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Category Archives: Member’s Forum

Wine Tastings and more in Tuscany

04 Sunday Aug 2019

Posted by Alfonso Sanchez in Member's Forum

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By Peter Scherer

Most of you will have visited Tuscany. I had not, until this summer. Sylvia and I spend a good month in Florence and the countryside. Staying a week at the Batzella winery, at the invitation of our friends, wasa highlight. Aside from getting some first hand lessons on the art of making wine, we used the winery as a hub to visit what is outstanding in Tuscany — much there is.

This proposition of visiting three wineries with 15 tastings, not to forget the grappas and olives, in 5 hours is nothing short of absurd. If you really want to immerse in Tuscan wines, you may want to consider attending  the annual special Tuscan Coast (from Pisa area down to the Maremma DOC of Morellinodi Scanzano) wine tasting event. It is organized by a producer association called Grandi Cru della Costa Toscana,  of which the Batzellas are are member.   You could  taste over 150 wines from some 50 leading Tuscan wine producers. The event takes place early May for 2 full days.

Alternatively you could  go for in depth tastings at the Tenuta dell’Ornellaia and the Batzella wineries. The Guada al Tasso Estate, producer of Sassiciaia, has been closed for visitors. So no tastings there  Tenuta  Ornelliaia is one of the foremost producers in the Bolgheri appellation. Its Ornellaia is one of the original Super Tuscans, made from Cabernet Sauvignons and Merlot. Its owner hails from the illustrious Antinori family of Sassicaia fame. The Batzellawinery does not have a comparable pedigree but it is up and coming. A visit of the winery has been voted  as the No. 1 thing to do in Castagneto, the municipality of Bolgheri.

The Batzella property abuts the Ornellaia estate, which is adjacent to Guada al Tasso’ Sassicaia vineyard. The two are separated by a pintoresque olive tree lined country road. Hence, at the Batzella’s one is in good company. Their terroire is very similar to that of their more famous neighbors.

We had a memorable dinner at the Osteria del Tasso — outside in the garden, five tables only,  with a view at the Tyrrhenian sea. The wines were spectacular.  Maybe it was the ambience, the sun set casting the last rays through the pine trees or the knowledge that a reportedly similar wine from the estate had garnered 100 points from Parker.

Not to forget Bolgheri. This quaint hamlet of 150 inhabitants breathes wine — more displays of wine bottles and cases per square inch than any other place we have seen.  It features a charming square and lovely restaurants, adorned by artistic flower arrangements. We spend hours there, observing the locals in the pursuit of their daily routines with barely another tourist to disturb.

Three Wine Regions Worth Exploring

05 Sunday May 2019

Posted by Alfonso Sanchez in Member's Forum

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Bolgheri, England, New Mexico

By Juan Luis Colaiacovo.

The links below correspond to articles related to New Mexico, Bolgheri and South England wine regions.

New Mexico

“To my surprise.”

New Mexico’s Deep Winemaking History
This Southern border state planted grapevines back in 1629. And now, nearly 400 years later, the quality of New Mexico’s wine only continues to grow.

Read in Wine Enthusiast Magazine: https://apple.news/A7eQoDtIuQmWKpAmyTMkgBA

Bolgheri (Italy)

“How  interesting.  Regrettable that we did not buy earlier. Our friend (Franco Batzella) former World Bank had excellent vision to establish his winery there.”

Wines From a Little-Known Region Became Some of the Most Expensive in the World
Ornellaia’s vineyard in Bolgheri, Italy. Courtesy of Ornellaia Bordeaux, Burgundy, Barolo. Any oenophile’s eyes will light up at these names. With histories of winemaking dating back centuries, premier wine regions like the aforementioned trio command high prices and break records at auctions. So how did Bolgheri, an obscure Italian hamlet, rise to fine wine prominence on par with these regions within just a few decades? For this Tuscan coastal area, which was granted DOC (Denomination of

Read in FORTUNE: https://apple.news/Ao5JaUqllReaqypgnaaaltQ

England

” We should try these sparkling. Also visit the place. How would these evolve if the french champagne makers are interested as it seems to be the case?”

