat\'s more famous wines, they\'re also a lot less expensive in general.','inherit','open','open','','1233-autosave','','','2013-05-09 00:24:03','2013-05-09 04:24:03','',1233,'http://planetavino.net/2013/05/09/1233-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(1244,1,'2013-05-09 00:20:40','2013-05-09 04:20:40','<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><a style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/84220010@N06/8722488208\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft\" id=\"blogsy-1368072829097.9888\" alt=\"Spanish wine: Faunus 2011\" src=\"http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7300/8722488208_d6bbea72f3_c.jpg\" width=\"180\" height=\"284\" /></a></div>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">I tasted a few great Spanish wines by the glass from the self-serve Enomatic wine dispensers at one of Miami\'s really authentic Spanish restaurants, Xixón. My favorite for both quality and value was another impressive entry from the Montsant region, the Faunus 2011, by Ediciones i-Limitadas. Another great value Spanish wine from the Montsant region. I love this region for its intense, earthy, balanced reds. Though perhaps not as consistent and remarkable as neighboring Priorat\'s more famous wines, they\'re also a lot less expensive in general. This wine is amazing value at 11 euros in Spain, but a little pricier at 22 dollars here in the US.</p>\r\n<!--more-->\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The wine is a blend of of Tempranillo, Syrah, Merlot, and Cariñena and is from 20-50 year old vines. It\'s aged 8 months in American and French oak barrels. Montsant, though improving rapidly, has had some trouble establishing a top notch reputation. This is due to many factors: living in the shadow of Priorat, variable consistency, and price point expectations. Though in Spain, it has surged in popularity as Spaniards outside of the Catalan region finally become more aware of the good value options available.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The other Spanish wines of the day were notable for their sweet fruit, but also for their slightly out of balance alcohol. The fruit in the Faunus had a savory and herbal element as well as floral aromas on the nose. despite it\'s 14% alcohol, it had really good balance. The finish though long, has a slight roughness in the tannins that some bottle time could help. Unlike so many tougher wines, there is ample fruit and acidity to reach that perfect balance. Montsant wines generally age very well...this wine is no exception and feels really young right now.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">As I was researching the wine, I remembered a New York Times article from Feb 2013 on <a title=\"New York Times article on Montsant wines from Feb 2013\" href=\"http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/27/dining/reviews/spanish-reds-that-emerge-from-the-shadows.html?pagewanted=all&amp;_r=0\" target=\"_blank\">Montsant wines</a>. It\'s a nice summary of the region, some great picks are mentioned and I was happy to find the Faunus came out fourth! I was also pleased to see one of my favorites, Orto, come out on top! Very different price range though.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">So hopefully Montsant will continue to emerge from Priorat\'s shadow, forge it\'s own distinct identity, and the best wines will become more readily available here in the US market.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The Faunus is only about 11€ in Spain, so is fantastic value there, but runs about 22$ here stateside..so good value, but not in my top value category. If this wine sounds good to you, I recently rated a great Montsant Étnic and a great value Priorat, Camins.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Any favorite Montsant wines?</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"></p>\r\n&nbsp;','Spanish Wine Review: Faunus 2011','I tasted a few great Spanish wines by the glass from the self-serve Enomatic wine dispensers at one of Miami\'s really authentic Spanish restaurants, Xixón.  My favorite for both quality and value was another impressive entry from the Montsant region, the Faunus 2011, by Ediciones i-Limitadas.  Another great value Spanish wine from the Montsant region.  I love this region for its intense, earthy balanced reds.  Though perhaps not as consistent and remarkable as neighboring Priorat\'s more famous wines, they\'re also a lot less expensive in general.','inherit','open','open','','1233-revision-9','','','2013-05-09 00:20:40','2013-05-09 04:20:40','',1233,'http://planetavino.net/2013/05/09/1233-revision-9/',0,'revision','',0),(1245,1,'2013-05-11 18:36:52','2013-05-11 22:36:52','','wpid-Photo-Apr-27-2013-1310.jpg','','inherit','open','open','','wpid-photo-apr-27-2013-1310-jpg','','','2013-05-11 18:36:52','2013-05-11 22:36:52','',0,'http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Apr-27-2013-1310.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1246,1,'2013-05-11 18:37:43','2013-05-11 22:37:43','','wpid-Photo-Apr-27-2013-1346.jpg','','inherit','open','open','','wpid-photo-apr-27-2013-1346-jpg','','','2013-05-11 18:37:43','2013-05-11 22:37:43','',0,'http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Apr-27-2013-1346.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1248,1,'2013-05-11 18:37:49','2013-05-11 22:37:49','','wpid-Photo-Apr-27-2013-1322.jpg','','inherit','open','open','','wpid-photo-apr-27-2013-1322-jpg-2','','','2013-05-11 18:37:49','2013-05-11 22:37:49','',0,'http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Apr-27-2013-13221.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1249,1,'2013-05-11 18:37:52','2013-05-11 22:37:52','','wpid-Photo-Apr-27-2013-1311.jpg','','inherit','open','open','','wpid-photo-apr-27-2013-1311-jpg','','','2013-05-11 18:37:52','2013-05-11 22:37:52','',0,'http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Apr-27-2013-1311.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1254,1,'2013-05-11 18:51:14','2013-05-11 22:51:14','','anchoas fritos thumbnail','','inherit','open','open','','anchoas-fritos-thumbnail','','','2013-05-11 18:51:14','2013-05-11 22:51:14','',0,'http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/anchoas-fritos-thumbnail.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1268,1,'2013-05-12 15:17:35','2013-05-12 19:17:35','<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><a style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Apr-27-2013-13101.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft\" id=\"blogsy-1368492959466.1536\" alt=\"Xixón Cafe: Spanish wine and food in Miami\" src=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Apr-27-2013-13101.jpg\" width=\"220\" height=\"187\" /></a></div>\r\n<span style=\"text-align: justify; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);\">When I\'m missing Spain, Xixón Cafe is one of those places that can take the edge off. It offers a comforting combination of good Spanish wine and food and a bustling, relaxed, mostly Spanish-speaking atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. Did I say good wine? I meant a spectacular selection of Spanish wines, not only by the bottle, but by the glass. They have self-serve Enomatic machines and cards, so you can even help yourself to tasting-size pours if you want. The menu is extensive and includes many traditional Spanish mainstays as well as some more adventurous interpretations. There is even a market section where you can buy some excellent gourmet Spanish products. Exciting first visit....lots more to try!</span>\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n<p style=\"-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); text-align: justify;\">According to the <a title=\"Xixón Cafe: Great Spanish wine and food in Miami\" href=\"http://www.xixoncafe.com/\" target=\"_blank\">website</a>, Xixón is pronounced \'she-SHONE\', which is how the name of the northern Spanish city of Gijón is pronounced in the local Asturian dialect. Unlike the website, which is bit awkward, the space is very light, modern and accommodating. For a more intimate, cozier feel, there is the wine cellar space downstairs, with atmospheric barrel tables. The big marble bar in the restaurant has a real Spanish feel, with many of the salads and tapas displayed in a glass refrigerated case along the top. There is also a really nice outdoor eating area when Miami weather allows it.</p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center; -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);\"><a style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Apr-27-2013-1346.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"aligncenter\" id=\"blogsy-1368492959379.264\" alt=\"Xixón Cafe: great Spanish wine and food in Miami\" src=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Apr-27-2013-1346.jpg\" width=\"348\" height=\"459\" /></a></div>\r\n<p style=\"-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); text-align: justify;\">Xixón is located in the Coral Way area of Miami, very central and convenient to downtown, Coconut Grove and Coral Gables. Parking can be tricky but they have valet parking.</p>\r\n<p style=\"-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); text-align: justify;\">The menu is quite long, divided into smaller and larger tapas as well as main courses, and there are also daily specials. So many tempting choices, and prices are quite reasonable, so it\'s easy to over-order! First up was some chiperon en su tinta, small squid braised in a sauce made with their ink. This is a classic Spanish dish and my mother-in-law made a spectacular version. This one was not as good hers, but was really nice, the squid were tender and the sauce flavorful.</p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Apr-27-2013-1322.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"aligncenter\" id=\"blogsy-1368492959435.5432\" alt=\"Xixón Cafe: great Spanish wine and food in Miami\" src=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Apr-27-2013-1322.jpg\" width=\"388\" height=\"339\" /></a></div>\r\n<p style=\"-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); text-align: justify;\">Iconic Spanish croquetas were my next dish, these particular ones were marisco, or seafood ones. Not served as hot as I like them, but they had delicious, intense marisco flavor.</p>\r\n<p style=\"-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); text-align: justify;\">Next was something I am constantly craving, fried fresh anchovies. These tiny, delicious fish are so inexpensive in Spain, you can clean them in a flash, dust them with a little flour and salt and fry them in some olive oil for a couple of minutes....heaven! Even anchovy haters will be converted! Hard to beat the crazy fresh fish we got in Spain, but these were nicely done, served simply and perfectly with lemon wedges, and definitely satisfied my cravings.</p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center; -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);\"><a style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Apr-27-2013-13221.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"aligncenter\" id=\"blogsy-1368492959388.1125\" alt=\"Great Spanish food at Xixón Cafe in Miami \" src=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Apr-27-2013-13221.jpg\" width=\"441\" height=\"279\" /></a></div>\r\n<p style=\"-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); text-align: justify;\">The final dish was my favorite, a bonito and pimientos asado salad, a white tuna and roasted red pepper salad. Another classic, but zipped up a bit at Xixón, with the addition of baby spinach leaves. Huge and very tasty!</p>\r\n<p style=\"-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); text-align: justify;\">There are at least 20 more things I want to try, so a return trip is up soon! Loved the staff and service too, friendly and professional...a huge plus for Xixón.</p>\r\n<p style=\"-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); text-align: justify;\">Good food, atmosphere, service...check, but what an amazing bonus for me to find such a wine treasure. This is not always the case in Spain, as the wine selection can often be a real let down. Love it here! Some real classics, but also lots of really interesting wines from lesser-known regions. The bottle selection is extensive. There is no complete bottle wine list, but the staff can make selections or you can go down to the wine cellar and pick yourself a bottle. Prices are clearly marked, so it\'s a lot of fun!</p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center; -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);\"><a style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Apr-27-2013-1311.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"aligncenter\" id=\"blogsy-1368492959424.4456\" alt=\"Great Spanish wine at Xixón Cafe in Miami\" src=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Apr-27-2013-1311.jpg\" width=\"405\" height=\"304\" /></a></div>\r\n<p style=\"-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); text-align: justify;\">If you are in a more experimental mood, or just want a different wine with every course, the Enomatic machines offer dozens of wines by the glass. One machine is dedicated to whites and sherries, and three to reds. The most expensive wines are not on offer, but there is a great selection from various prices ranges and lots of regions. You can help yourself with a card to various pour sizes and the card just adds it all up automatically. A really amazing but pretty dangerous system for wine lovers! That card can add up in the end...</p>\r\n<p style=\"-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); text-align: justify;\">I\'ve already rated the sherry and the Montsant I tried that day...they were my favorites. I\'ll be going back soon to try some more!</p>\r\n<p style=\"-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); text-align: justify;\">Xixón is a great place for a meal, but also a great place to stop in for drinks and a tapa. How very Spanish!</p>\r\n&nbsp;','Spain Represents: Xixón Cafe in Miami','When I\'m missing Spain, Xixón Cafe is one of those places that can that the edge off. It offers a comforting combination of good Spanish wine and food and a bustling, relaxed, mostly Spanish-speaking atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. Did I say good wine? I meant a spectacular selection of Spanish wines, not only by the bottle, but by the glass. They have self-serve Enomatic machines and cards, so you can even help yourself to tasting-size pours if you want. The menu is extensive and includes many traditional Spanish mainstays as well as some more adventurous interpretations. There is even a market section where you can buy some excellent gourmet Spanish products. Exciting first visit....lots more to try!','publish','open','open','','spain-represents-xixon-cafe-in-miami','','','2013-08-25 01:47:38','2013-08-25 05:47:38','',0,'http://planetavino.net/?p=1268',0,'post','',0),(1269,1,'2013-05-12 15:21:13','2013-05-12 19:21:13','','wpid-Photo-Apr-27-2013-1310.jpg','','inherit','open','open','','wpid-photo-apr-27-2013-1310-jpg-2','','','2013-05-12 15:21:13','2013-05-12 19:21:13','',1268,'http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Apr-27-2013-13101.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1270,1,'2013-05-12 15:17:30','2013-05-12 19:17:30','<p><a href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Apr-27-2013-1310.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img src=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Apr-27-2013-1310.jpg\" id=\"blogsy-1368386181847.7734\" class=\"alignleft\" alt=\"Spanish wine and food: Xixón Cafe in Miami\" width=\"250\" height=\"212\"></a><span style=\"text-align: justify; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); \">When I&#39;m missing Spain, Xixón Cafe is one of those places that can that the edge off. It offers a comforting combination of good Spanish wine and food and a bustling, relaxed, mostly Spanish-speaking atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. Did I say good wine? I meant a spectacular selection of Spanish wines, not only by the bottle, but by the glass. They have self-serve Enomatic machines and cards, so you can even help yourself to tasting-size pours if you want. The menu is extensive and includes many traditional Spanish mainstays as well as some more adventurous interpretations. There is even a market section where you can buy some excellent gourmet Spanish products. Exciting first visit....lots more to try!</span></p>\n\n<!--more--><p style=\"-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); text-align: justify; \">According to the <a href=\"http://www.xixoncafe.com/\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Xixón Cafe: Great Spanish wine and food in Miami\">website</a>, Xixón is pronounced &#39;she-SHONE&#39;, which is how the name of the northern Spanish city of Gijón is pronounced in the local Asturian dialect. Unlike the website, which is bit awkward, the space is very light, modern and accommodating. For a more intimate, cozier feel, there is the wine cellar space downstairs, with atmospheric barrel tables. The big marble bar in the restaurant has a real Spanish feel, with many of the salads and tapas displayed in a glass refrigerated case along the top. There is also a really nice outdoor eating area when Miami weather allows it.</p>\n\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center; -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); \"><a href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Apr-27-2013-1346.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; \"><img src=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Apr-27-2013-1346.jpg\" id=\"blogsy-1368386181892.8396\" class=\"aligncenter\" alt=\"Xixón Cafe: great Spanish wine and food in Miami\" width=\"348\" height=\"459\"></a></div>\n\n<p style=\"-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); text-align: justify; \">Xixón is located in the Coral Way area of Miami, very central and convenient to downtown, Coconut Grove and Coral Gables. Parking can be tricky but they have valet parking.</p>\n\n<p style=\"-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); text-align: justify; \">The menu is quite long, divided into smaller and larger tapas as well as main courses, and there are also daily specials. So many tempting choices, and prices are quite reasonable, so it&#39;s easy to over-order! First up was some chiperon en su tinta, small squid braised in a sauce made with their ink. This is a classic Spanish dish and my mother-in-law made a spectacular version. This one was not as good hers, but was really nice, the squid were tender and the sauce flavorful.</p>\n\n<p style=\"-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); text-align: justify; \">Iconic Spanish croquetas were my next dish, these particular ones were marisco, or seafood ones. Not served as hot as I like them, but they had delicious, intense marisco flavor.</p>\n\n<p style=\"-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); text-align: justify; \">Next was something I am constantly craving, fried fresh anchovies.  These tiny, delicious fish are so inexpensive in Spain, you can clean them in a flash, dust them with a little flour and salt and fry them in some olive oil for a couple of minutes....heaven! Even anchovy haters will be converted! Hard to beat the crazy fresh fish we got in Spain, but these were nicely done, served simply and perfectly with lemon wedges, and definitely satisfied my cravings.</p>\n\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center; -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); \"><a href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Apr-27-2013-13221.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; \"><img src=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Apr-27-2013-13221.jpg\" id=\"blogsy-1368386181858.4854\" class=\"aligncenter\" alt=\"Great Spanish food at Xixón Cafe in Miami \" width=\"441\" height=\"279\"></a></div>\n\n<p style=\"-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); text-align: justify; \">The final dish was my favorite, a bonito and pimientos asado salad, a white tuna and roasted red pepper salad. Another classic, but zipped up a bit at Xixón, with the addition of baby spinach leaves. Huge and very tasty!</p>\n\n<p style=\"-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); text-align: justify; \">There are at least 20 more things I want to try, so a return trip is up soon! Loved the staff and service too, friendly and professional...a huge plus for Xixón.</p>\n\n<p style=\"-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); text-align: justify; \">Good food, atmosphere, service...check, but what an amazing bonus for me to find such a wine treasure. This is not always the case in Spain, as the wine selection can often be a real let down. Love it here! Some real classics, but also lots of really interesting wines from lesser-known regions. The bottle selection is extensive. There is no complete bottle wine list, but the staff can make selections or you can go down to the wine cellar and pick yourself a bottle. Prices are clearly marked, so it&#39;s a lot of fun!</p>\n\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center; -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); \"><a href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Apr-27-2013-1311.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; \"><img src=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Apr-27-2013-1311.jpg\" id=\"blogsy-1368386181904.4446\" class=\"aligncenter\" alt=\"Great Spanish wine at Xixón Cafe in Miami\" width=\"405\" height=\"304\"></a></div>\n\n<p style=\"-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); text-align: justify; \">If you are in a more experimental mood, or just want a different wine with every course, the Enomatic machines offer dozens of wines by the glass. One machine is dedicated to whites and sherries, and three to reds. The most expensive wines are not on offer, but there is a great selection from various prices ranges and lots of regions. You can help yourself with a card to various pour sizes and the card just adds it all up automatically. A really amazing but pretty dangerous system for wine lovers! That card can add up in the end...</p>\n\n<p style=\"-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); text-align: justify; \">I&#39;ve already rated the sherry and the Montsant I tried that day...they were my favorites. I&#39;ll be going back soon to try some more!</p>\n\n<p style=\"-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); text-align: justify; \">Xixón is a great place for a meal, but also a great place to stop in for drinks and a tapa. How very Spanish!</p>','Spain Represents: Xixón Cafe in Miami','When I\'m missing Spain, Xixón Cafe is one of those places that can that the edge off. It offers a comforting combination of good Spanish wine and food and a bustling, relaxed, mostly Spanish-speaking atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. Did I say good wine? I meant a spectacular selection of Spanish wines, not only by the bottle, but by the glass. They have self-serve Enomatic machines and cards, so you can even help yourself to tasting-size pours if you want. The menu is extensive and includes many traditional Spanish mainstays as well as some more adventurous interpretations. There is even a market section where you can buy some excellent gourmet Spanish products. Exciting first visit....lots more to try!','inherit','open','open','','1268-revision-v1','','','2013-05-12 15:17:30','2013-05-12 19:17:30','',1268,'http://planetavino.net/2013/05/12/1268-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(1271,1,'2013-05-12 15:21:15','2013-05-12 19:21:15','<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><a href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Apr-27-2013-13101.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img src=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Apr-27-2013-13101.jpg\" id=\"blogsy-1368386480245.6743\" class=\"alignleft\" width=\"220\" height=\"187\" alt=\"Xixón Cafe: Spanish wine and food in Miami\"></a></div>\n\n<p><span style=\"text-align: justify; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); \">When I&#39;m missing Spain, Xixón Cafe is one of those places that can that the edge off. It offers a comforting combination of good Spanish wine and food and a bustling, relaxed, mostly Spanish-speaking atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. Did I say good wine? I meant a spectacular selection of Spanish wines, not only by the bottle, but by the glass. They have self-serve Enomatic machines and cards, so you can even help yourself to tasting-size pours if you want. The menu is extensive and includes many traditional Spanish mainstays as well as some more adventurous interpretations. There is even a market section where you can buy some excellent gourmet Spanish products. Exciting first visit....lots more to try!