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Saturday, March 6th, 2010

 
Notes by Yoko 
 
2008 Bodegas Pedro Escudero, Fuente Milano, Verdejo-Viura     $11
Where: Castilla y Leon, Spain
Grape: Blend of 50% Verdejo and 50% Viura
Along the Duero River northwest of Madrid is the historic Spanish wine region of Rueda. Up until 1970's, the region was known for sherry-style oxidized wine made from Palomino grape. However, things changed in 1972, when Rioja-based Marques de Riscal and a renowned enologist Emile Peynaud saw the potential to produce fresh white wine from Verdejo, Viura and Sauvignon Blanc. The region's chalky soil and continental climate with cool summer nights help the grape to develop aromatic flavors while retaining acidity. Located in the heart of Rueda, Bodegas Pedro Escudero produces this delightful wine from Verdejo and Viura. Featuring lively fruit of grapefruit, green apple and lemon complemented by bright acidity, this is a wonderful alternative for those who like white wine without any oak.
 
 
2009 Crios de Susana Balbo, Torrontes    $15
Where: Cafayate, Argentina
Grape: Torrontes
Originally thought to be a variety brought from Northern Spain, Torrontes's true being is most likely a result of a crossing created long ago from Muscat of Alexandria and Criolla China (or Mission grape of California) according to the recent DNA research. "Crios" means offspring as in children and the three hands on the label represent Argentina's famous female winemaker Susana Balbo and her children. After two decades in winemaking, she has a strong sense of what she wants from her wines and compares making great wine to raising a child. This Torrontes displays intriguing aromas of peach, pear, with hints of honeysuckle and orange blossom, along with ruby grapefruit acidity. This bottle of "Crios" would love to put arms around grilled seafood, smoked meat and spicy Mexican and Thai food.


2007 Bodegas Catena Zapata, Catena Chardonnay     $20
Where: Mendoza, Argentina
Since the soils and microclimates greatly affect the resulting wine, Catena family conducted extensive research of their vineyards in the foothills of the Andes Mountain. As a result, they found that at different altitudes, wines express different flavor profiles. La Piramide Vineyards at 3,100 elevations provides ripe tropical fruit with rich texture, Domingo Vineyards at 3,700 elevations show  white stone fruit and citrus notes, and Adrianna Vineyards at 5,000 elevations contribute notes of floral and mineral, plus excellent acidity.
Made from Chardonnay from 3 different vineyards at different elevation level, this wine offers balance, concentration and varietal identity. Californian Chardonnay Lovers, this wine proves that Argentina can also make smooth and lush Chardonnays like the ones you usually enjoy. 
 
 
2008 Bodegas Esmeralda "Tilia" Malbec     $10
Where: Mendoza, Argentina
Grape: Malbec
Tilia is the Latin name for Linden, which is a traditional tree widely grown in Argentina and that is what you see on the label of this wine. The flowers of Tilia have been consumed as an herbal tea by the vineyard workers after a hard day of work for generations and the Bodegas chose the name "Tilia" to honor this wine country tradition. Produced by Bodegas Esmeralda, which is part of Catena family winery, Tilia line was created for the value segment of the Argentine domestic market. Fruit for this Malbec comes from the eastern and southern regions of Mendoza and the wine shows ripe and lush fruit of cherry and cassis, complemented by a touch of chocolate, warm spices and silky tannins on the palate. Generous fruit, easy to open screw top, and $10 price point of this wine makes it a great crowd pleaser.
 
 
2008 Gouguenheim Cabernet Sauvignon     $12
Where: Mendoza, Argentina

Valle Escondido means "Hidden Valley" and that is where this bottle of hidden gem is from. The Valley is located in the shadows of the Andes in Mendoza, Argentina. Although it hardly ever rains here with guaranteed 300 or more days of sunshine a year, water supply is not a problem since the snow melt from the Andes is used for the irrigation of the vineyards.  A lot of sunshine during the day and coolness of the nighttime help the grape to develop flavors while retaining its acidity to produce well-balanced wine. Layers of rich and juicy black cherry and plum fruit of this wine are complemented by notes of vanilla and tobacco, followed by supple tannins and acidity. From the country with the highest beef consumption in the world, this bottle would be delicious with many of hearty meat dishes.
 
 
2006 Bodegas Carrau, Tannat de Reserva     $13
Grape: Tannat
Where: Las Violetas, Uruguay
Uruguay is a pie-shaped country about a size of Washington State, tucked between Brazil and Argentina in South America, owing its cultural and linguistic heritage to Spain. Brought by a French Basque immigrant from Madiran, Southwest France in 1870's, distinctive, tough, deep black berried Tannat is the leading grape variety here.  Tannat is locally called Harriague after Pascual Harriague, who was one of Uruguay's winemaking pioneers. It is used for production of fortified wines, sweet roses and full-bodied dry reds. Aged in new French oak for 18 months, this wine displays classic cedar on the nose along with raspberry and plum fruit on the palate with structural tannins. Who knew Uruguay is capable of crafting a high-quality wine like this for $13!

 

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