Kent wine tour: Top wineries to visit – Decanter
The orderly vineyards at Gusbourne Estate, which also boasts a sleek new visitor centre. There’s a good reason why Kent is described as the Garden of England. With much of it edged by the sea, stretching from the Thames estuary all the way round to the English Channel, you’ll find a verdant landscape of rolling hills, blossom-filled orchards, white-cowled oast houses (hop drying kilns), and timbered villages with tile-hung cottages. And thanks to its eastern location, it gets more sunshine and

Read in Decanter: https://apple.news/AvvkdTJNmNb2AgqpZjmdNzQ

Tasting No. 46 -Batzella Wines -Bolgheri- at Total Wine of Maclean, Va

15 Sunday Nov 2015

Posted by Alfonso Sanchez in Member's Forum, Tasting Meetings

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– Many thanks to Peter Scherer who, with only a few days notice, had wanted and succeeded in hosting an impromptu and private tasting of Batzella wines for his Wine Club (https://vinotables.wordpress.com). Peter’s enthusiasm for our story and our wines is really an inspiration for us in our wine journey!
– Many thanks to our ex Bank colleagues to have taken the time on last minute to come taste our wines and ask so many questions about our winemaking!Your appreciation is what motivates us in our continuing quest for quality terroir wines!
– A special thank you to Gianlucca of Total in McLean for helping with this last minute event! You are great!
– To Peter and all in the Wine Club who couldn’t make it: we promise indeed to be back soon for a dedicated tasting with the Club, and we promise we shall give you proper advance notice!

These were quite remarkable wines rated by the critics 90+ points.  They come from the coastal region of Tuscany, specifically from the Bolgheri DOC.  We tasted the Digiá , the Peán and the Tam.  Different from other Tuscany wines, these are Bordeaux-type blends but a bit different from the Super Tuscans in that the Bolgheri DOC is heavily influenced by the proximity to the sea that gives these wines and special character .  Total Wine is carrying them.

Can find more about this exciting winery at: http://www.batzella.it/catalogo.aspx

Recorrido de los Vinos Españoles en 2013

06 Thursday Feb 2014

Posted by Alfonso Sanchez in Member's Forum, Wine Regions, Wines

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Por Miguel Segovia

SpainFlagMiguelSegoviaReconociendo que las diferencias climáticas y variedad de suelos hacen de la Península Ibérica un lugar privilegiado para la producción de vinos de características muy distintas, al iniciar nuestra exploración de los vinos de España, partimos nuestro recorrido dividiendo a España en seis regiones, que por sus características geográficas y climáticas, nos ayudaran a conocer sus diferentes variedades y estilos de vinos:

  1. Noreste/ Galicia.  En la costa sus albarinos y en el interior en Bierzo y Valdeorras, sus Godello y Mencia.
  2. El valle del Duero y sus vinos de Cigales, Toro y Rueda
  3.  La meseta central. Castilla la Mancha, Madrid y Valdepeñas
  4. El Valle del Ebro.  Rioja, Navarra y Cariñena
  5. Andalucía.  Su jerez y manzanilla
  6. Cataluña.  Cava, Priorato y Penedés

Estimo, apreciamos cómo los vinos españoles, han ido adquiriendo mayor calidad y que hoy día compiten en el mercado mundial, con ventaja en relación a su costo y calidad. También pudimos apreciar como los tempranillos varían de acuerdo a su procedencia, caracterizándose en tres estilos; los de Castilla, más ligeros, los de Rioja, mas balanceados, finos y de medio cuerpo, los del Duero, con más cuerpo y densos.

Como sus variedades blancas nos brindaron agradables y refrescantes vinos de verano y buenos compañeros de comida de mar.

O sea que el vino tiene que saber a la uva o uvas de que está hecho y reflejar el estilo y características del lugar en donde es hecho.

A lo que no pudimos llegar fue a la región de Cataluña, y la costa norte del Mediterráneo.

Cataluña, una región con un espíritu independiente. En donde su vinculación con el vino data del siglo IV AC cuando barcos fenicios llegaron a las costas catalanas cargadas de ánforas, de piedra para los vinos de calidad y de cerámica para los vinos corrientes, con el propósito de trocar metales por vino a los etruscos.  Posteriormente la colonización, griega, romana, musulmana deja huellas y marca su historia del vino.