</span><br>\n</p>\n\n<!--more--><p style=\"-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); text-align: justify; \">According to the <a href=\"http://www.xixoncafe.com/\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Xixón Cafe: Great Spanish wine and food in Miami\">website</a>, Xixón is pronounced &#39;she-SHONE&#39;, which is how the name of the northern Spanish city of Gijón is pronounced in the local Asturian dialect. Unlike the website, which is bit awkward, the space is very light, modern and accommodating. For a more intimate, cozier feel, there is the wine cellar space downstairs, with atmospheric barrel tables. The big marble bar in the restaurant has a real Spanish feel, with many of the salads and tapas displayed in a glass refrigerated case along the top. There is also a really nice outdoor eating area when Miami weather allows it.</p>\n\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center; -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); \"><a href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Apr-27-2013-1346.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; \"><img src=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Apr-27-2013-1346.jpg\" id=\"blogsy-1368386480155.043\" class=\"aligncenter\" alt=\"Xixón Cafe: great Spanish wine and food in Miami\" width=\"348\" height=\"459\"></a></div>\n\n<p style=\"-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); text-align: justify; \">Xixón is located in the Coral Way area of Miami, very central and convenient to downtown, Coconut Grove and Coral Gables. Parking can be tricky but they have valet parking.</p>\n\n<p style=\"-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); text-align: justify; \">The menu is quite long, divided into smaller and larger tapas as well as main courses, and there are also daily specials. So many tempting choices, and prices are quite reasonable, so it&#39;s easy to over-order! First up was some chiperon en su tinta, small squid braised in a sauce made with their ink. This is a classic Spanish dish and my mother-in-law made a spectacular version. This one was not as good hers, but was really nice, the squid were tender and the sauce flavorful.</p>\n\n<p style=\"-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); text-align: justify; \">Iconic Spanish croquetas were my next dish, these particular ones were marisco, or seafood ones. Not served as hot as I like them, but they had delicious, intense marisco flavor.</p>\n\n<p style=\"-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); text-align: justify; \">Next was something I am constantly craving, fried fresh anchovies.  These tiny, delicious fish are so inexpensive in Spain, you can clean them in a flash, dust them with a little flour and salt and fry them in some olive oil for a couple of minutes....heaven! Even anchovy haters will be converted! Hard to beat the crazy fresh fish we got in Spain, but these were nicely done, served simply and perfectly with lemon wedges, and definitely satisfied my cravings.</p>\n\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center; -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); \"><a href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Apr-27-2013-13221.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; \"><img src=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Apr-27-2013-13221.jpg\" id=\"blogsy-1368386480173.619\" class=\"aligncenter\" alt=\"Great Spanish food at Xixón Cafe in Miami \" width=\"441\" height=\"279\"></a></div>\n\n<p style=\"-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); text-align: justify; \">The final dish was my favorite, a bonito and pimientos asado salad, a white tuna and roasted red pepper salad. Another classic, but zipped up a bit at Xixón, with the addition of baby spinach leaves. Huge and very tasty!</p>\n\n<p style=\"-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); text-align: justify; \">There are at least 20 more things I want to try, so a return trip is up soon! Loved the staff and service too, friendly and professional...a huge plus for Xixón.</p>\n\n<p style=\"-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); text-align: justify; \">Good food, atmosphere, service...check, but what an amazing bonus for me to find such a wine treasure. This is not always the case in Spain, as the wine selection can often be a real let down. Love it here! Some real classics, but also lots of really interesting wines from lesser-known regions. The bottle selection is extensive. There is no complete bottle wine list, but the staff can make selections or you can go down to the wine cellar and pick yourself a bottle. Prices are clearly marked, so it&#39;s a lot of fun!</p>\n\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center; -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); \"><a href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Apr-27-2013-1311.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; \"><img src=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Apr-27-2013-1311.jpg\" id=\"blogsy-1368386480161.1511\" class=\"aligncenter\" alt=\"Great Spanish wine at Xixón Cafe in Miami\" width=\"405\" height=\"304\"></a></div>\n\n<p style=\"-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); text-align: justify; \">If you are in a more experimental mood, or just want a different wine with every course, the Enomatic machines offer dozens of wines by the glass. One machine is dedicated to whites and sherries, and three to reds. The most expensive wines are not on offer, but there is a great selection from various prices ranges and lots of regions. You can help yourself with a card to various pour sizes and the card just adds it all up automatically. A really amazing but pretty dangerous system for wine lovers! That card can add up in the end...</p>\n\n<p style=\"-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); text-align: justify; \">I&#39;ve already rated the sherry and the Montsant I tried that day...they were my favorites. I&#39;ll be going back soon to try some more!</p>\n\n<p style=\"-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); text-align: justify; \">Xixón is a great place for a meal, but also a great place to stop in for drinks and a tapa. How very Spanish!</p>\n\n<p>&nbsp;</p>','Spain Represents: Xixón Cafe in Miami','When I\'m missing Spain, Xixón Cafe is one of those places that can that the edge off. It offers a comforting combination of good Spanish wine and food and a bustling, relaxed, mostly Spanish-speaking atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. Did I say good wine? I meant a spectacular selection of Spanish wines, not only by the bottle, but by the glass. They have self-serve Enomatic machines and cards, so you can even help yourself to tasting-size pours if you want. The menu is extensive and includes many traditional Spanish mainstays as well as some more adventurous interpretations. There is even a market section where you can buy some excellent gourmet Spanish products. Exciting first visit....lots more to try!','inherit','open','open','','1268-revision-v1','','','2013-05-12 15:21:15','2013-05-12 19:21:15','',1268,'http://planetavino.net/2013/05/12/1268-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(1272,1,'2013-05-12 15:25:52','2013-05-12 19:25:52','<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><a style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Apr-27-2013-13101.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft\" id=\"blogsy-1368386480245.6743\" alt=\"Xixón Cafe: Spanish wine and food in Miami\" src=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Apr-27-2013-13101.jpg\" width=\"220\" height=\"187\" /></a></div>\n<span style=\"text-align: justify; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);\">When I\'m missing Spain, Xixón Cafe is one of those places that can that the edge off. It offers a comforting combination of good Spanish wine and food and a bustling, relaxed, mostly Spanish-speaking atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. Did I say good wine? I meant a spectacular selection of Spanish wines, not only by the bottle, but by the glass. They have self-serve Enomatic machines and cards, so you can even help yourself to tasting-size pours if you want. The menu is extensive and includes many traditional Spanish mainstays as well as some more adventurous interpretations. There is even a market section where you can buy some excellent gourmet Spanish products. Exciting first visit....lots more to try!</span>\n\n<!--more-->\n<p style=\"-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); text-align: justify;\">According to the <a title=\"Xixón Cafe: Great Spanish wine and food in Miami\" href=\"http://www.xixoncafe.com/\" target=\"_blank\">website</a>, Xixón is pronounced \'she-SHONE\', which is how the name of the northern Spanish city of Gijón is pronounced in the local Asturian dialect. Unlike the website, which is bit awkward, the space is very light, modern and accommodating. For a more intimate, cozier feel, there is the wine cellar space downstairs, with atmospheric barrel tables. The big marble bar in the restaurant has a real Spanish feel, with many of the salads and tapas displayed in a glass refrigerated case along the top. There is also a really nice outdoor eating area when Miami weather allows it.</p>\n\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center; -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);\"><a style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Apr-27-2013-1346.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"aligncenter\" id=\"blogsy-1368386480155.043\" alt=\"Xixón Cafe: great Spanish wine and food in Miami\" src=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Apr-27-2013-1346.jpg\" width=\"348\" height=\"459\" /></a></div>\n<p style=\"-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); text-align: justify;\">Xixón is located in the Coral Way area of Miami, very central and convenient to downtown, Coconut Grove and Coral Gables. Parking can be tricky but they have valet parking.</p>\n<p style=\"-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); text-align: justify;\">The menu is quite long, divided into smaller and larger tapas as well as main courses, and there are also daily specials. So many tempting choices, and prices are quite reasonable, so it\'s easy to over-order! First up was some chiperon en su tinta, small squid braised in a sauce made with their ink. This is a classic Spanish dish and my mother-in-law made a spectacular version. This one was not as good hers, but was really nice, the squid were tender and the sauce flavorful.</p>\n<p style=\"-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); text-align: justify;\">Iconic Spanish croquetas were my next dish, these particular ones were marisco, or seafood ones. Not served as hot as I like them, but they had delicious, intense marisco flavor.</p>\n<p style=\"-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); text-align: justify;\">Next was something I am constantly craving, fried fresh anchovies. These tiny, delicious fish are so inexpensive in Spain, you can clean them in a flash, dust them with a little flour and salt and fry them in some olive oil for a couple of minutes....heaven! Even anchovy haters will be converted! Hard to beat the crazy fresh fish we got in Spain, but these were nicely done, served simply and perfectly with lemon wedges, and definitely satisfied my cravings.</p>\n\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center; -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);\"><a style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Apr-27-2013-13221.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"aligncenter\" id=\"blogsy-1368386480173.619\" alt=\"Great Spanish food at Xixón Cafe in Miami \" src=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Apr-27-2013-13221.jpg\" width=\"441\" height=\"279\" /></a></div>\n<p style=\"-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); text-align: justify;\">The final dish was my favorite, a bonito and pimientos asado salad, a white tuna and roasted red pepper salad. Another classic, but zipped up a bit at Xixón, with the addition of baby spinach leaves. Huge and very tasty!</p>\n<p style=\"-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); text-align: justify;\">There are at least 20 more things I want to try, so a return trip is up soon! Loved the staff and service too, friendly and professional...a huge plus for Xixón.</p>\n<p style=\"-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); text-align: justify;\">Good food, atmosphere, service...check, but what an amazing bonus for me to find such a wine treasure. This is not always the case in Spain, as the wine selection can often be a real let down. Love it here! Some real classics, but also lots of really interesting wines from lesser-known regions. The bottle selection is extensive. There is no complete bottle wine list, but the staff can make selections or you can go down to the wine cellar and pick yourself a bottle. Prices are clearly marked, so it\'s a lot of fun!</p>\n\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center; -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);\"><a style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Apr-27-2013-1311.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"aligncenter\" id=\"blogsy-1368386480161.1511\" alt=\"Great Spanish wine at Xixón Cafe in Miami\" src=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Apr-27-2013-1311.jpg\" width=\"405\" height=\"304\" /></a></div>\n<p style=\"-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); text-align: justify;\">If you are in a more experimental mood, or just want a different wine with every course, the Enomatic machines offer dozens of wines by the glass. One machine is dedicated to whites and sherries, and three to reds. The most expensive wines are not on offer, but there is a great selection from various prices ranges and lots of regions. You can help yourself with a card to various pour sizes and the card just adds it all up automatically. A really amazing but pretty dangerous system for wine lovers! That card can add up in the end...</p>\n<p style=\"-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); text-align: justify;\">I\'ve already rated the sherry and the Montsant I tried that day...they were my favorites. I\'ll be going back soon to try some more!</p>\n<p style=\"-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); text-align: justify;\">Xixón is a great place for a meal, but also a great place to stop in for drinks and a tapa. How very Spanish!</p>\n&nbsp;','Spain Represents: Xixón Cafe in Miami','When I\'m missing Spain, Xixón Cafe is one of those places that can that the edge off. It offers a comforting combination of good Spanish wine and food and a bustling, relaxed, mostly Spanish-speaking atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. Did I say good wine? I meant a spectacular selection of Spanish wines, not only by the bottle, but by the glass. They have self-serve Enomatic machines and cards, so you can even help yourself to tasting-size pours if you want. The menu is extensive and includes many traditional Spanish mainstays as well as some more adventurous interpretations. There is even a market section where you can buy some excellent gourmet Spanish products. Exciting first visit....lots more to try!','inherit','open','open','','1268-autosave-v1','','','2013-05-12 15:25:52','2013-05-12 19:25:52','',1268,'http://planetavino.net/2013/05/12/1268-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(1273,1,'2013-05-12 15:26:43','2013-05-12 19:26:43','','wpid-Photo-Apr-27-2013-1322.jpg','','inherit','open','open','','wpid-photo-apr-27-2013-1322-jpg','','','2013-05-12 15:26:43','2013-05-12 19:26:43','',1268,'http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Apr-27-2013-1322.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1274,1,'2013-05-12 15:24:43','2013-05-12 19:24:43','<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><a style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Apr-27-2013-13101.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft\" id=\"blogsy-1368386480245.6743\" alt=\"Xixón Cafe: Spanish wine and food in Miami\" src=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Apr-27-2013-13101.jpg\" width=\"220\" height=\"187\" /></a></div>\r\n<span style=\"text-align: justify; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);\">When I\'m missing Spain, Xixón Cafe is one of those places that can that the edge off. It offers a comforting combination of good Spanish wine and food and a bustling, relaxed, mostly Spanish-speaking atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. Did I say good wine? I meant a spectacular selection of Spanish wines, not only by the bottle, but by the glass. They have self-serve Enomatic machines and cards, so you can even help yourself to tasting-size pours if you want. The menu is extensive and includes many traditional Spanish mainstays as well as some more adventurous interpretations. There is even a market section where you can buy some excellent gourmet Spanish products. Exciting first visit....lots more to try!</span>\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n<p style=\"-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); text-align: justify;\">According to the <a title=\"Xixón Cafe: Great Spanish wine and food in Miami\" href=\"http://www.xixoncafe.com/\" target=\"_blank\">website</a>, Xixón is pronounced \'she-SHONE\', which is how the name of the northern Spanish city of Gijón is pronounced in the local Asturian dialect. Unlike the website, which is bit awkward, the space is very light, modern and accommodating. For a more intimate, cozier feel, there is the wine cellar space downstairs, with atmospheric barrel tables. The big marble bar in the restaurant has a real Spanish feel, with many of the salads and tapas displayed in a glass refrigerated case along the top. There is also a really nice outdoor eating area when Miami weather allows it.</p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center; -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);\"><a style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Apr-27-2013-1346.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"aligncenter\" id=\"blogsy-1368386480155.043\" alt=\"Xixón Cafe: great Spanish wine and food in Miami\" src=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Apr-27-2013-1346.jpg\" width=\"348\" height=\"459\" /></a></div>\r\n<p style=\"-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); text-align: justify;\">Xixón is located in the Coral Way area of Miami, very central and convenient to downtown, Coconut Grove and Coral Gables. Parking can be tricky but they have valet parking.</p>\r\n<p style=\"-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); text-align: justify;\">The menu is quite long, divided into smaller and larger tapas as well as main courses, and there are also daily specials. So many tempting choices, and prices are quite reasonable, so it\'s easy to over-order! First up was some chiperon en su tinta, small squid braised in a sauce made with their ink. This is a classic Spanish dish and my mother-in-law made a spectacular version. This one was not as good hers, but was really nice, the squid were tender and the sauce flavorful.</p>\r\n<p style=\"-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); text-align: justify;\">Iconic Spanish croquetas were my next dish, these particular ones were marisco, or seafood ones. Not served as hot as I like them, but they had delicious, intense marisco flavor.</p>\r\n<p style=\"-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); text-align: justify;\">Next was something I am constantly craving, fried fresh anchovies. These tiny, delicious fish are so inexpensive in Spain, you can clean them in a flash, dust them with a little flour and salt and fry them in some olive oil for a couple of minutes....heaven! Even anchovy haters will be converted! Hard to beat the crazy fresh fish we got in Spain, but these were nicely done, served simply and perfectly with lemon wedges, and definitely satisfied my cravings.</p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center; -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);\"><a style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Apr-27-2013-13221.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"aligncenter\" id=\"blogsy-1368386480173.619\" alt=\"Great Spanish food at Xixón Cafe in Miami \" src=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Apr-27-2013-13221.jpg\" width=\"441\" height=\"279\" /></a></div>\r\n<p style=\"-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); text-align: justify;\">The final dish was my favorite, a bonito and pimientos asado salad, a white tuna and roasted red pepper salad. Another classic, but zipped up a bit at Xixón, with the addition of baby spinach leaves. Huge and very tasty!</p>\r\n<p style=\"-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); text-align: justify;\">There are at least 20 more things I want to try, so a return trip is up soon! Loved the staff and service too, friendly and professional...a huge plus for Xixón.</p>\r\n<p style=\"-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); text-align: justify;\">Good food, atmosphere, service...check, but what an amazing bonus for me to find such a wine treasure. This is not always the case in Spain, as the wine selection can often be a real let down. Love it here! Some real classics, but also lots of really interesting wines from lesser-known regions. The bottle selection is extensive. There is no complete bottle wine list, but the staff can make selections or you can go down to the wine cellar and pick yourself a bottle. Prices are clearly marked, so it\'s a lot of fun!</p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center; -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);\"><a style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Apr-27-2013-1311.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"aligncenter\" id=\"blogsy-1368386480161.1511\" alt=\"Great Spanish wine at Xixón Cafe in Miami\" src=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Apr-27-2013-1311.jpg\" width=\"405\" height=\"304\" /></a></div>\r\n<p style=\"-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); text-align: justify;\">If you are in a more experimental mood, or just want a different wine with every course, the Enomatic machines offer dozens of wines by the glass. One machine is dedicated to whites and sherries, and three to reds. The most expensive wines are not on offer, but there is a great selection from various prices ranges and lots of regions. You can help yourself with a card to various pour sizes and the card just adds it all up automatically. A really amazing but pretty dangerous system for wine lovers! That card can add up in the end...</p>\r\n<p style=\"-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); text-align: justify;\">I\'ve already rated the sherry and the Montsant I tried that day...they were my favorites. I\'ll be going back soon to try some more!</p>\r\n<p style=\"-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); text-align: justify;\">Xixón is a great place for a meal, but also a great place to stop in for drinks and a tapa. How very Spanish!</p>\r\n&nbsp;','Spain Represents: Xixón Cafe in Miami','When I\'m missing Spain, Xixón Cafe is one of those places that can that the edge off. It offers a comforting combination of good Spanish wine and food and a bustling, relaxed, mostly Spanish-speaking atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. Did I say good wine? I meant a spectacular selection of Spanish wines, not only by the bottle, but by the glass. They have self-serve Enomatic machines and cards, so you can even help yourself to tasting-size pours if you want. The menu is extensive and includes many traditional Spanish mainstays as well as some more adventurous interpretations. There is even a market section where you can buy some excellent gourmet Spanish products. Exciting first visit....lots more to try!','inherit','open','open','','1268-revision-v1','','','2013-05-12 15:24:43','2013-05-12 19:24:43','',1268,'http://planetavino.net/2013/05/12/1268-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(1275,1,'2013-05-12 15:26:45','2013-05-12 19:26:45','<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><a href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Apr-27-2013-13101.