Recordemos como la cultura mediterránea del vino tuvo uno de sus ejes cardinales en el Penedés (la vía augusta, aorta comercial del comercio internacional romano atraviesa el Penedés) y en donde a su vez confluyen los caminos vinarios  del Ebro, Duero, Ródano y Guadalquivir.

En la actualidad sus DOs comprenden app. 60.000 viñedos, en Cataluña, Emporda, Costa Brava, Costers del Segre, Penedés, Monsant, Priorato y Cava. Y sus vinos tinos no son principalmente tempranillo sino garnacha y cariñena, y su blancos macabeo y parellada y su estilo es espumante (cava) producido con el método champagnois

Destacan dos de sus regiones Priorato y Cava

Priorato

Junto con Rioja son las únicas dos regiones DOC (dominio de origen calificado) en España. Su nombre “Priorato” tuvo su origen en la edad media, cuando un minero tuvo un sueño, en donde las laderas empedradas se convirtieron en una escalera al cielo, por donde ascendían y descendían los ángeles.

En el siglo XI se fundó en ese sitio un monasterio cartujo, que fue conocido como “La Scalla de Dei”, y que por la importancia y relevancia de la presencia de los frailes, fue conocido como  “priorato “, derivado del español “ prior “.

Priorato es remoto y rocoso, su terroir es único y sus suelos muy pobres y sus cosechas de bajo rendimiento y gran extracto, y en donde el suelo  conformado por piedras de pizarra que parecen venas de cuarzo resquebrajadas se le conoce como “llicorelas”, los cuales imparten acentos de mineralidad a la vid.

Vinos de cuerpo, color oscuro y definido y aptos para el añejamiento.

Sus uvas la garnacha y la garnacha peluda, la cariñena, syrah y cabernet sauvignon, y en donde predomina el estilo Bordeaux. Pocos viñedos siguen la tradicional clasificación de crianza, reserva y gran reserva, lo usual es la “ vi de guarda” 18 meses en barril y 6 meses en botella.

Pocas regiones como esta tienen la capacidad para la elaboración de unos vinos excepcionales por su estructura, graduación y fuerza, que hoy día son considerados como las joyas más cotizadas del vino español

Algunos de los productores a tener presentes: Palacios, Pastrana, Jose Luis Perez, Rene Barbier, Mayol, Llicorella, Igneus, Celler Mas de les Pereres y otros.

Penedés/Cava

De espalda las montañas empinadas del macizo de Monserrat y al frente el Mediterráneo.  Su clima y suelos de magníficas condiciones para el cultivo de la vid.

Región de Posición de vanguardia en la tecnología del vino: elegantes espumosos (cava ), blancos secos y aromáticos, intensos chardonnay de crianza, rosados frutales y buenos tintos de gran prestigio y calidad.

Sus cavas producidos por el método “champanoise“ desde 1872, por la bodega Codorniu de don Jose Raventos. En sus inicios se conocía como “xampany” o sea champan.  Posteriormente al reconocerse que aunque similares no eran parecidos y por lo tanto merecían su propio nombre cava.

Cava no es un espumante que busca ser champagne. Tienen muchas coas en común como su método de elaboración y los estilos (brut, extra brut, dry, demisec ).  Pero se diferencian en que cava es un vino producto exclusivo de uvas blancas y el champagne es un maridaje de blancas y tinta.  Su terroir y clima no tienen semejanza, en su añejamiento el champagne lo hace por 15 meses y el cava por 9 meses.

Pero tal vez la diferencia más importante es la imagen que el consumidor tiene.  Se podría decir que el champagne históricamente se relaciona con momentos de gran celebración  y casi una bebida de lujo, en donde su maridaje se da con el caviar.

En España, la cava, es un vino de fiesta, de brindis de momentos para festejar y recordar, la manera perfecta de empezar una noche de verano, acompañada con un pan con tomate o un buen queso. Indispensable en un bautizo, en donde hasta el niño que se bautiza lo prueba.

Recordemos que cuando se recorren las calles de Barcelona, hay lugares de tapas y casi el mismo número de “champagnerias”

THE TOP 100 WINES OF 2013 – WINE SPECTATOR – Some observations

23 Saturday Nov 2013

Posted by Alfonso Sanchez in Member's Forum

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Top 100 WS

Top WS 100 – Comment

Alfonso Sanchez

There are several salient features in the WS Top 100 Wines for 2013:

• 61 wines on the list are from the new world, of which 27 are from the USA which probably shows the increasing quality of American wines and/or the evolving assessment criteria than gives more weight to new world styles (more fruity, high alcohol) as opposed to the old world’s. You guess.
• Six wines South America made it to the list (three from Chile and three from Argentina).
• Spain got 9 wines on the list but it is remarkable that 6 are from Rioja, including the number one – Imperial Rioja – Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España Gran Reserva – 2004 95 pts. ($63). The other three wines are from Bierzo, Campo de Borja and Sevilla (Manzanilla La Gitana). Is this a signal of the focus on quality by the wine makers in Rioja? Perhaps.
• There are 24 wines on the list that cost $25 or less, of which 12 are on the top 50.
• There are 36 wines that cost between $25 and $50 of which 20 are in the top 50 wines
• In total 60 of the 100 wines cost $50 or less.
• The lowest priced wine on the list (Badia a Coltibouno- Toscana Cancelli -2011) in only $10.

In the same issue of the WS there is a section of 100 wines of outstanding value (defined as 90 points or higher costing $18 or less). Eleven of them are also in the Top 100 list. There France has 26 wines, Italy has 15, Australia has 10, Washington has 10, Argentina has 4 and Chile has 1.

These observations might help us in selecting candidate wines for our tastings. We could say for example that we should not taste wines under say $18 or $20 unless they have a rating of 90 points or more. In this way we can gradually raise the quality of our tastings.

Printable List of Top 100 Wines _ Top 100 of 2013 _ Wine Spectator

Tasting NOTES_Printable List of Top 100 Wines _ Top 100 of 2013 _ Wine Spectator

Let’s Pray

30 Wednesday Oct 2013

Posted by Cecilio Augusto Berndsen in Humor, Member's Forum

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pray

Let’s Pray

letsprey

Ribera del Duero and Cigales, Castilla y León

09 Saturday Feb 2013

Posted by ClubVino in Member's Forum, Tasting Meetings

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Cigales, Ribera del Duero

Ribera del Duero and Cigales, Castilla y León

 ‪DO Ribera del Duero

notes and information researched by Jairo Sanchez

Ribera del Duero is a Spanish Denominación de Origen (DO) located in the country’s northern plateau and is one of eleven ‘quality wine’ regions within the autonomous community of Castile and León. It is also one of several recognized wine-producing regions to be found along the course of the Duero river. Roughly 90 minutes drive north of Madrid, the region stretches over 149km, east to west, across the provinces of Soria, Burgos, Segovia & Valladolid.

The region is characterized by a largely flat, rocky terrain and is centered on the town of Aranda de Duero, although the most famous vineyards surround Peñafiel and Roa de Duero to the west, where the regional regulatory council or Consejo Regulador for the denominación is based. At the heart of the Ribera del Duero region is Aranda de Duero, home to just over 32,000 people.

Ribera del Duero is home to the world-famous and highly-prized Emilio Moro, Cepa 21, Vega Sicilia and Tinto Pesquera wines and is dedicated almost entirely to the production of red wine from the Tempranillo grape.Ribera del Duero was named wine region of the year 2012 by the prestigious Wine Enthusiast Magazine.

Wine_Spain_Map

Ribera del Duero DO (Denominación de Origen) is an important wine-producing area in the Castilla y León autonomous region of Spain. Its reputation is largely thanks to the high-quality of its red wines, the best examples of which are renowned throughout the world. The capital of Ribera del Duero is the historic town of Aranda de Duero, which boasts a series of antique underground cellars (bodegas) built to store wine. The interconnecting cellars reach a depth of 40ft (12m) in places. Despite a long history of winemaking, Ribera del Duero was not awarded DO status until 1982. A corresponding Consejo Regulador (wine-regulating authority) was then established to administer it.