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img src=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Apr-27-2013-13101.jpg\" id=\"blogsy-1368386810310.0286\" class=\"alignleft\" alt=\"Xixón Cafe: Spanish wine and food in Miami\" width=\"220\" height=\"187\"></a></div>\n\n<p><span style=\"text-align: justify; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); \">When I&#39;m missing Spain, Xixón Cafe is one of those places that can that the edge off. It offers a comforting combination of good Spanish wine and food and a bustling, relaxed, mostly Spanish-speaking atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. Did I say good wine? I meant a spectacular selection of Spanish wines, not only by the bottle, but by the glass. They have self-serve Enomatic machines and cards, so you can even help yourself to tasting-size pours if you want. The menu is extensive and includes many traditional Spanish mainstays as well as some more adventurous interpretations. There is even a market section where you can buy some excellent gourmet Spanish products. Exciting first visit....lots more to try!</span><br>\n</p>\n\n<!--more--><p style=\"-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); text-align: justify; \">According to the <a href=\"http://www.xixoncafe.com/\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Xixón Cafe: Great Spanish wine and food in Miami\">website</a>, Xixón is pronounced &#39;she-SHONE&#39;, which is how the name of the northern Spanish city of Gijón is pronounced in the local Asturian dialect. Unlike the website, which is bit awkward, the space is very light, modern and accommodating. For a more intimate, cozier feel, there is the wine cellar space downstairs, with atmospheric barrel tables. The big marble bar in the restaurant has a real Spanish feel, with many of the salads and tapas displayed in a glass refrigerated case along the top. There is also a really nice outdoor eating area when Miami weather allows it.</p>\n\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center; -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); \"><a href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Apr-27-2013-1346.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; \"><img src=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Apr-27-2013-1346.jpg\" id=\"blogsy-1368386810262.4177\" class=\"aligncenter\" alt=\"Xixón Cafe: great Spanish wine and food in Miami\" width=\"348\" height=\"459\"></a></div>\n\n<p style=\"-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); text-align: justify; \">Xixón is located in the Coral Way area of Miami, very central and convenient to downtown, Coconut Grove and Coral Gables. Parking can be tricky but they have valet parking.</p>\n\n<p style=\"-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); text-align: justify; \">The menu is quite long, divided into smaller and larger tapas as well as main courses, and there are also daily specials. So many tempting choices, and prices are quite reasonable, so it&#39;s easy to over-order! First up was some chiperon en su tinta, small squid braised in a sauce made with their ink. This is a classic Spanish dish and my mother-in-law made a spectacular version. This one was not as good hers, but was really nice, the squid were tender and the sauce flavorful.</p>\n\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Apr-27-2013-1322.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img src=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Apr-27-2013-1322.jpg\" id=\"blogsy-1368386810331.8062\" class=\"aligncenter\" alt=\"Xixón Cafe: great Spanish wine and food in Miami\" width=\"388\" height=\"339\"></a></div>\n\n<p style=\"-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); text-align: justify; \">Iconic Spanish croquetas were my next dish, these particular ones were marisco, or seafood ones. Not served as hot as I like them, but they had delicious, intense marisco flavor.</p>\n\n<p style=\"-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); text-align: justify; \">Next was something I am constantly craving, fried fresh anchovies.  These tiny, delicious fish are so inexpensive in Spain, you can clean them in a flash, dust them with a little flour and salt and fry them in some olive oil for a couple of minutes....heaven! Even anchovy haters will be converted! Hard to beat the crazy fresh fish we got in Spain, but these were nicely done, served simply and perfectly with lemon wedges, and definitely satisfied my cravings.</p>\n\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center; -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); \"><a href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Apr-27-2013-13221.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; \"><img src=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Apr-27-2013-13221.jpg\" id=\"blogsy-1368386810288.959\" class=\"aligncenter\" alt=\"Great Spanish food at Xixón Cafe in Miami \" width=\"441\" height=\"279\"></a></div>\n\n<p style=\"-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); text-align: justify; \">The final dish was my favorite, a bonito and pimientos asado salad, a white tuna and roasted red pepper salad. Another classic, but zipped up a bit at Xixón, with the addition of baby spinach leaves. Huge and very tasty!</p>\n\n<p style=\"-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); text-align: justify; \">There are at least 20 more things I want to try, so a return trip is up soon! Loved the staff and service too, friendly and professional...a huge plus for Xixón.</p>\n\n<p style=\"-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); text-align: justify; \">Good food, atmosphere, service...check, but what an amazing bonus for me to find such a wine treasure. This is not always the case in Spain, as the wine selection can often be a real let down. Love it here! Some real classics, but also lots of really interesting wines from lesser-known regions. The bottle selection is extensive. There is no complete bottle wine list, but the staff can make selections or you can go down to the wine cellar and pick yourself a bottle. Prices are clearly marked, so it&#39;s a lot of fun!</p>\n\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center; -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); \"><a href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Apr-27-2013-1311.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; \"><img src=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Apr-27-2013-1311.jpg\" id=\"blogsy-1368386810281.6064\" class=\"aligncenter\" alt=\"Great Spanish wine at Xixón Cafe in Miami\" width=\"405\" height=\"304\"></a></div>\n\n<p style=\"-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); text-align: justify; \">If you are in a more experimental mood, or just want a different wine with every course, the Enomatic machines offer dozens of wines by the glass. One machine is dedicated to whites and sherries, and three to reds. The most expensive wines are not on offer, but there is a great selection from various prices ranges and lots of regions. You can help yourself with a card to various pour sizes and the card just adds it all up automatically. A really amazing but pretty dangerous system for wine lovers! That card can add up in the end...</p>\n\n<p style=\"-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); text-align: justify; \">I&#39;ve already rated the sherry and the Montsant I tried that day...they were my favorites. I&#39;ll be going back soon to try some more!</p>\n\n<p style=\"-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); text-align: justify; \">Xixón is a great place for a meal, but also a great place to stop in for drinks and a tapa. How very Spanish!</p>\n\n<p>&nbsp;</p>','Spain Represents: Xixón Cafe in Miami','When I\'m missing Spain, Xixón Cafe is one of those places that can that the edge off. It offers a comforting combination of good Spanish wine and food and a bustling, relaxed, mostly Spanish-speaking atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. Did I say good wine? I meant a spectacular selection of Spanish wines, not only by the bottle, but by the glass. They have self-serve Enomatic machines and cards, so you can even help yourself to tasting-size pours if you want. The menu is extensive and includes many traditional Spanish mainstays as well as some more adventurous interpretations. There is even a market section where you can buy some excellent gourmet Spanish products. Exciting first visit....lots more to try!','inherit','open','open','','1268-revision-v1','','','2013-05-12 15:26:45','2013-05-12 19:26:45','',1268,'http://planetavino.net/2013/05/12/1268-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(1276,1,'2013-05-13 20:47:37','2013-05-14 00:47:37','<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Very excited to start video posts on Spanish wines...this is my first one! Riveting stuff! Enjoy it and laugh at my awkwardness! It will get better!</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">I already mentioned this wine, the Fernando de Castilla Antique Pedro Ximenez, in my recent article about the <a title=\"Sherry: the Spanish wine only a mother could love\" href=\"http://planetavino.net/2013/03/11/sherry-the-spanish-wine-only-a-mother-could-love/\">wines of Sherry</a>. In that article I talked about how what an awesome, complicated and under-appreciated wine sherry is.</p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><iframe src=\"http://player.vimeo.com/video/66115794\" height=\"305\" width=\"500\" allowfullscreen=\"\" frameborder=\"0\"></iframe>\r\n<a href=\"http://vimeo.com/66115794\">Weekly Spanish wine: PX sherry</a> from <a href=\"http://vimeo.com/planetavino\">Mary O\'Connor</a> on <a href=\"http://vimeo.com\">Vimeo</a>.</div>\r\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"text-align: center;\"></div>\r\n<!--more-->\r\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Mar-11-2013-1717.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"aligncenter\" id=\"blogsy-1368493048254.623\" alt=\"Spanish wine: Fernando de Castilla Antique Pedro Ximenez\" src=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Mar-11-2013-1717.jpg\" width=\"300\" height=\"399\" /></a></div>\r\n&nbsp;','Video Spanish Wine Review: Fernando de Castilla Antique PX Sherry','','publish','open','open','','spanish-wine-review-fernando-de-castilla-antique-px-sherry','','\nhttp://planetavino.net/2013/03/11/sherry-the-spanish-wine-only-a-mother-could-love/','2013-05-15 00:18:47','2013-05-15 04:18:47','',0,'http://planetavino.net/?p=1276',0,'post','',0),(1277,1,'2013-05-13 20:54:47','2013-05-14 00:54:47','','wpid-Photo-Mar-11-2013-1717.jpg','','inherit','open','open','','wpid-photo-mar-11-2013-1717-jpg-2','','','2013-05-13 20:54:47','2013-05-14 00:54:47','',1276,'http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Mar-11-2013-1717.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1278,1,'2013-05-13 20:47:32','2013-05-14 00:47:32','<p> Very excited to start video posts on Spanish wines...this is my first one!  Riveting stuff!  Enjoy it and laugh at my awkwardness!   It will get better!  </p>\n\n<p>I already mentioned this wine, the Fernando de Castilla Antique Pedro Ximenez, in my recent article about the wines of Sherry.  In that article I talked about how what an awesome, complicated and under-appreciated wine sherry is.</p>\n\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><iframe src=\"http://player.vimeo.com/video/66115794\" width=\"500\" height=\"305\" frameborder=\"0\" webkitallowfullscreen=\"\" mozallowfullscreen=\"\" allowfullscreen=\"\"></iframe><br>\n<a href=\"http://vimeo.com/66115794\">Weekly Spanish wine:  PX sherry</a> from <a href=\"http://vimeo.com/planetavino\">Mary O&#39;Connor</a> on <a href=\"http://vimeo.com\">Vimeo</a>.</div>','Spanish Wine Review: Fernando de Castilla Antique PX Sherry','','inherit','open','open','','1276-revision','','','2013-05-13 20:47:32','2013-05-14 00:47:32','',1276,'http://planetavino.net/2013/05/13/1276-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(1279,1,'2013-05-13 20:54:48','2013-05-14 00:54:48','<p> Very excited to start video posts on Spanish wines...this is my first one!  Riveting stuff!  Enjoy it and laugh at my awkwardness!   It will get better!  </p>\n\n<p>I already mentioned this wine, the Fernando de Castilla Antique Pedro Ximenez, in my recent article about the wines of Sherry.  In that article I talked about how what an awesome, complicated and under-appreciated wine sherry is.</p>\n\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><iframe src=\"http://player.vimeo.com/video/66115794\" width=\"500\" height=\"305\" frameborder=\"0\" webkitallowfullscreen=\"\" mozallowfullscreen=\"\" allowfullscreen=\"\"></iframe><br>\n<a href=\"http://vimeo.com/66115794\">Weekly Spanish wine:  PX sherry</a> from <a href=\"http://vimeo.com/planetavino\">Mary O&#39;Connor</a> on <a href=\"http://vimeo.com\">Vimeo</a>.</div>\n\n<br>\n<!--more--><div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Mar-11-2013-1717.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img src=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Mar-11-2013-1717.jpg\" id=\"blogsy-1368492893469.023\" class=\"aligncenter\" width=\"300\" height=\"399\" alt=\"Spanish wine: Fernando de Castilla Antique Pedro Ximenez\"></a></div>\n\n<p>&nbsp;</p>','Spanish Wine Review: Fernando de Castilla Antique PX Sherry','','inherit','open','open','','1276-revision-2','','','2013-05-13 20:54:48','2013-05-14 00:54:48','',1276,'http://planetavino.net/2013/05/13/1276-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(1280,1,'2013-05-12 18:14:42','2013-05-12 22:14:42','<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><a style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Apr-27-2013-13101.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft\" id=\"blogsy-1368386480245.6743\" alt=\"Xixón Cafe: Spanish wine and food in Miami\" src=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Apr-27-2013-13101.jpg\" width=\"220\" height=\"187\" /></a></div>\r\n<span style=\"text-align: justify; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);\">When I\'m missing Spain, Xixón Cafe is one of those places that can that the edge off. It offers a comforting combination of good Spanish wine and food and a bustling, relaxed, mostly Spanish-speaking atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. Did I say good wine? I meant a spectacular selection of Spanish wines, not only by the bottle, but by the glass. They have self-serve Enomatic machines and cards, so you can even help yourself to tasting-size pours if you want. The menu is extensive and includes many traditional Spanish mainstays as well as some more adventurous interpretations. There is even a market section where you can buy some excellent gourmet Spanish products. Exciting first visit....lots more to try!</span>\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n<p style=\"-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); text-align: justify;\">According to the <a title=\"Xixón Cafe: Great Spanish wine and food in Miami\" href=\"http://www.xixoncafe.com/\" target=\"_blank\">website</a>, Xixón is pronounced \'she-SHONE\', which is how the name of the northern Spanish city of Gijón is pronounced in the local Asturian dialect. Unlike the website, which is bit awkward, the space is very light, modern and accommodating. For a more intimate, cozier feel, there is the wine cellar space downstairs, with atmospheric barrel tables. The big marble bar in the restaurant has a real Spanish feel, with many of the salads and tapas displayed in a glass refrigerated case along the top. There is also a really nice outdoor eating area when Miami weather allows it.</p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center; -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);\"><a style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Apr-27-2013-1346.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"aligncenter\" id=\"blogsy-1368386480155.043\" alt=\"Xixón Cafe: great Spanish wine and food in Miami\" src=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Apr-27-2013-1346.jpg\" width=\"348\" height=\"459\" /></a></div>\r\n<p style=\"-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); text-align: justify;\">Xixón is located in the Coral Way area of Miami, very central and convenient to downtown, Coconut Grove and Coral Gables. Parking can be tricky but they have valet parking.</p>\r\n<p style=\"-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); text-align: justify;\">The menu is quite long, divided into smaller and larger tapas as well as main courses, and there are also daily specials. So many tempting choices, and prices are quite reasonable, so it\'s easy to over-order! First up was some chiperon en su tinta, small squid braised in a sauce made with their ink. This is a classic Spanish dish and my mother-in-law made a spectacular version. This one was not as good hers, but was really nice, the squid were tender and the sauce flavorful.</p>\r\n<p style=\"-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); text-align: justify;\">Iconic Spanish croquetas were my next dish, these particular ones were marisco, or seafood ones. Not served as hot as I like them, but they had delicious, intense marisco flavor.</p>\r\n<p style=\"-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); text-align: justify;\">Next was something I am constantly craving, fried fresh anchovies. These tiny, delicious fish are so inexpensive in Spain, you can clean them in a flash, dust them with a little flour and salt and fry them in some olive oil for a couple of minutes....heaven! Even anchovy haters will be converted! Hard to beat the crazy fresh fish we got in Spain, but these were nicely done, served simply and perfectly with lemon wedges, and definitely satisfied my cravings.</p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center; -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);\"><a style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Apr-27-2013-13221.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"aligncenter\" id=\"blogsy-1368386480173.619\" alt=\"Great Spanish food at Xixón Cafe in Miami \" src=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Apr-27-2013-13221.jpg\" width=\"441\" height=\"279\" /></a></div>\r\n<p style=\"-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); text-align: justify;\">The final dish was my favorite, a bonito and pimientos asado salad, a white tuna and roasted red pepper salad. Another classic, but zipped up a bit at Xixón, with the addition of baby spinach leaves. Huge and very tasty!</p>\r\n<p style=\"-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); text-align: justify;\">There are at least 20 more things I want to try, so a return trip is up soon! Loved the staff and service too, friendly and professional...a huge plus for Xixón.</p>\r\n<p style=\"-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); text-align: justify;\">Good food, atmosphere, service...check, but what an amazing bonus for me to find such a wine treasure. This is not always the case in Spain, as the wine selection can often be a real let down. Love it here! Some real classics, but also lots of really interesting wines from lesser-known regions. The bottle selection is extensive. There is no complete bottle wine list, but the staff can make selections or you can go down to the wine cellar and pick yourself a bottle. Prices are clearly marked, so it\'s a lot of fun!</p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center; -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);\"><a style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Apr-27-2013-1311.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"aligncenter\" id=\"blogsy-1368386480161.1511\" alt=\"Great Spanish wine at Xixón Cafe in Miami\" src=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Apr-27-2013-1311.jpg\" width=\"405\" height=\"304\" /></a></div>\r\n<p style=\"-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); text-align: justify;\">If you are in a more experimental mood, or just want a different wine with every course, the Enomatic machines offer dozens of wines by the glass. One machine is dedicated to whites and sherries, and three to reds. The most expensive wines are not on offer, but there is a great selection from various prices ranges and lots of regions. You can help yourself with a card to various pour sizes and the card just adds it all up automatically. A really amazing but pretty dangerous system for wine lovers! That card can add up in the end...</p>\r\n<p style=\"-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); text-align: justify;\">I\'ve already rated the <a title=\"Spanish Wine Review: Lustau Los Arcos Amontillado\" href=\"http://planetavino.net/2013/05/04/spanish-wine-review-lustau-los-arcos-amontillado/\">sherry</a> and the <a title=\"Spanish Wine Review: Faunus 2011\" href=\"http://planetavino.net/2013/05/08/spanish-wine-review-faunus-2011/\">Montsant</a> I tried that day...they were my favorites. I\'ll be going back soon to try some more!</p>\r\n<p style=\"-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); text-align: justify;\">Xixón is a great place for a meal, but also a great place to stop in for drinks and a tapa. How very Spanish!</p>\r\n&nbsp;','Spain Represents: Xixón Cafe in Miami','When I\'m missing Spain, Xixón Cafe is one of those places that can that the edge off. It offers a comforting combination of good Spanish wine and food and a bustling, relaxed, mostly Spanish-speaking atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. Did I say good wine? I meant a spectacular selection of Spanish wines, not only by the bottle, but by the glass. They have self-serve Enomatic machines and cards, so you can even help yourself to tasting-size pours if you want. The menu is extensive and includes many traditional Spanish mainstays as well as some more adventurous interpretations. There is even a market section where you can buy some excellent gourmet Spanish products. Exciting first visit....lots more to try!','inherit','open','open','','1268-revision-v1','','','2013-05-12 18:14:42','2013-05-12 22:14:42','',1268,'http://planetavino.net/2013/05/12/1268-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(1281,1,'2013-05-13 20:55:33','2013-05-14 00:55:33','<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"> Very excited to start video posts on Spanish wines...this is my first one!  Riveting stuff!  Enjoy it and laugh at my awkwardness!   It will get better!  </p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">I already mentioned this wine, the Fernando de Castilla Antique Pedro Ximenez, in my recent article about the wines of Sherry.  In that article I talked about how what an awesome, complicated and under-appreciated wine sherry is.</p>\n\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><iframe src=\"http://player.vimeo.com/video/66115794\" width=\"500\" height=\"305\" frameborder=\"0\" webkitallowfullscreen=\"\" mozallowfullscreen=\"\" allowfullscreen=\"\"></iframe><br>\n<a href=\"http://vimeo.com/66115794\">Weekly Spanish wine:  PX sherry</a> from <a href=\"http://vimeo.com/planetavino\">Mary O&#39;Connor</a> on <a href=\"http://vimeo.com\">Vimeo</a>.</div>\n\n<br>\n<!--more--><div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Mar-11-2013-1717.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img src=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Mar-11-2013-1717.jpg\" id=\"blogsy-1368492893469.023\" class=\"aligncenter\" width=\"300\" height=\"399\" alt=\"Spanish wine: Fernando de Castilla Antique Pedro Ximenez\"></a></div>\n\n<p>&nbsp;</p>','Spanish Wine Review: Fernando de Castilla Antique PX Sherry','','inherit','open','open','','1276-revision-3','','','2013-05-13 20:55:33','2013-05-14 00:55:33','',1276,'http://planetavino.net/2013/05/13/1276-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(1282,1,'2013-05-13 21:00:35','2013-05-14 01:00:35','','FdC PX thumbnail','','inherit','open','open','','fdc-px-thumbnail-2','','','2013-05-13 21:00:35','2013-05-14 01:00:35','',1276,'http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/FdC-PX-thumbnail.