Ribera del Duero sits on the elevated northern plateau of the Iberian Peninsula at 2800ft (800m) above sea level. It is divided by the Duero River (as its name would suggest – Ribera del Duero means ‘bank of the Duero’), which provides the local vineyards with a much-needed water supply

History. Wine has been produced in the region for thousands of years, but viticulture, as we know it probably arrived in the Ribera del Duero region with Benedictine monks from Cluny in the Burgundy region of France in the twelfth century. Ribera del Duero wine making goes back over 2,000 years as evidenced by the 66-meter mosaic of Bacchus, the god of wine that was unearthed relatively recently at Baños de Valdearados.

 As in many regions of Spain Church cultivated the vine. By the 1500s wine based on Tinta del Pais had become the region’s main economic product. In the 1650s wineries in Aranda del Duero were said to have produced 6 million liters of wine. Underground tunnels were utilized for temperature control and aging of wine. In 1864 Vega Sicilia was founded with the first vines from Bordeaux being planted in the area. After being granted D.O. in 1982, due largely to the work of Alejandro Fernandez, who founded Bodega Pesquera, an explosion of development occurred shifting production from inexpensive to top quality red wine wines from Tempranillo in a more concentrated, full-bodied and fruit-driven style than most Rioja wines of the day, which were then virtually the only Spanish red wines found on export markets.

Ribera del Duero wines are enjoying greater popularity, thanks largely to the considerable interest shown in the area by experienced growers from other regions.

Geography. Ribera del Duero is located on the extensive, elevated northern plateau of the Iberian Peninsula. It occupies the southern plains of the province of Burgos, extends west into Valladolid and includes parts of Segovia and Soria provinces to the south and east, respectively. As its name suggests, the region follows the course of the Duero river for approximately 115 km upstream from Valladolid and is around 35 km at its widest. The region is located around the younger stretches of the river, which later passes through the nearby Toro and Rueda regions before traversing the famous Portuguese growing areas of Douro and Porto, where it drains into the Atlantic Ocean

Geological Features. Tertiary sediments, consisting of gently lenticular layers of silty or clayey sand, alternate with layers of limestone, marl and chalky concretions. The Duero valley, formed during the Miocene period, has a flat, rocky, gently undulating terrain, ranging from 911 m down to 750 m above sea level.

Vineyards occupy around 120 km² of the region, most of which are situated in the province of Burgos, with around 5 km² in Valladolid and 6 km² in Soria.

Climate: The Ribera del Duero has moderate to low rainfall (450 mm per year) and is exposed to quite extreme climatic conditions; long, dry summers with temperatures of up to 40 °C are followed by hard winters during which temperatures may fall as low as -18 °C. There are also marked variations in temperature within each season. The climate is continental and Mediterranean, with more than 2,400 hours of annual sunlight.

The majority of plantings are sited within the valley and thus protected from extreme weather. Due to the high altitude, 2,300 to 2,750 feet, nighttime temperatures are much lower than daytime temperatures allowing grapes to maintain essential natural acidity. Frost in late Autumn and early Spring is a worry in this area and while rare temperatures can drop as low as -5 degree Fahrenheit. 

Soil: The main growing area is made up of the high plains, steep slopes, shallow slopes and riverbanks. Most vines are planted on the shallow slopes where chalk and limestone predominate in the soil making up to 50% of the total. Clay, marl and sandy soils are also found in the region.

Wine Production. Wines produced in the Ribera del Duero DO derive almost exclusively from red grapes. The Albillo grape is the only white variety grown, white wines being mostly destined for local consumption. The vast majority of production is dedicated to Tinto Fino (local name for Tempranillo), the dominant red varietal in the northern half of the Spanish peninsula. Tinto Fino is often, but not always complemented with Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Merlot, although the famous Tinto Pesquera, grown by Alejandro Fernández in Pesquera de Duero, is a 100% Tempranillo varietal wine. The introduction of Pesquera’s 100% Tinto Fino wine was, at the time, somewhat controversial, as the considered benchmark Vega Sicilia wines traditionally blended Tinto Fino with such Bordeaux varietals as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec.