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1283,1,'2013-05-13 21:04:30','2013-05-14 01:04:30','<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Very excited to start video posts on Spanish wines...this is my first one! Riveting stuff! Enjoy it and laugh at my awkwardness! It will get better!</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">I already mentioned this wine, the Fernando de Castilla Antique Pedro Ximenez, in my recent article about the <a title=\"Sherry: the Spanish wine only a mother could love\" href=\"http://planetavino.net/2013/03/11/sherry-the-spanish-wine-only-a-mother-could-love/\">wines of Sherry</a>. In that article I talked about how what an awesome, complicated and under-appreciated wine sherry is.</p>\n\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><iframe src=\"http://player.vimeo.com/video/66115794\" height=\"305\" width=\"500\" allowfullscreen=\"\" frameborder=\"0\"></iframe>\n<a href=\"http://vimeo.com/66115794\">Weekly Spanish wine: PX sherry</a> from <a href=\"http://vimeo.com/planetavino\">Mary O\'Connor</a> on <a href=\"http://vimeo.com\">Vimeo</a>.</div>\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"text-align: center;\"></div>\n<!--more-->\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Mar-11-2013-1717.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"aligncenter\" id=\"blogsy-1368493048254.623\" alt=\"Spanish wine: Fernando de Castilla Antique Pedro Ximenez\" src=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Mar-11-2013-1717.jpg\" width=\"300\" height=\"399\" /></a></div>\n&nbsp;','Spanish Wine Review: Fernando de Castilla Antique PX Sherry','','inherit','open','open','','1276-autosave','','','2013-05-13 21:04:30','2013-05-14 01:04:30','',1276,'http://planetavino.net/2013/05/13/1276-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(1284,1,'2013-05-13 20:57:37','2013-05-14 00:57:37','<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"> Very excited to start video posts on Spanish wines...this is my first one!  Riveting stuff!  Enjoy it and laugh at my awkwardness!   It will get better!  </p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">I already mentioned this wine, the Fernando de Castilla Antique Pedro Ximenez, in my recent article about the wines of Sherry.  In that article I talked about how what an awesome, complicated and under-appreciated wine sherry is.</p>\n\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><iframe src=\"http://player.vimeo.com/video/66115794\" width=\"500\" height=\"305\" frameborder=\"0\" webkitallowfullscreen=\"\" mozallowfullscreen=\"\" allowfullscreen=\"\"></iframe><br>\n<a href=\"http://vimeo.com/66115794\">Weekly Spanish wine:  PX sherry</a> from <a href=\"http://vimeo.com/planetavino\">Mary O&#39;Connor</a> on <a href=\"http://vimeo.com\">Vimeo</a>.</div>\n\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"text-align: center;\">&nbsp;</div>\n\n<br>\n<!--more--><div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Mar-11-2013-1717.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img src=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Mar-11-2013-1717.jpg\" id=\"blogsy-1368493048254.623\" class=\"aligncenter\" width=\"300\" height=\"399\" alt=\"Spanish wine: Fernando de Castilla Antique Pedro Ximenez\"></a></div>\n\n<p>&nbsp;</p>','Spanish Wine Review: Fernando de Castilla Antique PX Sherry','','inherit','open','open','','1276-revision-4','','','2013-05-13 20:57:37','2013-05-14 00:57:37','',1276,'http://planetavino.net/2013/05/13/1276-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(1285,1,'2013-05-13 21:02:12','2013-05-14 01:02:12','<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Very excited to start video posts on Spanish wines...this is my first one! Riveting stuff! Enjoy it and laugh at my awkwardness! It will get better!</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">I already mentioned this wine, the Fernando de Castilla Antique Pedro Ximenez, in my recent article about the wines of Sherry. In that article I talked about how what an awesome, complicated and under-appreciated wine sherry is.</p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><iframe src=\"http://player.vimeo.com/video/66115794\" height=\"305\" width=\"500\" allowfullscreen=\"\" frameborder=\"0\"></iframe>\r\n<a href=\"http://vimeo.com/66115794\">Weekly Spanish wine: PX sherry</a> from <a href=\"http://vimeo.com/planetavino\">Mary O\'Connor</a> on <a href=\"http://vimeo.com\">Vimeo</a>.</div>\r\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"text-align: center;\"></div>\r\n<!--more-->\r\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Mar-11-2013-1717.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"aligncenter\" id=\"blogsy-1368493048254.623\" alt=\"Spanish wine: Fernando de Castilla Antique Pedro Ximenez\" src=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Mar-11-2013-1717.jpg\" width=\"300\" height=\"399\" /></a></div>\r\n&nbsp;','Spanish Wine Review: Fernando de Castilla Antique PX Sherry','','inherit','open','open','','1276-revision-5','','','2013-05-13 21:02:12','2013-05-14 01:02:12','',1276,'http://planetavino.net/2013/05/13/1276-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(1286,1,'2013-05-14 23:59:10','2013-05-15 03:59:10','<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><a href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Oct-25-2012-1538.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img src=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Oct-25-2012-1538.jpg\" id=\"blogsy-1368594233730.4543\" class=\"alignleft\" alt=\"Spanish wine: Dominio do Bibei from the Ribera Sacra region\" width=\"230\" height=\"234\"></a></div>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Ribeira Sacra is one of Galicia&#39;s least known wine appellations, yet it is producing some of Spain&#39;s most interesting wines.  The very small area has attracted some top wine makers and small, artisanal projects due to its unique and challenging landscape.  The wines, produced from unique indigenous varieties, are light, yet intense, and very original.  They are mostly white, but the reds are even more surprising, especially in a Spanish, hot climate context.  There are many great wines that represent this unique terroir, including the spectacular El Pecado, a most unique red made by innovator enologist Raul Perez.  The wines that inspired this article are from Dominio do Bibei, a project from the wine superstar couple Sara Pérez and René Barbier.</p>\n\n<!--more--><span style=\"text-align: justify; \">All the factors that make up the style of the wines of Ribeira Sacra are quite unique.  The vineyards are planted on dramatics slopes and terraces that make mechanization impossible and keep yields very low. The area is interior in Galicia, and not coastal, therefore it has a more continental climate, with longer, hotter summers and colder winters.  However, like most of Galicia, it still receives a lot more rainfall than most parts of Spain.</span><p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Due to the topography, traditional viticultural methods are still the norm, as are very traditional, minimalist winemaking techniques.  The primary white grape varieties are Albariño, Godello, Treixadura and Loureiro.  he primary red varieties a Mencía, Merenzao and Brancellao.<br>\n</p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Dominio do Bibei is a project including René Barbier and Sara Pérez, that tries to respect the terroir and local varieties to the utmost, believing totally in the uniqueness of the vineyards.  Besides Sara and René, who made their name with amazing wines in the Priorat region of Spain, the rest of the team is local, with a unique upstanding of the environment.  If you check out the pictures at the <a href=\"http://www.dominiodobibei.com/web/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Dominio do Bibei: Great Spanish wine from Ribera Sacra\">website</a>, you will see the sites are very special.</p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The wines are also very special.  I had the chance to taste quite a few of them together and I was blown away. In a two day tasting of hundreds of wines, they really stood out, and still do, in my memory.  </p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The whites were very impressive, showing great depth, nerve and drinkability.  They cost respectively 15€ and 35€. </p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">I first tasted the La Pola 2010, a white blend from 60% Godello, 15% Albariño, 10% Doña Blanca, and 15% others. Barrel fermented with lees aging.  An intense but approachable white, honey and wax aromas, great acidity but round and great balance.  The next white was the 2009 La Pena, their top white.  It is 100% Godello.  This is another of these Godellos that makes me love this grape so much.  Godello done wrong can be a bit flabby but in the right hands it is exquisite.  The La Pena was like a knife blade, all stones, apple, citrus aromas. Very lean, intense...made my mouth vibrate.  This is a white to decant.  Lovely.  </p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The reds were stunning...I taste these wines and every time I am blown away that they come from Spain.  Too many years of drinking the big reds and I marvel at the lightness and elegance of these wines.  I wrote the post on the Tintos del Mar or \"reds from the sea\" series from Bodegas Forjas del Salnés....I love that term.  These are a little farther from the sea but they still have that whiff of ocean.</p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">I love those big reds...they represent Spain and when balanced, are spectacular.  But I&#39;ve also been so impressed by some of the lighter, more austere styles coming out from some more extreme vineyard sites and regions.  </p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The first red I tasted was the baby of the series, the Lalama 2009, which goes for the lovely price of about 15€. Black and red red fruit nose gives way to a tarter red fruit on the palate. Good intensity, but smooth tannins and a lightness makes this a very food-friendly wine. The wine is mostly Mencía with a few others blended in.</p>\n\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Oct-25-2012-15381.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img src=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Oct-25-2012-15381.jpg\" id=\"blogsy-1368594233709.2812\" class=\"aligncenter\" alt=\"Spanish wine: Dominio do Bibei from the Ribera Sacra region\" width=\"378\" height=\"374\"></a></div>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The Lacima 2009 is the higher-end red, around 35€.  It&#39;s 100% Mencía and really shows how elegant this grape can be.  It has a very floral nose, with a lovely smokiness.  The acidity is quite bracing, can be shocking at first, but then the aromas come in and the long smooth tannins.  Very mineral in the mouth, a very angular wine, intense and light.  So impressive.  Mencía is one of my favorite Spanish grapes and this is a great example of it.</p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Next up were a couple of special bottlings of really unique grape varieties...what a treat! These are grapes you never really see outside of blends. First up the Mouratón 2008.  Candied fruit, some spice and it gave the impression of being quite full bodied for the Bibei reds, despite it&#39;s 12.5% alcohol.  Next blockbuster Brancellao 2008!  Wow, what a spicy grape!  Great red fruit aromas, smooth mouth but firm tannins, but the level of spice was unbelievable throughout...lingering on a super long finish.  Loved this wine!   </p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The wines of Ribeira Sacra range greatly in price, from inexpensive to El Pecado, which goes for over 60 euros.  They are generally good value for such unique and limited production wines.  </p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">If you are looking for something totally unique, grape varieties you probably have never tried, and intense, but light and mineral wines that are great with food, check out Spain&#39;s Ribera Sacra region. </p>\n\n<p>&nbsp;</p>','Undiscovered Spanish Wines: Ribeira Sacra','Ribeira Sacra is one of Galicia\'s least known wine appellations, yet it is producing some of Spain\'s most interesting wines.  This very small area has attracted some top wine makers and small, artisanal projects due to its unique and challenging landscape.  The wines, produced from unique indigenous varieties, are light, yet intense and very original.  They are mostly white, but the reds are even more surprising, especially in a Spanish, hot climate context.  There are many great wines that represent this unique terroir, including the spectacular El Pecado, a most unique red made by innovator enologist Raul Perez.  The wines that inspired this article are from Dominio do Bibei, a project from the wine superstar couple Sara Pérez and René Barbier.','publish','open','open','','undiscovered-spanish-wines-ribeira-sacra','','','2013-05-15 01:33:41','2013-05-15 05:33:41','',0,'http://planetavino.net/?p=1286',0,'post','',2),(1287,1,'2013-05-14 23:59:06','2013-05-15 03:59:06','<p> Ribera Sacra is one of Galicia&#39;s least known wine appellations, yet it is producing some of Spain&#39;s most interesting wines.  The very small area has attracted some top wine makers and small, artisanal projects due to its unique and challenging landscape.  The wines, produced from unique indigenous varieties, are light, yet intense, and very original.  They are mostly white, but the reds are even more surprising, especially in a Spanish, hot climate context.  There are many great wines that represent this unique terroir, including the spectacular El Pecado, a most unique red made by innovator enologist Raul Perez.  The wines that inspired this article are from Dominio do Bibei, a project from the wine superstar couple Sara Pérez and René Barbier.</p>\n\n<p>All the factors that make up the style of the wines of Ribera Sacra are quite unique.  The vineyards are planted on dramatics slopes and terraces that make mechanization impossible and keep yields very low. The area is interior in Galicia, and not coastal, therefore it has a more continental climate, with longer, hotter summers and colder winters.  However, like most of Galicia, it still receives a lot more rainfall than most parts of Spain.  </p>\n\n<p>Due to the topography, traditional viticultural methods are still the norm, as are very traditional, minimalist winemaking techniques.  The primary white grape varieties are Albariño, Godello, Treixadura and Loureiro.  he primary red varieties a Mencía, Merenzao and Brancellao. </p>\n\n<p>Dominio do Bibei is a project including René Barbier and Sara Pérez, that tries to respect the terroir and local varieties to the utmost, believing totally in the uniqueness of the vineyards.  Besides Sara and René, who made their name with amazing wines in the Priorat region of Spain, the rest of the team is local, with a unique upstanding of the environment.  If you check out the pictures at the website, you will see the sites are very special.</p>\n\n<p>The wines are also very special.  I had the chance to taste quite a few of them together and I was blown away. In a two day tasting of hundreds of wines, they really stood out, and still do, in my memory.  </p>\n\n<p>The whites were very impressive, showing great depth, nerve and drinkability.  They cost respectively 15€ and 35€. </p>\n\n<p>I first tasted the La Pola 2010, a white blend from 60% Godello, 15% Albariño, 10% Doña Blanca, and 15% others. Barrel fermented with lees aging.  An intense but approachable white, honey and wax aromas, great acidity but round and great balance.  The next white was the 2009 La Pena, their top white.  It is 100% Godello.  This is another of these Godellos that makes me love this grape so much.  Godello done wrong can be a bit flabby but in the right hands it is exquisite.  The La Pena was like a knife blade, all stones, apple, citrus aromas. Very lean, intense...made my mouth vibrate.  This is a white to decant.  Lovely.  </p>\n\n<p>The reds were stunning, stunning in that I always taste these wines and am blown away that the come from Spain.  Too many years of drinking the big reds and I marvel at the lightness and elegance of these wines.  I wrote the post on the Tintos del Mar or \"reds from the sea\" series from Bodegas Forjas del Salnés....I love that term.  These are a little farther from the sea but they still have that whiff of ocean.</p>\n\n<p>The first red I tasted was the baby of the series, the Lalama 2009, which goes for the lovely price of about 15€. Black and red red fruit nose gives way to a tarter red fruit on the palate. Good intensity, but smooth tannins and a lightness makes this a very food-friendly wine. The wine is mostly Mencía with a few others blended in.</p>\n\n<p>The Lacima 2009 is the higher-end red, around 35€.  It&#39;s a 100% Mencía and really shows how elegant this grape can be .  It has a very floral nose, with a lovely smokiness.  The acidity is quite bracing, can be shocking at first, but then the aromas come in and the long smooth tannins.  Very mineral in the mouth, a very angular wine, intense and light.  So impressive.  Mencía is one of my favorite Spanish grapes and this is a great example of it.</p>\n\n<p>The wines range greatly in price, from inexpensive to El Pecado, which goes for over 60 euros.  They are generally good value for such unique and limited production wines.  </p>','Undiscovered Spanish Wines: Ribera Sacra','','inherit','open','open','','1286-revision','','','2013-05-14 23:59:06','2013-05-15 03:59:06','',1286,'http://planetavino.net/2013/05/14/1286-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(1288,1,'2013-05-15 00:15:35','2013-05-15 04:15:35','','wpid-Photo-Oct-25-2012-1538.jpg','','inherit','open','open','','wpid-photo-oct-25-2012-1538-jpg','','','2013-05-15 00:15:35','2013-05-15 04:15:35','',1286,'http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Oct-25-2012-1538.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1289,1,'2013-05-15 00:15:38','2013-05-15 04:15:38','','wpid-Photo-Oct-25-2012-1538.jpg','','inherit','open','open','','wpid-photo-oct-25-2012-1538-jpg-2','','','2013-05-15 00:15:38','2013-05-15 04:15:38','',1286,'http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Oct-25-2012-15381.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1290,1,'2013-05-15 00:01:55','2013-05-15 04:01:55','<p> Ribera Sacra is one of Galicia&#39;s least known wine appellations, yet it is producing some of Spain&#39;s most interesting wines.  The very small area has attracted some top wine makers and small, artisanal projects due to its unique and challenging landscape.  The wines, produced from unique indigenous varieties, are light, yet intense, and very original.  They are mostly white, but the reds are even more surprising, especially in a Spanish, hot climate context.  There are many great wines that represent this unique terroir, including the spectacular El Pecado, a most unique red made by innovator enologist Raul Perez.  The wines that inspired this article are from Dominio do Bibei, a project from the wine superstar couple Sara Pérez and René Barbier.</p>\n\n<p>All the factors that make up the style of the wines of Ribera Sacra are quite unique.  The vineyards are planted on dramatics slopes and terraces that make mechanization impossible and keep yields very low. The area is interior in Galicia, and not coastal, therefore it has a more continental climate, with longer, hotter summers and colder winters.  However, like most of Galicia, it still receives a lot more rainfall than most parts of Spain.  </p>\n\n<p>Due to the topography, traditional viticultural methods are still the norm, as are very traditional, minimalist winemaking techniques.  The primary white grape varieties are Albariño, Godello, Treixadura and Loureiro.  he primary red varieties a Mencía, Merenzao and Brancellao. </p>\n\n<p>Dominio do Bibei is a project including René Barbier and Sara Pérez, that tries to respect the terroir and local varieties to the utmost, believing totally in the uniqueness of the vineyards.  Besides Sara and René, who made their name with amazing wines in the Priorat region of Spain, the rest of the team is local, with a unique upstanding of the environment.  If you check out the pictures at the website, you will see the sites are very special.</p>\n\n<p>The wines are also very special.  I had the chance to taste quite a few of them together and I was blown away. In a two day tasting of hundreds of wines, they really stood out, and still do, in my memory.  </p>\n\n<p>The whites were very impressive, showing great depth, nerve and drinkability.  They cost respectively 15€ and 35€. </p>\n\n<p>I first tasted the La Pola 2010, a white blend from 60% Godello, 15% Albariño, 10% Doña Blanca, and 15% others. Barrel fermented with lees aging.  An intense but approachable white, honey and wax aromas, great acidity but round and great balance.  The next white was the 2009 La Pena, their top white.  It is 100% Godello.  This is another of these Godellos that makes me love this grape so much.  Godello done wrong can be a bit flabby but in the right hands it is exquisite.  The La Pena was like a knife blade, all stones, apple, citrus aromas. Very lean, intense...made my mouth vibrate.  This is a white to decant.  Lovely.  </p>\n\n<p>The reds were stunning, stunning in that I always taste these wines and am blown away that the come from Spain.  Too many years of drinking the big reds and I marvel at the lightness and elegance of these wines.  I wrote the post on the Tintos del Mar or \"reds from the sea\" series from Bodegas Forjas del Salnés....I love that term.  These are a little farther from the sea but they still have that whiff of ocean.</p>\n\n<p>The first red I tasted was the baby of the series, the Lalama 2009, which goes for the lovely price of about 15€. Black and red red fruit nose gives way to a tarter red fruit on the palate. Good intensity, but smooth tannins and a lightness makes this a very food-friendly wine. The wine is mostly Mencía with a few others blended in.</p>\n\n<p>The Lacima 2009 is the higher-end red, around 35€.  It&#39;s a 100% Mencía and really shows how elegant this grape can be .  It has a very floral nose, with a lovely smokiness.  The acidity is quite bracing, can be shocking at first, but then the aromas come in and the long smooth tannins.  Very mineral in the mouth, a very angular wine, intense and light.  So impressive.  Mencía is one of my favorite Spanish grapes and this is a great example of it.</p>\n\n<p>The wines range greatly in price, from inexpensive to El Pecado, which goes for over 60 euros.  They are generally good value for such unique and limited production wines.  </p>','Undiscovered Spanish Wines: Ribera Sacra','Ribera Sacra is one of Galicia\'s least known wine appellations, yet it is producing some of Spain\'s most interesting wines.  The very small area has attracted some top wine makers and small, artisanal projects due to its unique and challenging landscape.  The wines, produced from unique indigenous varieties, are light, yet intense, and very original.  They are mostly white, but the reds are even more surprising, especially in a Spanish, hot climate context.  There are many great wines that represent this unique terroir, including the spectacular El Pecado, a most unique red made by innovator enologist Raul Perez.  The wines that inspired this article are from Dominio do Bibei, a project from the wine superstar couple Sara Pérez and René Barbier.','inherit','open','open','','1286-revision-2','','','2013-05-15 00:01:55','2013-05-15 04:01:55','',1286,'http://planetavino.net/2013/05/15/1286-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(1291,1,'2013-05-15 00:15:39','2013-05-15 04:15:39','<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><a href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Oct-25-2012-1538.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img src=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Oct-25-2012-1538.jpg\" id=\"blogsy-1368591340729.744\" class=\"alignleft\" width=\"230\" height=\"234\" alt=\"Spanish wine: Dominio do Bibei from the Ribera Sacra region\"></a></div>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Ribera Sacra is one of Galicia&#39;s least known wine appellations, yet it is producing some of Spain&#39;s most interesting wines.  The very small area has attracted some top wine makers and small, artisanal projects due to its unique and challenging landscape.  The wines, produced from unique indigenous varieties, are light, yet intense, and very original.  They are mostly white, but the reds are even more surprising, especially in a Spanish, hot climate context.  There are many great wines that represent this unique terroir, including the spectacular El Pecado, a most unique red made by innovator enologist Raul Perez.  The wines that inspired this article are from Dominio do Bibei, a project from the wine superstar couple Sara Pérez and René Barbier.</p>\n\n<!--more--><span style=\"text-align: justify; \">All the factors that make up the style of the wines of Ribera Sacra are quite unique.  The vineyards are planted on dramatics slopes and terraces that make mechanization impossible and keep yields very low. The area is interior in Galicia, and not coastal, therefore it has a more continental climate, with longer, hotter summers and colder winters.  However, like most of Galicia, it still receives a lot more rainfall than most parts of Spain.</span><p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Due to the topography, traditional viticultural methods are still the norm, as are very traditional, minimalist winemaking techniques.  The primary white grape varieties are Albariño, Godello, Treixadura and Loureiro.  he primary red varieties a Mencía, Merenzao and Brancellao. </p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Dominio do Bibei is a project including René Barbier and Sara Pérez, that tries to respect the terroir and local varieties to the utmost, believing totally in the uniqueness of the vineyards.  Besides Sara and René, who made their name with amazing wines in the Priorat region of Spain, the rest of the team is local, with a unique upstanding of the environment.  If you check out the pictures at the website, you will see the sites are very special.</p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The wines are also very special.  I had the chance to taste quite a few of them together and I was blown away. In a two day tasting of hundreds of wines, they really stood out, and still do, in my memory.  </p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The whites were very impressive, showing great depth, nerve and drinkability.  They cost respectively 15€ and 35€. </p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">I first tasted the La Pola 2010, a white blend from 60% Godello, 15% Albariño, 10% Doña Blanca, and 15% others. Barrel fermented with lees aging.  An intense but approachable white, honey and wax aromas, great acidity but round and great balance.  The next white was the 2009 La Pena, their top white.  It is 100% Godello.  This is another of these Godellos that makes me love this grape so much.  Godello done wrong can be a bit flabby but in the right hands it is exquisite.  The La Pena was like a knife blade, all stones, apple, citrus aromas. Very lean, intense...made my mouth vibrate.  This is a white to decant.  Lovely.  </p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The reds were stunning, stunning in that I always taste these wines and am blown away that the come from Spain.  Too many years of drinking the big reds and I marvel at the lightness and elegance of these wines.  I wrote the post on the Tintos del Mar or \"reds from the sea\" series from Bodegas Forjas del Salnés....I love that term.  These are a little farther from the sea but they still have that whiff of ocean.</p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The first red I tasted was the baby of the series, the Lalama 2009, which goes for the lovely price of about 15€. Black and red red fruit nose gives way to a tarter red fruit on the palate. Good intensity, but smooth tannins and a lightness makes this a very food-friendly wine. The wine is mostly Mencía with a few others blended in.</p>\n\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Oct-25-2012-15381.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img src=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Oct-25-2012-15381.jpg\" id=\"blogsy-1368591340732.8247\" class=\"aligncenter\" width=\"378\" height=\"374\" alt=\"Spanish wine: Dominio do Bibei from the Ribera Sacra region\"></a></div>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The Lacima 2009 is the higher-end red, around 35€.  It&#39;s a 100% Mencía and really shows how elegant this grape can be .  It has a very floral nose, with a lovely smokiness.  The acidity is quite bracing, can be shocking at first, but then the aromas come in and the long smooth tannins.  Very mineral in the mouth, a very angular wine, intense and light.  So impressive.  Mencía is one of my favorite Spanish grapes and this is a great example of it.</p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The wines range greatly in price, from inexpensive to El Pecado, which goes for over 60 euros.  They are generally good value for such unique and limited production wines.</p>\n\n<p>&nbsp;</p>','Undiscovered Spanish Wines: Ribera Sacra','Ribera Sacra is one of Galicia\'s least known wine appellations, yet it is producing some of Spain\'s most interesting wines.  The very small area has attracted some top wine makers and small, artisanal projects due to its unique and challenging landscape.  The wines, produced from unique indigenous varieties, are light, yet intense, and very original.  They are mostly white, but the reds are even more surprising, especially in a Spanish, hot climate context.  There are many great wines that represent this unique terroir, including the spectacular El Pecado, a most unique red made by innovator enologist Raul Perez.  The wines that inspired this article are from Dominio do Bibei, a project from the wine superstar couple Sara Pérez and René Barbier.','inherit','open','open','','1286-revision-3','','','2013-05-15 00:15:39','2013-05-15 04:15:39','',1286,'http://planetavino.net/2013/05/15/1286-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(1292,1,'2013-05-15 00:16:19','2013-05-15 04:16:19','<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><a href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Oct-25-2012-1538.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img src=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Oct-25-2012-1538.jpg\" id=\"blogsy-1368591340729.744\" class=\"alignleft\" width=\"230\" height=\"234\" alt=\"Spanish wine: Dominio do Bibei from the Ribera Sacra region\"></a></div>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Ribera Sacra is one of Galicia&#39;s least known wine appellations, yet it is producing some of Spain&#39;s most interesting wines.  The very small area has attracted some top wine makers and small, artisanal projects due to its unique and challenging landscape.  The wines, produced from unique indigenous varieties, are light, yet intense, and very original.  They are mostly white, but the reds are even more surprising, especially in a Spanish, hot climate context.  There are many great wines that represent this unique terroir, including the spectacular El Pecado, a most unique red made by innovator enologist Raul Perez.  The wines that inspired this article are from Dominio do Bibei, a project from the wine superstar couple Sara Pérez and René Barbier.</p>\n\n<!--more--><span style=\"text-align: justify; \">All the factors that make up the style of the wines of Ribera Sacra are quite unique.  The vineyards are planted on dramatics slopes and terraces that make mechanization impossible and keep yields very low. The area is interior in Galicia, and not coastal, therefore it has a more continental climate, with longer, hotter summers and colder winters.  However, like most of Galicia, it still receives a lot more rainfall than most parts of Spain.</span><p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Due to the topography, traditional viticultural methods are still the norm, as are very traditional, minimalist winemaking techniques.  The primary white grape varieties are Albariño, Godello, Treixadura and Loureiro.  he primary red varieties a Mencía, Merenzao and Brancellao. </p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Dominio do Bibei is a project including René Barbier and Sara Pérez, that tries to respect the terroir and local varieties to the utmost, believing totally in the uniqueness of the vineyards.  Besides Sara and René, who made their name with amazing wines in the Priorat region of Spain, the rest of the team is local, with a unique upstanding of the environment.  If you check out the pictures at the website, you will see the sites are very special.</p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The wines are also very special.  I had the chance to taste quite a few of them together and I was blown away. In a two day tasting of hundreds of wines, they really stood out, and still do, in my memory.  </p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The whites were very impressive, showing great depth, nerve and drinkability.  They cost respectively 15€ and 35€. </p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">I first tasted the La Pola 2010, a white blend from 60% Godello, 15% Albariño, 10% Doña Blanca, and 15% others. Barrel fermented with lees aging.  An intense but approachable white, honey and wax aromas, great acidity but round and great balance.  The next white was the 2009 La Pena, their top white.  It is 100% Godello.  This is another of these Godellos that makes me love this grape so much.  Godello done wrong can be a bit flabby but in the right hands it is exquisite.  The La Pena was like a knife blade, all stones, apple, citrus aromas. Very lean, intense...made my mouth vibrate.  This is a white to decant.  Lovely.  </p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The reds were stunning, stunning in that I always taste these wines and am blown away that the come from Spain.  Too many years of drinking the big reds and I marvel at the lightness and elegance of these wines.  I wrote the post on the Tintos del Mar or \"reds from the sea\" series from Bodegas Forjas del Salnés....I love that term.  These are a little farther from the sea but they still have that whiff of ocean.</p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The first red I tasted was the baby of the series, the Lalama 2009, which goes for the lovely price of about 15€. Black and red red fruit nose gives way to a tarter red fruit on the palate. Good intensity, but smooth tannins and a lightness makes this a very food-friendly wine. The wine is mostly Mencía with a few others blended in.</p>\n\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Oct-25-2012-15381.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img src=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Oct-25-2012-15381.jpg\" id=\"blogsy-1368591340732.8247\" class=\"aligncenter\" width=\"378\" height=\"374\" alt=\"Spanish wine: Dominio do Bibei from the Ribera Sacra region\"></a></div>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The Lacima 2009 is the higher-end red, around 35€.  It&#39;s a 100% Mencía and really shows how elegant this grape can be .  It has a very floral nose, with a lovely smokiness.  The acidity is quite bracing, can be shocking at first, but then the aromas come in and the long smooth tannins.  Very mineral in the mouth, a very angular wine, intense and light.  So impressive.  Mencía is one of my favorite Spanish grapes and this is a great example of it.</p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The wines range greatly in price, from inexpensive to El Pecado, which goes for over 60 euros.  They are generally good value for such unique and limited production wines.</p>\n\n<p>&nbsp;</p>','Undiscovered Spanish Wines: Ribeira Sacra','Ribera Sacra is one of Galicia\'s least known wine appellations, yet it is producing some of Spain\'s most interesting wines.  The very small area has attracted some top wine makers and small, artisanal projects due to its unique and challenging landscape.  The wines, produced from unique indigenous varieties, are light, yet intense, and very original.  They are mostly white, but the reds are even more surprising, especially in a Spanish, hot climate context.  There are many great wines that represent this unique terroir, including the spectacular El Pecado, a most unique red made by innovator enologist Raul Perez.  The wines that inspired this article are from Dominio do Bibei, a project from the wine superstar couple Sara Pérez and René Barbier.','inherit','open','open','','1286-revision-4','','','2013-05-15 00:16:19','2013-05-15 04:16:19','',1286,'http://planetavino.net/2013/05/15/1286-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(1293,1,'2013-05-13 21:03:22','2013-05-14 01:03:22','<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Very excited to start video posts on Spanish wines...this is my first one! Riveting stuff! Enjoy it and laugh at my awkwardness! It will get better!</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">I already mentioned this wine, the Fernando de Castilla Antique Pedro Ximenez, in my recent article about the <a title=\"Sherry: the Spanish wine only a mother could love\" href=\"http://planetavino.net/2013/03/11/sherry-the-spanish-wine-only-a-mother-could-love/\">wines of Sherry</a>. In that article I talked about how what an awesome, complicated and under-appreciated wine sherry is.</p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><iframe src=\"http://player.vimeo.com/video/66115794\" height=\"305\" width=\"500\" allowfullscreen=\"\" frameborder=\"0\"></iframe>\r\n<a href=\"http://vimeo.com/66115794\">Weekly Spanish wine: PX sherry</a> from <a href=\"http://vimeo.com/planetavino\">Mary O\'Connor</a> on <a href=\"http://vimeo.com\">Vimeo</a>.</div>\r\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"text-align: center;\"></div>\r\n<!--more-->\r\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Mar-11-2013-1717.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"aligncenter\" id=\"blogsy-1368493048254.623\" alt=\"Spanish wine: Fernando de Castilla Antique Pedro Ximenez\" src=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Mar-11-2013-1717.jpg\" width=\"300\" height=\"399\" /></a></div>\r\n&nbsp;','Spanish Wine Review: Fernando de Castilla Antique PX Sherry','','inherit','open','open','','1276-revision-6','','','2013-05-13 21:03:22','2013-05-14 01:03:22','',1276,'http://planetavino.net/2013/05/13/1276-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(1294,1,'2013-05-13 20:56:23','2013-05-14 00:56:23','<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><a href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Apr-27-2013-13101.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img src=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Apr-27-2013-13101.jpg\" id=\"blogsy-1368492959466.1536\" class=\"alignleft\" width=\"220\" height=\"187\" alt=\"Xixón Cafe: Spanish wine and food in Miami\"></a></div>\n\n<p><span style=\"text-align: justify; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); \">When I&#39;m missing Spain, Xixón Cafe is one of those places that can that the edge off. It offers a comforting combination of good Spanish wine and food and a bustling, relaxed, mostly Spanish-speaking atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. Did I say good wine? I meant a spectacular selection of Spanish wines, not only by the bottle, but by the glass. They have self-serve Enomatic machines and cards, so you can even help yourself to tasting-size pours if you want. The menu is extensive and includes many traditional Spanish mainstays as well as some more adventurous interpretations. There is even a market section where you can buy some excellent gourmet Spanish products. Exciting first visit....lots more to try!</span><br>\n</p>\n\n<!--more--><p style=\"-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); text-align: justify; \">According to the <a href=\"http://www.xixoncafe.com/\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Xixón Cafe: Great Spanish wine and food in Miami\">website</a>, Xixón is pronounced &#39;she-SHONE&#39;, which is how the name of the northern Spanish city of Gijón is pronounced in the local Asturian dialect. Unlike the website, which is bit awkward, the space is very light, modern and accommodating. For a more intimate, cozier feel, there is the wine cellar space downstairs, with atmospheric barrel tables. The big marble bar in the restaurant has a real Spanish feel, with many of the salads and tapas displayed in a glass refrigerated case along the top. There is also a really nice outdoor eating area when Miami weather allows it.</p>\n\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center; -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); \"><a href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Apr-27-2013-1346.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; \"><img src=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Apr-27-2013-1346.jpg\" id=\"blogsy-1368492959379.264\" class=\"aligncenter\" width=\"348\" height=\"459\" alt=\"Xixón Cafe: great Spanish wine and food in Miami\"></a></div>\n\n<p style=\"-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); text-align: justify; \">Xixón is located in the Coral Way area of Miami, very central and convenient to downtown, Coconut Grove and Coral Gables. Parking can be tricky but they have valet parking.</p>\n\n<p style=\"-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); text-align: justify; \">The menu is quite long, divided into smaller and larger tapas as well as main courses, and there are also daily specials. So many tempting choices, and prices are quite reasonable, so it&#39;s easy to over-order! First up was some chiperon en su tinta, small squid braised in a sauce made with their ink. This is a classic Spanish dish and my mother-in-law made a spectacular version. This one was not as good hers, but was really nice, the squid were tender and the sauce flavorful.</p>\n\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Apr-27-2013-1322.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img src=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Apr-27-2013-1322.jpg\" id=\"blogsy-1368492959435.5432\" class=\"aligncenter\" width=\"388\" height=\"339\" alt=\"Xixón Cafe: great Spanish wine and food in Miami\"></a></div>\n\n<p style=\"-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); text-align: justify; \">Iconic Spanish croquetas were my next dish, these particular ones were marisco, or seafood ones. Not served as hot as I like them, but they had delicious, intense marisco flavor.</p>\n\n<p style=\"-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); text-align: justify; \">Next was something I am constantly craving, fried fresh anchovies.  These tiny, delicious fish are so inexpensive in Spain, you can clean them in a flash, dust them with a little flour and salt and fry them in some olive oil for a couple of minutes....heaven! Even anchovy haters will be converted! Hard to beat the crazy fresh fish we got in Spain, but these were nicely done, served simply and perfectly with lemon wedges, and definitely satisfied my cravings.</p>\n\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center; -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); \"><a href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Apr-27-2013-13221.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; \"><img src=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Apr-27-2013-13221.jpg\" id=\"blogsy-1368492959388.1125\" class=\"aligncenter\" width=\"441\" height=\"279\" alt=\"Great Spanish food at Xixón Cafe in Miami \"></a></div>\n\n<p style=\"-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); text-align: justify; \">The final dish was my favorite, a bonito and pimientos asado salad, a white tuna and roasted red pepper salad. Another classic, but zipped up a bit at Xixón, with the addition of baby spinach leaves. Huge and very tasty!</p>\n\n<p style=\"-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); text-align: justify; \">There are at least 20 more things I want to try, so a return trip is up soon! Loved the staff and service too, friendly and professional...a huge plus for Xixón.</p>\n\n<p style=\"-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); text-align: justify; \">Good food, atmosphere, service...check, but what an amazing bonus for me to find such a wine treasure. This is not always the case in Spain, as the wine selection can often be a real let down. Love it here! Some real classics, but also lots of really interesting wines from lesser-known regions. The bottle selection is extensive. There is no complete bottle wine list, but the staff can make selections or you can go down to the wine cellar and pick yourself a bottle. Prices are clearly marked, so it&#39;s a lot of fun!</p>\n\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center; -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); \"><a href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Apr-27-2013-1311.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; \"><img src=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Apr-27-2013-1311.jpg\" id=\"blogsy-1368492959424.4456\" class=\"aligncenter\" width=\"405\" height=\"304\" alt=\"Great Spanish wine at Xixón Cafe in Miami\"></a></div>\n\n<p style=\"-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); text-align: justify; \">If you are in a more experimental mood, or just want a different wine with every course, the Enomatic machines offer dozens of wines by the glass. One machine is dedicated to whites and sherries, and three to reds. The most expensive wines are not on offer, but there is a great selection from various prices ranges and lots of regions. You can help yourself with a card to various pour sizes and the card just adds it all up automatically. A really amazing but pretty dangerous system for wine lovers! That card can add up in the end...</p>\n\n<p style=\"-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); text-align: justify; \">I&#39;ve already rated the sherry and the Montsant I tried that day...they were my favorites. I&#39;ll be going back soon to try some more!</p>\n\n<p style=\"-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); text-align: justify; \">Xixón is a great place for a meal, but also a great place to stop in for drinks and a tapa. How very Spanish!</p>\n\n<p>&nbsp;</p>','Spain Represents: Xixón Cafe in Miami','When I\'m missing Spain, Xixón Cafe is one of those places that can that the edge off. It offers a comforting combination of good Spanish wine and food and a bustling, relaxed, mostly Spanish-speaking atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. Did I say good wine? I meant a spectacular selection of Spanish wines, not only by the bottle, but by the glass. They have self-serve Enomatic machines and cards, so you can even help yourself to tasting-size pours if you want. The menu is extensive and includes many traditional Spanish mainstays as well as some more adventurous interpretations. There is even a market section where you can buy some excellent gourmet Spanish products. Exciting first visit....lots more to try!','inherit','open','open','','1268-revision-v1','','','2013-05-13 20:56:23','2013-05-14 00:56:23','',1268,'http://planetavino.net/2013/05/13/1268-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(1295,1,'2013-05-15 00:17:26','2013-05-15 04:17:26','<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><a href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Oct-25-2012-1538.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img src=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Oct-25-2012-1538.jpg\" id=\"blogsy-1368591340729.744\" class=\"alignleft\" width=\"230\" height=\"234\" alt=\"Spanish wine: Dominio do Bibei from the Ribera Sacra region\"></a></div>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Ribeira Sacra is one of Galicia&#39;s least known wine appellations, yet it is producing some of Spain&#39;s most interesting wines.  The very small area has attracted some top wine makers and small, artisanal projects due to its unique and challenging landscape.  The wines, produced from unique indigenous varieties, are light, yet intense, and very original.  They are mostly white, but the reds are even more surprising, especially in a Spanish, hot climate context.  There are many great wines that represent this unique terroir, including the spectacular El Pecado, a most unique red made by innovator enologist Raul Perez.  The wines that inspired this article are from Dominio do Bibei, a project from the wine superstar couple Sara Pérez and René Barbier.