There are many similarities between Rioja and Ribera del Duero. Whereas the wines are quite distinctive as a result of significant differences in terroir, both regions produce wines selected for long aging with highly complex vinification procedures, producing intense, extremely long-lived wines emanating from largely limestone soils. Wines are classified as much for their longevity as their grape quality, and Ribera del Duero produces some extremely well-aging wines. The aging requirements for Ribera del Duero are the same used in Rioja. Wines labelled as “Crianza” must age two years with 12 months in oak. “Reserva” wines must be aged at least three years with at least 12 months in oak. The “Gran Reserva” labelled wines must spend 5 years aging prior to release, two being in oak.

The town of Pesquera is particularly noted for its wines and the area around La Horra (another small town in the region) is respected by locals for its consistent quality. Viña Sastre is one of the region’s more respected wine producers and the world-renowned Vega Sicilia easily the most famous. Vega Sicilia’s more eminent customers include Prince Charles of the British royal family, while Alex Ferguson‘s favourite wine is Pesquera. Other notable bodegas include, Dominio de Pingus, Bodegas Alion, and Hacienda Monasterio, all of which lie along The Golden Mile, Spain.

Grapes: Tinta del Pais, the local clone of Tempranillo, makes up 85% of plantings in Ribera del Duero. While Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Malbec are allowed grapes in the blend, although not permitted to be planted in new vineyards. Garnacha makes of the remainder of the vineyards along with Albillo, a white grape traditionally used to make rose when blended with Tinta del Pais. Vines vary in training between bush vines and wire trained, with the wire trained vines pruned to allow 16 bunches per plant. .

The Duero River becomes the Douro (the famous Port river) in Portugal. Ribera del Duero is famous for its red wines. Several wine estates in this area have sparked a trend of attracting producers interested in producing high-quality red wines

Wines

At more than 800m above sea level it’s among the highest wine producing areas in Europe. Steeped in history and romance, the Ribera del Duero landscape can often appear rugged and stark, yet it’s home to some of the most acclaimed wines in the world. The climate can be harsh at times with temperature fluctuations of more than 20 degrees in a 24-hour period. We also have relatively low rainfall and high sun exposure which puts the vines under considerable stress, making them work harder for every drop of moisture leading to better quality grapes and high quality wines.

The region’s inland location, coupled with the sheltering effects of the nearby Sierra de la Demanda and Sierra de Guadaramma mountain ranges, creates an extreme climate in which hot and dry summers are followed by harsh winters. In the growing season, the high daytime temperatures are combined with considerably cooler nights – a condition which assists in the optimum accumulation of aromas and other chemical compounds (phenolics) in the grape.

 

The Tempranillo grape

Tempranillo, or tinto fino as it’s known locally, is the predominant grape variety in the Ribera del Duero and ever since the region gained recognition in the 1980s it has produced some of Spains most complex, deeply coloured and fruity wines. Highly tannic, alcohol rich and full bodied red wines are the hallmark of the Ribera del Duero region.

The Ribera del Duero Denominación de Origen (DO or appellation) has four official classifications of wine. Most wineries, including use these classifications as standard. These are:

Joven: A term applied to a young wine; typically these wines see little or no time in oak & is released as a fresh & fruity wine.

Crianza: A wine labeled ‘crianza’ has spent at least one year in an oak cask and sold immediately.

Reserva: A ‘reserva’ wine has been aged for a minimum of 2 years; one of which in an oak barrel before being available to the public.

Gran Reserva: These wines are aged for 2 years in an oak cask and a further three years in the bottle.

Recently a fifth classification has crept into our every day awareness called Barrica or Roble. The Barrica / Roble wine has been aged for a minimum of 4 months in oak barrels giving sweeter tannins to young wine.

 

Vendimia.

Around mid October the Ribera del Duero region goes to harvest (or Vendimia as it’s known here). The Denominación de Origen test and analyze throughout the early part of October and sometimes even late September to determine the exact moment when the harvest can begin. While the region is quietly working hard behind the scenes for the rest of the year the harvest season can be frenetic as there is a very short window to harvest the grapes before the regional heavy frosts begin again.

Alternating layers of limestone, marl and chalk under silt and clay topsoil add complexity and character to Ribera del Duero wines.