</p>\n\n<!--more--><span style=\"text-align: justify; \">All the factors that make up the style of the wines of Ribeira Sacra are quite unique.  The vineyards are planted on dramatics slopes and terraces that make mechanization impossible and keep yields very low. The area is interior in Galicia, and not coastal, therefore it has a more continental climate, with longer, hotter summers and colder winters.  However, like most of Galicia, it still receives a lot more rainfall than most parts of Spain.</span><p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Due to the topography, traditional viticultural methods are still the norm, as are very traditional, minimalist winemaking techniques.  The primary white grape varieties are Albariño, Godello, Treixadura and Loureiro.  he primary red varieties a Mencía, Merenzao and Brancellao.<br>\n</p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Dominio do Bibei is a project including René Barbier and Sara Pérez, that tries to respect the terroir and local varieties to the utmost, believing totally in the uniqueness of the vineyards.  Besides Sara and René, who made their name with amazing wines in the Priorat region of Spain, the rest of the team is local, with a unique upstanding of the environment.  If you check out the pictures at the website, you will see the sites are very special.</p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The wines are also very special.  I had the chance to taste quite a few of them together and I was blown away. In a two day tasting of hundreds of wines, they really stood out, and still do, in my memory.  </p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The whites were very impressive, showing great depth, nerve and drinkability.  They cost respectively 15€ and 35€. </p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">I first tasted the La Pola 2010, a white blend from 60% Godello, 15% Albariño, 10% Doña Blanca, and 15% others. Barrel fermented with lees aging.  An intense but approachable white, honey and wax aromas, great acidity but round and great balance.  The next white was the 2009 La Pena, their top white.  It is 100% Godello.  This is another of these Godellos that makes me love this grape so much.  Godello done wrong can be a bit flabby but in the right hands it is exquisite.  The La Pena was like a knife blade, all stones, apple, citrus aromas. Very lean, intense...made my mouth vibrate.  This is a white to decant.  Lovely.  </p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The reds were stunning, stunning in that I always taste these wines and am blown away that the come from Spain.  Too many years of drinking the big reds and I marvel at the lightness and elegance of these wines.  I wrote the post on the Tintos del Mar or \"reds from the sea\" series from Bodegas Forjas del Salnés....I love that term.  These are a little farther from the sea but they still have that whiff of ocean.</p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The first red I tasted was the baby of the series, the Lalama 2009, which goes for the lovely price of about 15€. Black and red red fruit nose gives way to a tarter red fruit on the palate. Good intensity, but smooth tannins and a lightness makes this a very food-friendly wine. The wine is mostly Mencía with a few others blended in.</p>\n\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Oct-25-2012-15381.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img src=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Oct-25-2012-15381.jpg\" id=\"blogsy-1368591340732.8247\" class=\"aligncenter\" width=\"378\" height=\"374\" alt=\"Spanish wine: Dominio do Bibei from the Ribera Sacra region\"></a></div>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The Lacima 2009 is the higher-end red, around 35€.  It&#39;s a 100% Mencía and really shows how elegant this grape can be .  It has a very floral nose, with a lovely smokiness.  The acidity is quite bracing, can be shocking at first, but then the aromas come in and the long smooth tannins.  Very mineral in the mouth, a very angular wine, intense and light.  So impressive.  Mencía is one of my favorite Spanish grapes and this is a great example of it.</p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The wines of Ribeira Sacra range greatly in price, from inexpensive to El Pecado, which goes for over 60 euros.  They are generally good value for such unique and limited production wines.</p>','Undiscovered Spanish Wines: Ribeira Sacra','Ribera Sacra is one of Galicia\'s least known wine appellations, yet it is producing some of Spain\'s most interesting wines.  The very small area has attracted some top wine makers and small, artisanal projects due to its unique and challenging landscape.  The wines, produced from unique indigenous varieties, are light, yet intense, and very original.  They are mostly white, but the reds are even more surprising, especially in a Spanish, hot climate context.  There are many great wines that represent this unique terroir, including the spectacular El Pecado, a most unique red made by innovator enologist Raul Perez.  The wines that inspired this article are from Dominio do Bibei, a project from the wine superstar couple Sara Pérez and René Barbier.','inherit','open','open','','1286-revision-5','','','2013-05-15 00:17:26','2013-05-15 04:17:26','',1286,'http://planetavino.net/2013/05/15/1286-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(1296,1,'2013-05-15 00:41:57','2013-05-15 04:41:57','<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><a href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Oct-25-2012-1538.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img src=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Oct-25-2012-1538.jpg\" id=\"blogsy-1368591340729.744\" class=\"alignleft\" width=\"230\" height=\"234\" alt=\"Spanish wine: Dominio do Bibei from the Ribera Sacra region\"></a></div>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Ribeira Sacra is one of Galicia&#39;s least known wine appellations, yet it is producing some of Spain&#39;s most interesting wines.  The very small area has attracted some top wine makers and small, artisanal projects due to its unique and challenging landscape.  The wines, produced from unique indigenous varieties, are light, yet intense, and very original.  They are mostly white, but the reds are even more surprising, especially in a Spanish, hot climate context.  There are many great wines that represent this unique terroir, including the spectacular El Pecado, a most unique red made by innovator enologist Raul Perez.  The wines that inspired this article are from Dominio do Bibei, a project from the wine superstar couple Sara Pérez and René Barbier.</p>\n\n<!--more--><span style=\"text-align: justify; \">All the factors that make up the style of the wines of Ribeira Sacra are quite unique.  The vineyards are planted on dramatics slopes and terraces that make mechanization impossible and keep yields very low. The area is interior in Galicia, and not coastal, therefore it has a more continental climate, with longer, hotter summers and colder winters.  However, like most of Galicia, it still receives a lot more rainfall than most parts of Spain.</span><p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Due to the topography, traditional viticultural methods are still the norm, as are very traditional, minimalist winemaking techniques.  The primary white grape varieties are Albariño, Godello, Treixadura and Loureiro.  he primary red varieties a Mencía, Merenzao and Brancellao.<br>\n</p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Dominio do Bibei is a project including René Barbier and Sara Pérez, that tries to respect the terroir and local varieties to the utmost, believing totally in the uniqueness of the vineyards.  Besides Sara and René, who made their name with amazing wines in the Priorat region of Spain, the rest of the team is local, with a unique upstanding of the environment.  If you check out the pictures at the website, you will see the sites are very special.</p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The wines are also very special.  I had the chance to taste quite a few of them together and I was blown away. In a two day tasting of hundreds of wines, they really stood out, and still do, in my memory.  </p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The whites were very impressive, showing great depth, nerve and drinkability.  They cost respectively 15€ and 35€. </p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">I first tasted the La Pola 2010, a white blend from 60% Godello, 15% Albariño, 10% Doña Blanca, and 15% others. Barrel fermented with lees aging.  An intense but approachable white, honey and wax aromas, great acidity but round and great balance.  The next white was the 2009 La Pena, their top white.  It is 100% Godello.  This is another of these Godellos that makes me love this grape so much.  Godello done wrong can be a bit flabby but in the right hands it is exquisite.  The La Pena was like a knife blade, all stones, apple, citrus aromas. Very lean, intense...made my mouth vibrate.  This is a white to decant.  Lovely.  </p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The reds were stunning...I taste these wines and every time I am blown away that they come from Spain.  Too many years of drinking the big reds and I marvel at the lightness and elegance of these wines.  I wrote the post on the Tintos del Mar or \"reds from the sea\" series from Bodegas Forjas del Salnés....I love that term.  These are a little farther from the sea but they still have that whiff of ocean.</p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">I love those big reds...they represent Spain and when balanced, are spectacular.  But I&#39;ve also been so impressed by some of the lighter, more austere styles coming out from some more extreme vineyard sites and regions.  </p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The first red I tasted was the baby of the series, the Lalama 2009, which goes for the lovely price of about 15€. Black and red red fruit nose gives way to a tarter red fruit on the palate. Good intensity, but smooth tannins and a lightness makes this a very food-friendly wine. The wine is mostly Mencía with a few others blended in.</p>\n\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Oct-25-2012-15381.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img src=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Oct-25-2012-15381.jpg\" id=\"blogsy-1368591340732.8247\" class=\"aligncenter\" width=\"378\" height=\"374\" alt=\"Spanish wine: Dominio do Bibei from the Ribera Sacra region\"></a></div>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The Lacima 2009 is the higher-end red, around 35€.  It&#39;s 100% Mencía and really shows how elegant this grape can be.  It has a very floral nose, with a lovely smokiness.  The acidity is quite bracing, can be shocking at first, but then the aromas come in and the long smooth tannins.  Very mineral in the mouth, a very angular wine, intense and light.  So impressive.  Mencía is one of my favorite Spanish grapes and this is a great example of it.</p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Next up were some special bottlings of really unique grape varieties...what a treat! </p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The wines of Ribeira Sacra range greatly in price, from inexpensive to El Pecado, which goes for over 60 euros.  They are generally good value for such unique and limited production wines.  </p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">If you are looking for something totally unique, grape varieties you probably have never tried, and intense, but light and mineral wines that are great with food, check out Spain&#39;s Ribera Sacra region. </p>','Undiscovered Spanish Wines: Ribeira Sacra','Ribera Sacra is one of Galicia\'s least known wine appellations, yet it is producing some of Spain\'s most interesting wines.  The very small area has attracted some top wine makers and small, artisanal projects due to its unique and challenging landscape.  The wines, produced from unique indigenous varieties, are light, yet intense, and very original.  They are mostly white, but the reds are even more surprising, especially in a Spanish, hot climate context.  There are many great wines that represent this unique terroir, including the spectacular El Pecado, a most unique red made by innovator enologist Raul Perez.  The wines that inspired this article are from Dominio do Bibei, a project from the wine superstar couple Sara Pérez and René Barbier.','inherit','open','open','','1286-revision-6','','','2013-05-15 00:41:57','2013-05-15 04:41:57','',1286,'http://planetavino.net/2013/05/15/1286-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(1297,1,'2013-05-15 01:16:46','2013-05-15 05:16:46','','Dominio do Bibei thumbnail','','inherit','open','open','','dominio-do-bibei-thumbnail','','','2013-05-15 01:16:46','2013-05-15 05:16:46','',1286,'http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Dominio-do-Bibei-thumbnail.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1298,1,'2013-05-15 01:04:05','2013-05-15 05:04:05','<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><a href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Oct-25-2012-1538.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img src=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Oct-25-2012-1538.jpg\" id=\"blogsy-1368594233730.4543\" class=\"alignleft\" alt=\"Spanish wine: Dominio do Bibei from the Ribera Sacra region\" width=\"230\" height=\"234\"></a></div>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Ribeira Sacra is one of Galicia&#39;s least known wine appellations, yet it is producing some of Spain&#39;s most interesting wines.  The very small area has attracted some top wine makers and small, artisanal projects due to its unique and challenging landscape.  The wines, produced from unique indigenous varieties, are light, yet intense, and very original.  They are mostly white, but the reds are even more surprising, especially in a Spanish, hot climate context.  There are many great wines that represent this unique terroir, including the spectacular El Pecado, a most unique red made by innovator enologist Raul Perez.  The wines that inspired this article are from Dominio do Bibei, a project from the wine superstar couple Sara Pérez and René Barbier.</p>\n\n<!--more--><span style=\"text-align: justify; \">All the factors that make up the style of the wines of Ribeira Sacra are quite unique.  The vineyards are planted on dramatics slopes and terraces that make mechanization impossible and keep yields very low. The area is interior in Galicia, and not coastal, therefore it has a more continental climate, with longer, hotter summers and colder winters.  However, like most of Galicia, it still receives a lot more rainfall than most parts of Spain.</span><p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Due to the topography, traditional viticultural methods are still the norm, as are very traditional, minimalist winemaking techniques.  The primary white grape varieties are Albariño, Godello, Treixadura and Loureiro.  he primary red varieties a Mencía, Merenzao and Brancellao.<br>\n</p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Dominio do Bibei is a project including René Barbier and Sara Pérez, that tries to respect the terroir and local varieties to the utmost, believing totally in the uniqueness of the vineyards.  Besides Sara and René, who made their name with amazing wines in the Priorat region of Spain, the rest of the team is local, with a unique upstanding of the environment.  If you check out the pictures at the <a href=\"http://www.dominiodobibei.com/web/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Dominio do Bibei: Great Spanish wine from Ribera Sacra\">website</a>, you will see the sites are very special.</p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The wines are also very special.  I had the chance to taste quite a few of them together and I was blown away. In a two day tasting of hundreds of wines, they really stood out, and still do, in my memory.  </p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The whites were very impressive, showing great depth, nerve and drinkability.  They cost respectively 15€ and 35€. </p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">I first tasted the La Pola 2010, a white blend from 60% Godello, 15% Albariño, 10% Doña Blanca, and 15% others. Barrel fermented with lees aging.  An intense but approachable white, honey and wax aromas, great acidity but round and great balance.  The next white was the 2009 La Pena, their top white.  It is 100% Godello.  This is another of these Godellos that makes me love this grape so much.  Godello done wrong can be a bit flabby but in the right hands it is exquisite.  The La Pena was like a knife blade, all stones, apple, citrus aromas. Very lean, intense...made my mouth vibrate.  This is a white to decant.  Lovely.  </p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The reds were stunning...I taste these wines and every time I am blown away that they come from Spain.  Too many years of drinking the big reds and I marvel at the lightness and elegance of these wines.  I wrote the post on the Tintos del Mar or \"reds from the sea\" series from Bodegas Forjas del Salnés....I love that term.  These are a little farther from the sea but they still have that whiff of ocean.</p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">I love those big reds...they represent Spain and when balanced, are spectacular.  But I&#39;ve also been so impressed by some of the lighter, more austere styles coming out from some more extreme vineyard sites and regions.  </p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The first red I tasted was the baby of the series, the Lalama 2009, which goes for the lovely price of about 15€. Black and red red fruit nose gives way to a tarter red fruit on the palate. Good intensity, but smooth tannins and a lightness makes this a very food-friendly wine. The wine is mostly Mencía with a few others blended in.</p>\n\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Oct-25-2012-15381.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img src=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Oct-25-2012-15381.jpg\" id=\"blogsy-1368594233709.2812\" class=\"aligncenter\" alt=\"Spanish wine: Dominio do Bibei from the Ribera Sacra region\" width=\"378\" height=\"374\"></a></div>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The Lacima 2009 is the higher-end red, around 35€.  It&#39;s 100% Mencía and really shows how elegant this grape can be.  It has a very floral nose, with a lovely smokiness.  The acidity is quite bracing, can be shocking at first, but then the aromas come in and the long smooth tannins.  Very mineral in the mouth, a very angular wine, intense and light.  So impressive.  Mencía is one of my favorite Spanish grapes and this is a great example of it.</p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Next up were a couple of special bottlings of really unique grape varieties...what a treat! These are grapes you never really see outside of blends. First up the Mouratón 2008.  Candied fruit, some spice and it gave the impression of being quite full bodied for the Bibei reds, despite it&#39;s 12.5% alcohol.  Next blockbuster Brancellao 2008!  Wow, what a spicy grape!  Great red fruit aromas, smooth mouth but firm tannins, but the level of spice was unbelievable throughout...lingering on a super long finish.  Loved this wine!   </p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The wines of Ribeira Sacra range greatly in price, from inexpensive to El Pecado, which goes for over 60 euros.  They are generally good value for such unique and limited production wines.  </p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">If you are looking for something totally unique, grape varieties you probably have never tried, and intense, but light and mineral wines that are great with food, check out Spain&#39;s Ribera Sacra region. </p>\n\n<p>&nbsp;</p>','Undiscovered Spanish Wines: Ribeira Sacra','Ribera Sacra is one of Galicia\'s least known wine appellations, yet it is producing some of Spain\'s most interesting wines.  The very small area has attracted some top wine makers and small, artisanal projects due to its unique and challenging landscape.  The wines, produced from unique indigenous varieties, are light, yet intense, and very original.  They are mostly white, but the reds are even more surprising, especially in a Spanish, hot climate context.  There are many great wines that represent this unique terroir, including the spectacular El Pecado, a most unique red made by innovator enologist Raul Perez.  The wines that inspired this article are from Dominio do Bibei, a project from the wine superstar couple Sara Pérez and René Barbier.','inherit','open','open','','1286-revision-7','','','2013-05-15 01:04:05','2013-05-15 05:04:05','',1286,'http://planetavino.net/2013/05/15/1286-revision-7/',0,'revision','',0),(1299,1,'2013-05-15 01:20:35','2013-05-15 05:20:35','<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><a style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Oct-25-2012-1538.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft\" id=\"blogsy-1368594233730.4543\" alt=\"Spanish wine: Dominio do Bibei from the Ribera Sacra region\" src=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Oct-25-2012-1538.jpg\" width=\"230\" height=\"234\" /></a></div>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Ribeira Sacra is one of Galicia\'s least known wine appellations, yet it is producing some of Spain\'s most interesting wines. The very small area has attracted some top wine makers and small, artisanal projects due to its unique and challenging landscape. The wines, produced from unique indigenous varieties, are light, yet intense, and very original. They are mostly white, but the reds are even more surprising, especially in a Spanish, hot climate context. There are many great wines that represent this unique terroir, including the spectacular El Pecado, a most unique red made by innovator enologist Raul Perez. The wines that inspired this article are from Dominio do Bibei, a project from the wine superstar couple Sara Pérez and René Barbier.</p>\r\n<!--more--><span style=\"text-align: justify;\">All the factors that make up the style of the wines of Ribeira Sacra are quite unique. The vineyards are planted on dramatics slopes and terraces that make mechanization impossible and keep yields very low. The area is interior in Galicia, and not coastal, therefore it has a more continental climate, with longer, hotter summers and colder winters. However, like most of Galicia, it still receives a lot more rainfall than most parts of Spain.</span>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Due to the topography, traditional viticultural methods are still the norm, as are very traditional, minimalist winemaking techniques. The primary white grape varieties are Albariño, Godello, Treixadura and Loureiro. he primary red varieties a Mencía, Merenzao and Brancellao.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Dominio do Bibei is a project including René Barbier and Sara Pérez, that tries to respect the terroir and local varieties to the utmost, believing totally in the uniqueness of the vineyards. Besides Sara and René, who made their name with amazing wines in the Priorat region of Spain, the rest of the team is local, with a unique upstanding of the environment. If you check out the pictures at the <a title=\"Dominio do Bibei: Great Spanish wine from Ribera Sacra\" href=\"http://www.dominiodobibei.com/web/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">website</a>, you will see the sites are very special.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The wines are also very special. I had the chance to taste quite a few of them together and I was blown away. In a two day tasting of hundreds of wines, they really stood out, and still do, in my memory.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The whites were very impressive, showing great depth, nerve and drinkability. They cost respectively 15€ and 35€.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">I first tasted the La Pola 2010, a white blend from 60% Godello, 15% Albariño, 10% Doña Blanca, and 15% others. Barrel fermented with lees aging. An intense but approachable white, honey and wax aromas, great acidity but round and great balance. The next white was the 2009 La Pena, their top white. It is 100% Godello. This is another of these Godellos that makes me love this grape so much. Godello done wrong can be a bit flabby but in the right hands it is exquisite. The La Pena was like a knife blade, all stones, apple, citrus aromas. Very lean, intense...made my mouth vibrate. This is a white to decant. Lovely.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The reds were stunning...I taste these wines and every time I am blown away that they come from Spain. Too many years of drinking the big reds and I marvel at the lightness and elegance of these wines. I wrote the post on the Tintos del Mar or \"reds from the sea\" series from Bodegas Forjas del Salnés....I love that term. These are a little farther from the sea but they still have that whiff of ocean.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">I love those big reds...they represent Spain and when balanced, are spectacular. But I\'ve also been so impressed by some of the lighter, more austere styles coming out from some more extreme vineyard sites and regions.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The first red I tasted was the baby of the series, the Lalama 2009, which goes for the lovely price of about 15€. Black and red red fruit nose gives way to a tarter red fruit on the palate. Good intensity, but smooth tannins and a lightness makes this a very food-friendly wine. The wine is mostly Mencía with a few others blended in.</p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Oct-25-2012-15381.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"aligncenter\" id=\"blogsy-1368594233709.2812\" alt=\"Spanish wine: Dominio do Bibei from the Ribera Sacra region\" src=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Oct-25-2012-15381.jpg\" width=\"378\" height=\"374\" /></a></div>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The Lacima 2009 is the higher-end red, around 35€. It\'s 100% Mencía and really shows how elegant this grape can be. It has a very floral nose, with a lovely smokiness. The acidity is quite bracing, can be shocking at first, but then the aromas come in and the long smooth tannins. Very mineral in the mouth, a very angular wine, intense and light. So impressive. Mencía is one of my favorite Spanish grapes and this is a great example of it.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Next up were a couple of special bottlings of really unique grape varieties...what a treat! These are grapes you never really see outside of blends. First up the Mouratón 2008. Candied fruit, some spice and it gave the impression of being quite full bodied for the Bibei reds, despite it\'s 12.5% alcohol. Next blockbuster Brancellao 2008! Wow, what a spicy grape! Great red fruit aromas, smooth mouth but firm tannins, but the level of spice was unbelievable throughout...lingering on a super long finish. Loved this wine!</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The wines of Ribeira Sacra range greatly in price, from inexpensive to El Pecado, which goes for over 60 euros. They are generally good value for such unique and limited production wines.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">If you are looking for something totally unique, grape varieties you probably have never tried, and intense, but light and mineral wines that are great with food, check out Spain\'s Ribera Sacra region.</p>\r\n&nbsp;','Undiscovered Spanish Wines: Ribeira Sacra','Ribera Sacra is one of Galicia\'s least known wine appellations, yet it is producing some of Spain\'s most interesting wines.  The very small area has attracted some top wine makers and small, artisanal projects due to its unique and challenging landscape.  The wines, produced from unique indigenous varieties, are light, yet intense, and very original.  They are mostly white, but the reds are even more surprising, especially in a Spanish, hot climate context.  There are many great wines that represent this unique terroir, including the spectacular El Pecado, a most unique red made by innovator enologist Raul Perez.  The wines that inspired this article are from Dominio do Bibei, a project from the wine superstar couple Sara Pérez and René Barbier.','inherit','open','open','','1286-revision-8','','','2013-05-15 01:20:35','2013-05-15 05:20:35','',1286,'http://planetavino.net/2013/05/15/1286-revision-8/',0,'revision','',0),(1300,1,'2013-05-15 01:43:31','2013-05-15 05:43:31','<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><a style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Oct-25-2012-1538.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft\" id=\"blogsy-1368594233730.4543\" alt=\"Spanish wine: Dominio do Bibei from the Ribera Sacra region\" src=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Oct-25-2012-1538.jpg\" width=\"230\" height=\"234\" /></a></div>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Ribeira Sacra is one of Galicia\'s least known wine appellations, yet it is producing some of Spain\'s most interesting wines. This very small area has attracted some top winemakers and small, artisanal projects due to its unique and challenging landscape. The wines, produced from unique indigenous varieties, are light, yet intense and very original. They are mostly white, but the reds are even more surprising, especially in a Spanish, hot climate context. There are many great wines that represent this unique terroir, including the spectacular El Pecado, a most unique red made by innovator enologist Raul Perez. The wines that inspired this article are from Dominio do Bibei, a project from wine superstar couple Sara Pérez and René Barbier.</p>\n<!--more--><span style=\"text-align: justify;\">All the factors that make up the style of the wines of Ribeira Sacra are quite unique. The vineyards are planted on dramatics slopes and terraces that make mechanization impossible and keep yields very low. The area is in the interior of Galicia, and not coastal, therefore it has a more continental climate, with longer, hotter summers and colder winters. However, like most of Galicia, it still receives a lot more rainfall than most parts of Spain.</span>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Due to the topography, traditional viticultural methods are still the norm, as are very traditional, minimalist winemaking techniques. The primary white grape varieties are Albariño, Godello, Treixadura and Loureiro. The primary red varieties are Mencía, Merenzao and Brancellao.</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Dominio do Bibei is a project including René Barbier and Sara Pérez, that tries to respect the terroir and local varieties to the utmost, believing totally in the uniqueness of the vineyards. Besides Sara and René, who made their name with amazing wines in the Priorat region of Spain, the rest of the team is local, with a unique upstanding of the environment. If you check out the pictures at the <a title=\"Dominio do Bibei: Great Spanish wine from Ribera Sacra\" href=\"http://www.dominiodobibei.com/web/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">website</a>, you will see the sites are very special.</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The wines are also very special. I had the chance to taste quite a few of them together and I was blown away. In a two-day tasting of hundreds of wines, they really stood out, and still do, in my memory.</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The whites were very impressive, showing great depth, nerve and drinkability. They cost respectively 15€ and 35€.</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">I first tasted the La Pola 2010, a white blend from 60% Godello, 15% Albariño, 10% Doña Blanca, and 15% others. Barrel fermented with lees aging. An intense but approachable white, honey and wax aromas, great acidity but round and great balance. The next white was the 2009 La Pena, their top white. It is 100% Godello. This is another of these Godellos that makes me love this grape so much. Godello done wrong can be a bit flabby, but in the right hands it is exquisite. The La Pena was like a knife blade, all stones, apple, citrus aromas. Very lean, intense...made my mouth vibrate. This is a white to decant. Lovely.</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The reds were stunning...I taste these wines and every time I am blown away that they come from Spain. Too many years of drinking the big reds and I marvel at the lightness and elegance of these wines. I wrote a post on the <a title=\"Spanish Wine Review: Goliardo Espadeiro 2009\" href=\"http://planetavino.net/2013/04/06/spanish-wine-review-goliardo-espadeiro-2009/\">Tintos del Mar</a> or \"reds from the sea\" series from Bodegas Forjas del Salnés....I love that term. These are a little farther from the sea but they still have that whiff of ocean.</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">I love those big reds...they represent Spain and when balanced, are spectacular. But I\'ve also been so impressed by some of the lighter, more austere styles coming out from some more extreme vineyard sites and regions in recent years.</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The first red I tasted was the baby of the series, the Lalama 2009, which goes for the lovely price of about 15€. Black and red fruit nose gives way to a tarter red fruit on the palate. Good intensity, but smooth tannins and a lightness makes this a very food-friendly wine. The wine is mostly Mencía with a few others blended in.</p>\n\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Oct-25-2012-15381.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"aligncenter\" id=\"blogsy-1368594233709.2812\" alt=\"Spanish wine: Dominio do Bibei from the Ribera Sacra region\" src=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Oct-25-2012-15381.jpg\" width=\"378\" height=\"374\" /></a></div>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The Lacima 2009 is the higher-end red, around 35€. It\'s 100% Mencía and really shows how elegant this grape can be. It has a very floral nose, with a lovely smokiness. The acidity is quite bracing, can be shocking at first, but then the aromas come in and the long smooth tannins. Very mineral in the mouth, a very angular wine, intense and light. So impressive. Mencía is one of my favorite Spanish grapes and this is a great example of it.</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Next up were a couple of special bottlings of really unique grape varieties...what a treat! These are grapes you never really see outside of blends. First up the Mouratón 2008. Candied fruit, some spice and it gave the impression of being quite full bodied for the Bibei reds, despite it\'s 12.5% alcohol. Next blockbuster Brancellao 2008! Wow, what a spicy grape! Great red fruit aromas, smooth mouth but firm tannins, but the level of spice was unbelievable throughout...lingering on a super long finish. Loved this wine!</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The wines of Ribeira Sacra range greatly in price, from inexpensive to El Pecado, which goes for over 60 euros. They are generally good value for such unique and limited production wines.</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">If you are looking for something totally unique, grape varieties you probably have never tried, and intense, but light and mineral wines that are great with food, check out Spain\'s Ribera Sacra region.</p>\n&nbsp;','Undiscovered Spanish Wines: Ribeira Sacra','Ribera Sacra is one of Galicia\'s least known wine appellations, yet it is producing some of Spain\'s most interesting wines.  The very small area has attracted some top wine makers and small, artisanal projects due to its unique and challenging landscape.  The wines, produced from unique indigenous varieties, are light, yet intense, and very original.  They are mostly white, but the reds are even more surprising, especially in a Spanish, hot climate context.  There are many great wines that represent this unique terroir, including the spectacular El Pecado, a most unique red made by innovator enologist Raul Perez.  The wines that inspired this article are from Dominio do Bibei, a project from the wine superstar couple Sara Pérez and René Barbier.','inherit','open','open','','1286-autosave','','','2013-05-15 01:43:31','2013-05-15 05:43:31','',1286,'http://planetavino.net/2013/05/15/1286-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(1301,1,'2013-05-15 01:21:34','2013-05-15 05:21:34','<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><a href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Oct-25-2012-1538.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img src=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Oct-25-2012-1538.jpg\" id=\"blogsy-1368594233730.4543\" class=\"alignleft\" alt=\"Spanish wine: Dominio do Bibei from the Ribera Sacra region\" width=\"230\" height=\"234\"></a></div>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Ribeira Sacra is one of Galicia&#39;s least known wine appellations, yet it is producing some of Spain&#39;s most interesting wines.  The very small area has attracted some top wine makers and small, artisanal projects due to its unique and challenging landscape.  The wines, produced from unique indigenous varieties, are light, yet intense, and very original.  They are mostly white, but the reds are even more surprising, especially in a Spanish, hot climate context.  There are many great wines that represent this unique terroir, including the spectacular El Pecado, a most unique red made by innovator enologist Raul Perez.  The wines that inspired this article are from Dominio do Bibei, a project from the wine superstar couple Sara Pérez and René Barbier.</p>\n\n<!--more--><span style=\"text-align: justify; \">All the factors that make up the style of the wines of Ribeira Sacra are quite unique.  The vineyards are planted on dramatics slopes and terraces that make mechanization impossible and keep yields very low. The area is interior in Galicia, and not coastal, therefore it has a more continental climate, with longer, hotter summers and colder winters.  However, like most of Galicia, it still receives a lot more rainfall than most parts of Spain.</span><p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Due to the topography, traditional viticultural methods are still the norm, as are very traditional, minimalist winemaking techniques.  The primary white grape varieties are Albariño, Godello, Treixadura and Loureiro.  he primary red varieties a Mencía, Merenzao and Brancellao.<br>\n</p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Dominio do Bibei is a project including René Barbier and Sara Pérez, that tries to respect the terroir and local varieties to the utmost, believing totally in the uniqueness of the vineyards.  Besides Sara and René, who made their name with amazing wines in the Priorat region of Spain, the rest of the team is local, with a unique upstanding of the environment.  If you check out the pictures at the <a href=\"http://www.dominiodobibei.com/web/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Dominio do Bibei: Great Spanish wine from Ribera Sacra\">website</a>, you will see the sites are very special.</p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The wines are also very special.  I had the chance to taste quite a few of them together and I was blown away. In a two day tasting of hundreds of wines, they really stood out, and still do, in my memory.  </p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The whites were very impressive, showing great depth, nerve and drinkability.  They cost respectively 15€ and 35€. </p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">I first tasted the La Pola 2010, a white blend from 60% Godello, 15% Albariño, 10% Doña Blanca, and 15% others. Barrel fermented with lees aging.  An intense but approachable white, honey and wax aromas, great acidity but round and great balance.  The next white was the 2009 La Pena, their top white.  It is 100% Godello.  This is another of these Godellos that makes me love this grape so much.  Godello done wrong can be a bit flabby but in the right hands it is exquisite.  The La Pena was like a knife blade, all stones, apple, citrus aromas. Very lean, intense...made my mouth vibrate.  This is a white to decant.  Lovely.  </p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The reds were stunning...I taste these wines and every time I am blown away that they come from Spain.  Too many years of drinking the big reds and I marvel at the lightness and elegance of these wines.  I wrote the post on the Tintos del Mar or \"reds from the sea\" series from Bodegas Forjas del Salnés....I love that term.  These are a little farther from the sea but they still have that whiff of ocean.</p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">I love those big reds...they represent Spain and when balanced, are spectacular.  But I&#39;ve also been so impressed by some of the lighter, more austere styles coming out from some more extreme vineyard sites and regions.  </p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The first red I tasted was the baby of the series, the Lalama 2009, which goes for the lovely price of about 15€. Black and red red fruit nose gives way to a tarter red fruit on the palate. Good intensity, but smooth tannins and a lightness makes this a very food-friendly wine. The wine is mostly Mencía with a few others blended in.</p>\n\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Oct-25-2012-15381.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img src=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Oct-25-2012-15381.jpg\" id=\"blogsy-1368594233709.2812\" class=\"aligncenter\" alt=\"Spanish wine: Dominio do Bibei from the Ribera Sacra region\" width=\"378\" height=\"374\"></a></div>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The Lacima 2009 is the higher-end red, around 35€.  It&#39;s 100% Mencía and really shows how elegant this grape can be.  It has a very floral nose, with a lovely smokiness.  The acidity is quite bracing, can be shocking at first, but then the aromas come in and the long smooth tannins.  Very mineral in the mouth, a very angular wine, intense and light.  So impressive.  Mencía is one of my favorite Spanish grapes and this is a great example of it.</p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Next up were a couple of special bottlings of really unique grape varieties...what a treat! These are grapes you never really see outside of blends. First up the Mouratón 2008.  Candied fruit, some spice and it gave the impression of being quite full bodied for the Bibei reds, despite it&#39;s 12.5% alcohol.  Next blockbuster Brancellao 2008!  Wow, what a spicy grape!  Great red fruit aromas, smooth mouth but firm tannins, but the level of spice was unbelievable throughout...lingering on a super long finish.  Loved this wine!   </p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The wines of Ribeira Sacra range greatly in price, from inexpensive to El Pecado, which goes for over 60 euros.  They are generally good value for such unique and limited production wines.  </p>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">If you are looking for something totally unique, grape varieties you probably have never tried, and intense, but light and mineral wines that are great with food, check out Spain&#39;s Ribera Sacra region. </p>\n\n<p>&nbsp;</p>','Undiscovered Spanish Wines: Ribeira Sacra','Ribera Sacra is one of Galicia\'s least known wine appellations, yet it is producing some of Spain\'s most interesting wines.  The very small area has attracted some top wine makers and small, artisanal projects due to its unique and challenging landscape.  The wines, produced from unique indigenous varieties, are light, yet intense, and very original.  They are mostly white, but the reds are even more surprising, especially in a Spanish, hot climate context.  There are many great wines that represent this unique terroir, including the spectacular El Pecado, a most unique red made by innovator enologist Raul Perez.  The wines that inspired this article are from Dominio do Bibei, a project from the wine superstar couple Sara Pérez and René Barbier.','inherit','open','open','','1286-revision-9','','','2013-05-15 01:21:34','2013-05-15 05:21:34','',1286,'http://planetavino.net/2013/05/15/1286-revision-9/',0,'revision','',0),(1302,1,'2013-05-15 01:33:27','2013-05-15 05:33:27','<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><a style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Oct-25-2012-1538.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft\" id=\"blogsy-1368594233730.4543\" alt=\"Spanish wine: Dominio do Bibei from the Ribera Sacra region\" src=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Oct-25-2012-1538.jpg\" width=\"230\" height=\"234\" /></a></div>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Ribeira Sacra is one of Galicia\'s least known wine appellations, yet it is producing some of Spain\'s most interesting wines. This very small area has attracted some top winemakers and small, artisanal projects due to its unique and challenging landscape. The wines, produced from unique indigenous varieties, are light, yet intense and very original. They are mostly white, but the reds are even more surprising, especially in a Spanish, hot climate context. There are many great wines that represent this unique terroir, including the spectacular El Pecado, a most unique red made by innovator enologist Raul Perez. The wines that inspired this article are from Dominio do Bibei, a project from wine superstar couple Sara Pérez and René Barbier.</p>\r\n<!--more--><span style=\"text-align: justify;\">All the factors that make up the style of the wines of Ribeira Sacra are quite unique. The vineyards are planted on dramatics slopes and terraces that make mechanization impossible and keep yields very low. The area is in the interior of Galicia, and not coastal, therefore it has a more continental climate, with longer, hotter summers and colder winters. However, like most of Galicia, it still receives a lot more rainfall than most parts of Spain.</span>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Due to the topography, traditional viticultural methods are still the norm, as are very traditional, minimalist winemaking techniques. The primary white grape varieties are Albariño, Godello, Treixadura and Loureiro. The primary red varieties are Mencía, Merenzao and Brancellao.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Dominio do Bibei is a project including René Barbier and Sara Pérez, that tries to respect the terroir and local varieties to the utmost, believing totally in the uniqueness of the vineyards. Besides Sara and René, who made their name with amazing wines in the Priorat region of Spain, the rest of the team is local, with a unique upstanding of the environment. If you check out the pictures at the <a title=\"Dominio do Bibei: Great Spanish wine from Ribera Sacra\" href=\"http://www.dominiodobibei.com/web/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">website</a>, you will see the sites are very special.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The wines are also very special. I had the chance to taste quite a few of them together and I was blown away. In a two-day tasting of hundreds of wines, they really stood out, and still do, in my memory.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The whites were very impressive, showing great depth, nerve and drinkability. They cost respectively 15€ and 35€.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">I first tasted the La Pola 2010, a white blend from 60% Godello, 15% Albariño, 10% Doña Blanca, and 15% others. Barrel fermented with lees aging. An intense but approachable white, honey and wax aromas, great acidity but round and great balance. The next white was the 2009 La Pena, their top white. It is 100% Godello. This is another of these Godellos that makes me love this grape so much. Godello done wrong can be a bit flabby, but in the right hands it is exquisite. The La Pena was like a knife blade, all stones, apple, citrus aromas. Very lean, intense...made my mouth vibrate. This is a white to decant. Lovely.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The reds were stunning...I taste these wines and every time I am blown away that they come from Spain. Too many years of drinking the big reds and I marvel at the lightness and elegance of these wines. I wrote a post on the <a title=\"Spanish Wine Review: Goliardo Espadeiro 2009\" href=\"http://planetavino.net/2013/04/06/spanish-wine-review-goliardo-espadeiro-2009/\">Tintos del Mar</a> or \"reds from the sea\" series from Bodegas Forjas del Salnés....I love that term. These are a little farther from the sea but they still have that whiff of ocean.