The leading local producer is Bodegas Vega Sicilia, which took the wine world by storm with its ‘Unico’ label. Pesquera is another renowned brand, created by the region’s best-known winemaker, Alejandro Fernández. The success of Vega Sicilia and Pesquera quickly turned local producers away from bulk rosé and selling to co-operatives and focused their attentions on making quality reds. Other prominent producers include Dominio de Pingus and Emilio Moro.

Nowadays, Ribera del Duero is almost entirely devoted to red wine, with Tempranillo the most widely planted grape variety. It is known locally either as Tinto Fino or Tinta del Pais and produces wines which are deeply colored, with a firm tannin structure and complex aromas of mulberry and blackberry. Most of the top examples age gracefully for years. According to DO regulations, Tempranillo must make up a minimum of 75% of all vinos tintos (red wines). The balance is made up of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Malbec (varieties that were introduced by Vega Sicilia well over a century ago) or up to 5% of Albillo or Garnacha (Grenache). Garnacha is used for most rosé wines, and a few wineries employ small quantities of Bordeaux varieties in their red blends. Albillo is the only white grape grown in Ribera del Duero, producing wines for local consumption that don’t qualify for the DO, or in minor quantities as a softener for heavy reds.

DO Cigales

Cigales DO is located on the banks of the River Pisuerga. Valladolid, Cigales’ main city, lies at the heart of the Castilla y Leon autonomous community of Spain. It was awarded DO status in 1991. Despite the relative recentness of the DO, this region has a long and proud history of wine making and its landscape is adorned with castles and other relics of the past. Wine-making dates back many centuries, having quenched the thirsts of the nobility and religious disciples who lived in the many castles and monasteries that dot the countryside.

Cigales sits in the Duero trough and straddles the Duero’s second largest tributary, the Pisuerga, which provides much-needed water to this otherwise dry region (annual rainfall is around 15 inches/400mm). Like other areas of Castilla y León, Cigales experiences a continental climate, with marked variations in seasonal and day temperatures. Summer temperatures of 104F (40C) and drought are not uncommon and severe winter frosts are a constant threat. The region’s soils largely consist of sand and chalk over clay and loam. Most vineyards sit at an altitude of 2300ft (750m).

Grapes

This is a region now mostly known for its rosados of Tinto del Pais (Tempranillo) and Garnacha, with quality red wines made from the same grapes. A small amount of white wine production is produced from Verdejo and Albillo. 

Severe heat experienced during the growing season ensures that the Tinta del Pais (Tempranillo) and Garnacha (Grenache) grapes achieve maximum ripeness, producing the aromatic, lively and mostly dry rosé wines (rosado), for which the region is best known. Interesting red wines are also increasingly being produced, employing the same grape varieties. Although winemakers have started experimenting with international varieties; Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah, which have been enjoying growing success in neighboring regions Toro (red varieties) and Rueda (white varieties).

A small quantity of white wine is made in Cigales, from Verdejo, Viura (Macabeo) and Albillo grapes. Whites have been permitted by the Consejo Regulador since 2011

 

Cigales Top Wines (Jancis Robinson)

Translanzas 2005

Sinforiano Vaquero Reserva 2005

Museum Real Reserva 2004

Valdelosfrailes, Pago de las Costanas  2003

Cesar Principe 2000 and 2005

 

The Wine: Museum Real Reserva 2008

 

Museum RealWine Maker:                 Finca Museum, Bodegas Museum , Cigales D.O. Castilla y Leon

Classification:               DO, Reserva, from  Cigales, Spain

Grape:                          Tempranillo, 60-100 years old vines

Vintage:                        2008       APV: 14%

Shelf Live:                    2015

Serving Temperature:   17C

Price:                           $25+ Shipping ($7)

Store:                           Hops and Grapes, Internet Order

Pairings:                       Meat, Grill, Heavy Menus, Aged Cheeses, Pasta

Local Availability:          None. Available only in NJ, NY, CN, CA and by Internet

Ratings:                       90+ Robert Parker

Tasting notes:

WS. This focused red offers crisp cherry and fresh herb flavors, with accents of vanilla and smoke. Features light tannins and fresh acidity.             RP. (2006) This is a Highly complex wine with intense cherry flavor and early petroleum aromas.  The 2006 Museum Real Reserva was sourced from 60- to 100-year-old vines with one-third of the wine aged for 20 months in French oak. It, too, displays some elegance to complement the       wine’s fragrant bouquet and savory flavors. It will benefit from 2-3 years   of additional cellaring and offer prime drinking from 2013 to 2021. The nose was very interesting with earthy red fruits and vanilla along with hints of spices and herbs.