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">I love those big reds...they represent Spain and when balanced, are spectacular. But I\'ve also been so impressed by some of the lighter, more austere styles coming out from some more extreme vineyard sites and regions in recent years.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The first red I tasted was the baby of the series, the Lalama 2009, which goes for the lovely price of about 15€. Black and red fruit nose gives way to a tarter red fruit on the palate. Good intensity, but smooth tannins and a lightness makes this a very food-friendly wine. The wine is mostly Mencía with a few others blended in.</p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Oct-25-2012-15381.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"aligncenter\" id=\"blogsy-1368594233709.2812\" alt=\"Spanish wine: Dominio do Bibei from the Ribera Sacra region\" src=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-Oct-25-2012-15381.jpg\" width=\"378\" height=\"374\" /></a></div>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The Lacima 2009 is the higher-end red, around 35€. It\'s 100% Mencía and really shows how elegant this grape can be. It has a very floral nose, with a lovely smokiness. The acidity is quite bracing, can be shocking at first, but then the aromas come in and the long smooth tannins. Very mineral in the mouth, a very angular wine, intense and light. So impressive. Mencía is one of my favorite Spanish grapes and this is a great example of it.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Next up were a couple of special bottlings of really unique grape varieties...what a treat! These are grapes you never really see outside of blends. First up the Mouratón 2008. Candied fruit, some spice and it gave the impression of being quite full bodied for the Bibei reds, despite it\'s 12.5% alcohol. Next blockbuster Brancellao 2008! Wow, what a spicy grape! Great red fruit aromas, smooth mouth but firm tannins, but the level of spice was unbelievable throughout...lingering on a super long finish. Loved this wine!</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The wines of Ribeira Sacra range greatly in price, from inexpensive to El Pecado, which goes for over 60 euros. They are generally good value for such unique and limited production wines.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">If you are looking for something totally unique, grape varieties you probably have never tried, and intense, but light and mineral wines that are great with food, check out Spain\'s Ribera Sacra region.</p>\r\n&nbsp;','Undiscovered Spanish Wines: Ribeira Sacra','Ribera Sacra is one of Galicia\'s least known wine appellations, yet it is producing some of Spain\'s most interesting wines.  The very small area has attracted some top wine makers and small, artisanal projects due to its unique and challenging landscape.  The wines, produced from unique indigenous varieties, are light, yet intense, and very original.  They are mostly white, but the reds are even more surprising, especially in a Spanish, hot climate context.  There are many great wines that represent this unique terroir, including the spectacular El Pecado, a most unique red made by innovator enologist Raul Perez.  The wines that inspired this article are from Dominio do Bibei, a project from the wine superstar couple Sara Pérez and René Barbier.','inherit','open','open','','1286-revision-10','','','2013-05-15 01:33:27','2013-05-15 05:33:27','',1286,'http://planetavino.net/2013/05/15/1286-revision-10/',0,'revision','',0),(1303,1,'2013-05-16 01:24:27','2013-05-16 05:24:27','','wpid-Photo-May-16-2013-121.jpg','','inherit','open','open','','wpid-photo-may-16-2013-121-jpg','','','2013-05-16 01:24:27','2013-05-16 05:24:27','',1304,'http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-May-16-2013-121.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1304,1,'2013-05-16 01:24:33','2013-05-16 05:24:33','Some thoughts on value Rioja...love the video format...short and sweet! The Spanish wine today was the Obalo Joven 2011.  Other great value Rioja recommendations <a title=\"Spanish Wine Review: La Montesa 2009\" href=\"http://planetavino.net/2013/04/30/spanish-wine-review-la-montesa-2009/\">here</a> and <a title=\"LAN Crianza: Bright and Fruity Rioja at a Good Price\" href=\"http://planetavino.net/2012/10/05/lan-crianza-bright-and-fruity-rioja-at-a-good-price/\">here</a>...\r\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><iframe src=\"http://player.vimeo.com/video/66295693\" height=\"305\" width=\"500\" allowfullscreen=\"\" frameborder=\"0\"></iframe>\r\n<a href=\"http://vimeo.com/66295693\">Spanish wine review: Value Rioja</a> from <a href=\"http://vimeo.com/planetavino\">Mary O\'Connor</a> on <a href=\"http://vimeo.com\">Vimeo</a>.</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-May-16-2013-121.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"aligncenter\" id=\"blogsy-1368681873077.7476\" alt=\"Spanish wine: Obalo Joven 2011 from Rioja\" src=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-May-16-2013-121.jpg\" width=\"358\" height=\"293\" /></a></div>\r\n&nbsp;','Video Spanish Wine Review: Value Rioja','','publish','open','open','','video-spanish-wine-review-value-rioja','','','2013-05-16 01:41:16','2013-05-16 05:41:16','',0,'http://planetavino.net/?p=1304',0,'post','',0),(1305,1,'2013-05-16 01:24:29','2013-05-16 05:24:29','<p> Some thoughts on value Rioja...love the video format...short and sweet!  The Spanish wine today was the Obalo Joven 2011.</p>\n\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><iframe src=\"http://player.vimeo.com/video/66295693\" width=\"500\" height=\"305\" frameborder=\"0\" webkitallowfullscreen=\"\" mozallowfullscreen=\"\" allowfullscreen=\"\"></iframe><br>\n<a href=\"http://vimeo.com/66295693\">Spanish wine review:  Value Rioja</a> from <a href=\"http://vimeo.com/planetavino\">Mary O&#39;Connor</a> on <a href=\"http://vimeo.com\">Vimeo</a>.</div>\n\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n\n<!--more--><div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-May-16-2013-121.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img src=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-May-16-2013-121.jpg\" id=\"blogsy-1368681873077.7476\" class=\"aligncenter\" width=\"358\" height=\"293\" alt=\"Spanish wine: Obalo Joven 2011 from Rioja\"></a></div>\n\n<p>&nbsp;</p>','Video Spanish Wine Review: Value Rioja','','inherit','open','open','','1304-revision','','','2013-05-16 01:24:29','2013-05-16 05:24:29','',1304,'http://planetavino.net/2013/05/16/1304-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(1306,1,'2013-05-16 01:37:37','2013-05-16 05:37:37','','Obalo joven 2011 thumbnail','','inherit','open','open','','obalo-joven-2011-thumbnail','','','2013-05-16 01:37:37','2013-05-16 05:37:37','',1304,'http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Obalo-joven-2011-thumbnail.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1307,1,'2013-05-16 01:33:15','2013-05-16 05:33:15','<p> Some thoughts on value Rioja...love the video format...short and sweet!  The Spanish wine today was the Obalo Joven 2011.</p>\n\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><iframe src=\"http://player.vimeo.com/video/66295693\" width=\"500\" height=\"305\" frameborder=\"0\" webkitallowfullscreen=\"\" mozallowfullscreen=\"\" allowfullscreen=\"\"></iframe><br>\n<a href=\"http://vimeo.com/66295693\">Spanish wine review:  Value Rioja</a> from <a href=\"http://vimeo.com/planetavino\">Mary O&#39;Connor</a> on <a href=\"http://vimeo.com\">Vimeo</a>.</div>\n\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n\n<!--more--><div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-May-16-2013-121.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img src=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-May-16-2013-121.jpg\" id=\"blogsy-1368681873077.7476\" class=\"aligncenter\" width=\"358\" height=\"293\" alt=\"Spanish wine: Obalo Joven 2011 from Rioja\"></a></div>\n\n<p>&nbsp;</p>','Video Spanish Wine Review: Value Rioja','','inherit','open','open','','1304-revision-2','','','2013-05-16 01:33:15','2013-05-16 05:33:15','',1304,'http://planetavino.net/2013/05/16/1304-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(1308,1,'2013-05-16 01:41:03','2013-05-16 05:41:03','Some thoughts on value Rioja...love the video format...short and sweet! The Spanish wine today was the Obalo Joven 2011.  Other great value Rioja recommendations <a title=\"Spanish Wine Review: La Montesa 2009\" href=\"http://planetavino.net/2013/04/30/spanish-wine-review-la-montesa-2009/\">here</a> and <a title=\"LAN Crianza: Bright and Fruity Rioja at a Good Price\" href=\"http://planetavino.net/2012/10/05/lan-crianza-bright-and-fruity-rioja-at-a-good-price/\">here</a>...\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><iframe src=\"http://player.vimeo.com/video/66295693\" height=\"305\" width=\"500\" allowfullscreen=\"\" frameborder=\"0\"></iframe>\n<a href=\"http://vimeo.com/66295693\">Spanish wine review: Value Rioja</a> from <a href=\"http://vimeo.com/planetavino\">Mary O\'Connor</a> on <a href=\"http://vimeo.com\">Vimeo</a>.</div>\n&nbsp;\n\n<!--more-->\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-May-16-2013-121.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"aligncenter\" id=\"blogsy-1368681873077.7476\" alt=\"Spanish wine: Obalo Joven 2011 from Rioja\" src=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-May-16-2013-121.jpg\" width=\"358\" height=\"293\" /></a></div>\n&nbsp;','Video Spanish Wine Review: Value Rioja','','inherit','open','open','','1304-autosave','','','2013-05-16 01:41:03','2013-05-16 05:41:03','',1304,'http://planetavino.net/2013/05/16/1304-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(1309,1,'2013-05-16 01:38:57','2013-05-16 05:38:57','Some thoughts on value Rioja...love the video format...short and sweet! The Spanish wine today was the Obalo Joven 2011.\r\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><iframe src=\"http://player.vimeo.com/video/66295693\" height=\"305\" width=\"500\" allowfullscreen=\"\" frameborder=\"0\"></iframe>\r\n<a href=\"http://vimeo.com/66295693\">Spanish wine review: Value Rioja</a> from <a href=\"http://vimeo.com/planetavino\">Mary O\'Connor</a> on <a href=\"http://vimeo.com\">Vimeo</a>.</div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-May-16-2013-121.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"aligncenter\" id=\"blogsy-1368681873077.7476\" alt=\"Spanish wine: Obalo Joven 2011 from Rioja\" src=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-May-16-2013-121.jpg\" width=\"358\" height=\"293\" /></a></div>\r\n&nbsp;','Video Spanish Wine Review: Value Rioja','','inherit','open','open','','1304-revision-3','','','2013-05-16 01:38:57','2013-05-16 05:38:57','',1304,'http://planetavino.net/2013/05/16/1304-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(1310,1,'2013-05-17 03:50:14','2013-05-17 07:50:14','','wpid-Photo-May-16-2013-1846.jpg','','inherit','open','open','','wpid-photo-may-16-2013-1846-jpg','','','2013-05-17 03:50:14','2013-05-17 07:50:14','',1311,'http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-May-16-2013-1846.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1311,1,'2013-05-17 03:50:19','2013-05-17 07:50:19','Always on the lookout for a great Grenache! This Spanish wine is old-vine Garnacha made in the Calatayud area of Aragón for the US market. The Evodia 2011 has gotten rave reviews around the blogosphere and from critics, so wanted to give it a try!\r\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/S2LB2twCF74\" height=\"305\" width=\"500\" allowfullscreen=\"\" frameborder=\"0\"></iframe></div>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-May-16-2013-1846.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"aligncenter\" id=\"blogsy-1368777019611.6113\" alt=\"Spanish wine: Evodia 2011 from Calatayud\" src=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-May-16-2013-1846.jpg\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></div>\r\n&nbsp;','Video Spanish Wine Review: Aragón Grenache','','publish','open','open','','video-spanish-wine-review-aragon-grenache','','','2013-05-17 03:58:44','2013-05-17 07:58:44','',0,'http://planetavino.net/?p=1311',0,'post','',0),(1312,1,'2013-05-17 03:57:32','2013-05-17 07:57:32','','Evodia 2011 thumbnail','','inherit','open','open','','evodia-2011-thumbnail','','','2013-05-17 03:57:32','2013-05-17 07:57:32','',1311,'http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Evodia-2011-thumbnail.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1313,1,'2013-05-17 03:50:15','2013-05-17 07:50:15','<p> Always on the lookout for a great Grenache!  This Spanish wine is old-vine Garnacha made in the Calatayud area of Aragón for the US market.  The Evodia 2011 has gotten rave reviews around the blogosphere and from critics, so wanted to give it a try!</p>\n\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" class=\"youtube-player\" type=\"text/html\" width=\"500\" height=\"305\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/S2LB2twCF74\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"\"></iframe></div>\n\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n\n<!--more--><div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-May-16-2013-1846.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img src=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-May-16-2013-1846.jpg\" id=\"blogsy-1368777019611.6113\" class=\"aligncenter\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" alt=\"Spanish wine: Evodia 2011 from Calatayud\"></a></div>\n\n<p>&nbsp;</p>','Video Spanish Wine Review: Aragón Grenache','','inherit','open','open','','1311-revision','','','2013-05-17 03:50:15','2013-05-17 07:50:15','',1311,'http://planetavino.net/2013/05/17/1311-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(1314,1,'2013-05-17 03:59:52','2013-05-17 07:59:52','Always on the lookout for a great Grenache! This Spanish wine is old-vine Garnacha made in the Calatayud area of Aragón for the US market. The Evodia 2011 has gotten rave reviews around the blogosphere and from critics, so wanted to give it a try!\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/S2LB2twCF74\" height=\"305\" width=\"500\" allowfullscreen=\"\" frameborder=\"0\"></iframe></div>\n&nbsp;\n\n<!--more-->\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-May-16-2013-1846.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"aligncenter\" id=\"blogsy-1368777019611.6113\" alt=\"Spanish wine: Evodia 2011 from Calatayud\" src=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-Photo-May-16-2013-1846.jpg\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" /></a></div>\n&nbsp;','Video Spanish Wine Review: Aragón Grenache','','inherit','open','open','','1311-autosave','','','2013-05-17 03:59:52','2013-05-17 07:59:52','',1311,'http://planetavino.net/2013/05/17/1311-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(1315,1,'2013-06-16 17:40:46','2013-06-16 21:40:46','','wpid-Photo-Jun-9-2013-1901.jpg','','inherit','open','open','','wpid-photo-jun-9-2013-1901-jpg','','','2013-06-16 17:40:46','2013-06-16 21:40:46','',1318,'http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/wpid-Photo-Jun-9-2013-1901.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1316,1,'2013-06-16 17:40:50','2013-06-16 21:40:50','','wpid-Photo-Jun-9-2013-1900.jpg','','inherit','open','open','','wpid-photo-jun-9-2013-1900-jpg','','','2013-06-16 17:40:50','2013-06-16 21:40:50','',1318,'http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/wpid-Photo-Jun-9-2013-1900.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1317,1,'2013-06-16 17:40:53','2013-06-16 21:40:53','','wpid-Photo-Jun-9-2013-1907.jpg','','inherit','open','open','','wpid-photo-jun-9-2013-1907-jpg','','','2013-06-16 17:40:53','2013-06-16 21:40:53','',1318,'http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/wpid-Photo-Jun-9-2013-1907.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1318,1,'2013-06-16 17:40:58','2013-06-16 21:40:58','<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><a style=\"clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/wpid-Photo-Jun-9-2013-1901.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"alignleft\" id=\"blogsy-1371418858950.0525\" alt=\"Simple Spanish food: the perfect salad dressed with Spanish olive oil and sherry vinegar\" src=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/wpid-Photo-Jun-9-2013-1901.jpg\" width=\"200\" height=\"267\" /></a></div>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">When I get back from Spain I\'m a bit overwhelmed by all the wonderful food and wine experiences. It\'s hard for me to get down to writing about it, so I\'m going to start today with some simple and perfect Spanish food: the composed salad. It\'s anything lovely arranged on a plate and dressed most simply with top notch olive oil, vinegar and sea salt. These plates were mainstays on my Spanish family\'s table...a favorite was tomato, cebolleta (baby onions), perfect oil-packed tuna or bonito. I used to have to avoid my American tendency to over-complicate and heap on ingredients...now I fully embrace the minimalism. My only concession to a US palate today is the use of fresh ground pepper and maybe a fancy salt. Look at this beauty I made the other day....just avocado, Kumato tomatoes and Vidalia onion dressed with Marques de Griñon olive oil, spectacular Romate aged sherry vinegar, and Soso chili sea salt. Perfect with a glass of rosado cava!</p>\r\n<!--more-->\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">My relationship with Spanish salads has often been complicated. Not so with the dressing. There is nothing better than the last minute dressing of olive oil, vinegar and salt thrown together,without measuring, at the last minute. It\'s the only dressing in Spain, the condiments arrive with your naked salad at the table and one lucky person is picked to dress the salad for the table. Such a simple operation, with no recipe, can seem complicated and intimidating to the uninitiated and the quantities of olive oil used can also be initially off-putting, but try it and you will come to love it. The lovely pool of oil and vinegar left at the bottom when you finish makes for spectacular bread dipping! Now that I\'m back home, I can\'t even touch most prepared dressings...they are seem so heavy and sticky.</p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/wpid-Photo-Jun-9-2013-1900.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"aligncenter\" id=\"blogsy-1371418858922.793\" alt=\"Simple Spanish food: a perfect Salad dressed with Spanish olive oil and Spanish sherry vinegar\" src=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/wpid-Photo-Jun-9-2013-1900.jpg\" width=\"300\" height=\"400\" /></a> Marques de Griñon olive oil, Romate PX sherry vinegar and Soso salt make a perfect salad dressing[/caption]\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The salads, composed, or otherwise, in Spain are usually very simple. I confess that while I lived there, I often found the salads a bit repetitive. I craved the 15 ingredient, deluxe American salad so much that my secret vice was a regular trip to the fast food VIPS chain for one of their enormous, American-style salads. I loved those monsters!</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">More sophisticated salads have long been available in the Catalan region and other regions where vegetables are highlighted, such as Navarra, La Rioja. Tendencies are changing, but most salads remain pretty simple, with just a handful of ingredients. The truly inferior ones have iceberg lettuce, tasteless tomatoes, and pools of water at the bottom!</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The longer I\'m back, the more I appreciate and miss a top quality, simple salad. The ingredients are highlighted, you can taste and savor every one, and the meal leaves you lighter in every way. To get those lovely salads here in the US you often have to go to fine dining establishments...what is available at the more economical level leaves a lot to be desired.</p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"300\"]<a href=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/wpid-Photo-Jun-9-2013-1907.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img class=\"aligncenter\" id=\"blogsy-1371418858934.7507\" alt=\"The perfect Spanish salad with olive oil and sherry vinegar\" src=\"http://planetavino.net/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/wpid-Photo-Jun-9-2013-1907.jpg\" width=\"300\" height=\"375\" /></a> The good stuff! Perfect for dipping bread![/caption]\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Luckily those simple salads are so easy to make at home! I play around a lot but here are some classic Spanish combinations:</p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li style=\"text-align: justify;\">The basic ensalada mixta: romaine lettuce, great tomatoes, onions, great quality canned tuna in olive oil, and a few olives....I like the anchovy stuffed ones. There are many variations of this salad, but it is usually quite simple. Dressed in the typical Spanish way....heavy with both oil and vinegar</li>\r\n	<li style=\"text-align: justify;\">Green salad: just lettuce and sweet onions, often cebolleta, dressed heavy on the vinegar. Usually seen with the meat course. Perfect acidic foil for a fatty dish, such as roast suckling pig or lamb, or a chuleta (steak). Different lettuces are appreciated here, frisée, mâche, or whatever is available.</li>\r\n	<li style=\"text-align: justify;\">Tomato salad: we eat this at El Timonel in Marbella. Just great tomatoes, minced garlic, generous olive oil, salt, and a tiny splash of sherry vinegar. Left to marinate for a couple of hours to blend the flavors....amazing!</li>\r\n	<li style=\"text-align: justify;\">Roasted pepper salad: typical everywhere in Andalucia, each place has a slight twist. Fresh roasted peppers are best, but good quality jarred ones will do in a pinch. Lots of roasted red peppers, grated tomato (on a box grater..discard skin), minced garlic, rings of sweet onions, lots of olive oil, and some sherry vinegar, salt to taste. This salad gets better with time.</li>\r\n	<li style=\"text-align: justify;\">Roasted pepper with bonito: this one is just roasted red pepper with oil-packed bonito tuna on top, simply dressed. A perfect combination. Bonito is widely available in the US but is pricy. Good quality oil-packed tuna can be substituted, but you\'ll be amazed at the bonito!</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">So many great possibilities...but simplicity and good olive oil are key to success!</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Wine matching here can be a challenge, sherry vinegar is very acidic. The olive oil and any fat such as avocado or oil-cured tuna will also round out the salad and make it easier to match. I really like a cava with Spanish salads....the acidity and sparkle really stands up well. Also a great dry Spanish rosé is excellent...the lightness and freshness of white, with the aromas of a light red...perfect! The best of both worlds can be found in my favorite rosado cava de Nit by Raventos I Blanc!</p>\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','Simple Spanish Food: The Perfect Salad','When I get back from Spain I\'m a bit overwhelmed by all the wonderful food and wine experiences. It\'s hard for me to get down to writing about it, so I\'m going to start today with some simple and perfect Spanish food: the composed salad. It\'s anything lovely arranged on a plate and dressed most simply with top notch olive oil, vinegar and sea salt. These plates were mainstays on my Spanish family\'s table...a favorite was tomato, cebolleta (baby onions), perfect oil-packed tuna or bonito. I used to have to avoid my American tendency to over-complicate and heap on ingredients...now I fully embrace the minimalism.  My only concession to a US palate today is the use of fresh ground pepper and maybe a fancy salt. Look at this beauty I made the other day....just avocado, Kumato tomatoes and Vidalia onion dressed with Marques de Griñon olive oil, spectacular Romate aged sherry vinegar, and Soso chili sea salt. Perfect with a glass of rosado cava!','publish','open','open','','simple-spanish-food-the-perfect-salad','','','2013-07-21 13:31:08','2013-07-21 17:31:08','',0,'http://planetavino.net/?p=1318',0,'post','',0),