The flavors were more black fruits along with currants, licorice and chocolate. The oakiness and  acidity were well balanced. Great finish with cassis. Evinces a whole spectrum of spicy notes to the nose, the result of its ageing in oak, combined with aromas of jam and ripe fruits. It is subtle and enveloping, with smoky cigar tones       which evolve towards notes of very ripe red fruits. Powerful, meaty and voluminous, the ripeness of the fruit has polished the tannins and overall it is velvety, tasty and expressive, with a magnificent mouthfeel and a very long finish.

Vintner: Similar to Chateauneuf-du-Pape but with concrete underneath.

Pairings for the Wines of Castilla y León

08 Friday Feb 2013

Posted by ClubVino in Member's Forum

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Castilla y Leon, Cigales, pairings, Rueda, Toto

Pairings for the Wines of Castilla y León

Pairings para los vinos de Toro:
Toro“Rich pork dishes, cured ham, sheep cheeses, roasted lamb, stews”.
Los platos tipicos de las regiones de la Comunidad Autonoma son:
1. Valladolid.
cangrejos, conejos, gallina en pepitonia, lechazo asado, pichones estofados, sopas de ajo, gallo turresillano
2. Salamanca.
calderillo bejarano, hornazo, lechazo asado, lentejas, limon serrano.
3. Burgos
bacalhao, lechazo asado, olla podrida, morcilla de Burgos, cangrejos de rio, sopas de ajo.
4. Zamora
bacalhao a la tranca, habones de Sanabria, truchas sanabreza.
5. Palencia
cangrejos, codornices, lechazo, conejo, minestra de verduras, sopas de ajo
6. Leon
botillo, sopas de ajo, sopa de trucha, cocido maragato.
7. Segovia
cochinillo asado, lechazo asado, judiones de la granja, ponche segoviano, sopas de ajo.
8. Avila
codornices en escabeche, estofado de carne, liebre con judias blancas, cabrito a la caldereta.

Rueda

Rueda

Pair Rueda’s wines much in the same way you might a Sauvignon Blanc. It is excellent with greens dressed in vinaigrette and other sharp ingredients such as tomatoes and olives. Fish and shellfish are also natural partners.

Riberra del Duero

Ribera del Duero

Ribera del Duero

Information on food pairings with Ribera del Duero wines was very limited. The informational booklet we received had nothing on food pairings, and there seemed to be but a single slide in the formal presentation that addressed that topic. We were given some suggestions on pairings for the following wine types:

  • Rosado: Light dishes, appetizers, fish, chicken and fried foods
  • Cosecha: Cheese, cold cuts, pizza, BBQ
  • Crianza: Lamb chops, roasted meats, grilled salmon
  • Reserva: Roasted meats, mushrooms
  • Gran Reserva: Grilled lamb chops, suckling pig, Manchego cheese
Cigales

Cigales

Cigales

Snooth.com suggests some pairings for the 2003 Museum Real Reserva from Cigales:

  • Broccoli and Rice Casserole
  • Spiced Winter Squash with Fennel
  • Pan-Seared Strip Steak with Red-Wine Pan Sauce and Pink-Peppercorn Butter
  • Potato Parsnip Purée
  • Baked Onions with Thyme
  • Roast Pumpkin with Cheese “Fondue”

As Bebidas mais Caras do Mundo

01 Friday Feb 2013

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Bebidas, Bebidas Caras, Expesive

“Veja no blog do Club del Vino a lista de bebidas mais caras do mundo    clique aqui:

CLUBVINO1

Club del Vino  Clubvino1

Money can’t buy happiness

07 Monday Jan 2013

Posted by Cecilio Augusto Berndsen in Humor, Member's Forum

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money

Money can’t buy happiness, but it can wine that is the same thing!

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