Mad About Cava

The "Mad Men" TV series has both my wife and me hooked since the first episode. So it goes without saying, we were ready to celebrate the end of their nearly 18-month hiatus, with the season five premiere on Sunday night. Something with bubbles was in order to pair with a few charcoal grilled shrimp skewers. For the Wine Armada, Cava, the sparkling wine of Spain, was the obvious answer.

In keeping with the "Mad Men" theme, I hauled a bottle out of the cargo hold with an incredibly appropriate label. Once the cork was popped, Masach Lunatic Brut Cava exploded with aromas of fresh-cut limes and wet stones. More citrus, with some honey and ginger notes, came through on the palate, finishing with lively acidity that carried through to a clean, refreshing finish. For under $10, Cava once again establishes its place as one of the wine world's top bargains.

While we chose Spain's sparkler for a special occasion, Cava is right anytime, anywhere. Food friendliness, low alcohol levels and universal availability are all reasons to keep at least one bottle on hand.

For more information on Lunatic, and other wines by Masach, please follow this link:
http://www.cavasmasachs.com

MOnastrell - Where Spain Meets Missouri

A new personal discovery was made recently by the Wine Armada’s excursion to the Midwest Grape and Wine Conference. A Kansas City-based winery is now pushing the viticultural boundaries past the usual Missouri plantings of Norton, Chardonel, Vignoles, etc., and is successfully experimenting with more traditional varietals such as Cabernet Savignon, Malbec & Viognier. And, much to our delight, the results of those pioneering explorations can be quite tasty.

Spying a bottle of 2010 Mourvedre on one of conference tasting tables immediately captured our attention. We already knew this particular grape has been produced with great fanfare in the Jumilla, Yecla and Alicante regions of Spain, where it is known as Monastrell. Some high-end gems, like Bodegas El Nido Clio and Bodegas Olivares Jumilla Dulce have even risen the so-called bar of this common grape, which usually makes for delicious every-day wine, at an every-day price. Up until this moment, we had never seen Mourvedre/Monastrell from a Midwestern vineyard.

We were “blown out if the water” after the first sip, reveling in the depth of flavor, intense dark fruit and the long, smoky, pleasing finish. We were ecstatic after turning the bottle around to reveal the producer, Amigoni Estate, haled from western Missouri. We wanted to learn more and checked out the website for the interesting background story behind this “urban winery,” the other varietals they made available, and who was steering this noble ship into this uncharted territory.

Unfortunately, availability is currently non-existent near our home base of St. Louis. But what we do know is the next time we are sailing into the Kansas City area, Amigoni Urban Winery will definitely be one of our ports of call. A huge Wine Armada salute goes to Amigoni Estate for the unprecedented success of bringing one of our favorite Spanish grapes home to Missouri!

For more information, please check their website: http://winery.amigoni.com

Tasting a Legend

The culinary pairing gauntlet was thrown with some Dyreks Ranch bison tenderloins on the Wine Armada Saturday night dinner menu. Being leaner, a little more dense and flavorful than beef, the perfect Spanish wine compliment led us somewhere we had yet to explore, but had been anxiously awaiting the uncorking, after a year in our cellar. It was now time to unleash...the "Black Label"!

Miguel Torres is one of the most famous, and influential, winemakers in Spain and the much-sought-after Torres Mas La Plana "Black Label", illustrates the depth of his talents. This classic was produced from a single vineyard in Penedes (a northeastern Spanish wine region) from 100% old-vine cabernet sauvignon and aged 18 months in new French oak. Mas La Plana received notoriety in the 1979 Paris Wine Olympiad when it was awarded top prize over many other well-respected European wines.

Since we selected the 2003 vintage, there was plenty of time for tannins to settle and flavors to develop with some aging. This paid off handsomely, with this elegant wine providing a delicious accent to the bison steak, without overpowering the meat's subtle, unique flavor. A complex combination of dark fruit, leading to a long finish hinting of herbs and licorice, made it worth the wait to finally experience the magic created by Miguel Torres.

Here is a link for more information on Torres, Mas La Plana and his other more affordable wines that are readily available. In fact, another "can't miss" pairing, is his under-$10 Sangre de Toro and Spanish shrimp.

Salud!

A Victorious Spanish Wine Tasting Event

A huge Wine Armada salute to Andy Bartee, from Eric Solomon Selections European Cellars, for hosting an off-the-chart Spanish Wine Tasting recently held in Clayton, Missouri. We appreciated him journeying north, from his home in Dallas, to share some old favorites, and new releases, that are now available at the Wine and Cheese Place on Forsyth.

After a brief intro, he had us jump right into the always reliable 2010 Burgans Albarino. Vintage after vintage, this Spanish white can do no wrong with it’s fresh, but restrained citrus flavors. Try it with fish tacos for a full-tilt pairing.

Underrated Godello followed, with the usual “I love Godello” emanating from the crowd, after the first few sips. The 2009 Pena das Donas Almalarga hails from Ribera Sacra and proved to be an exquisite example of the grapes unique blend of delicious fruit and minerality.

Next was the 2004 Izadi El Regalo Reserva Rioja which may have which had the best nose of the night. Bright fruit, combined with a bouquet of roses, just exploded from the glass, repeating that same freshness on the palate.

2006 Bodegas “Orben” Rioja paved the way for an onslaught of red wines, each more powerful than the last. This was in the more traditional Rioja style, showing more tannin and deeper flavor than the Izadi.

We sailed on to the Ribera del Duero region next and the 2009 Finca Villacreces “Pruno” lived up to the billing as the best value of the evening. This neighbor to the famed Vega Sicilia estate costs only $19.99, but delivered flavor and finesse of wines two to three times the price.

2006 Finca Villacreces Ribera del Duero was a heady blend of bright expressive fruit followed by an incredibly long finish that was a roller coaster of dark flavors and spice. Quite worthy of the 94 pt. rating bestowed by Wine Advocate.

2009 Jimenez Landi Sotorrondero always impresses and makes one wonder why more wine is not exported from the obscure region of Mentrida. An outstanding blend of Syrah and Garnacha, and under $20, this one is always a crowd pleaser

The beast was unleashed at the end of the tasting to accolades worthy of the world’s finest wines. Big and bold, but still tightly wound due to its youth, the 2007 Nit de Nin Priorat had a perfect balance of fruit and terroir to lend to its supple framework. Rated 95 pt. by Wine Advocate, this should be at the top of your special occasion wine shopping list.

Up and down the line-up, it was an unbelievable night of some of the best Spain has to offer, that will not soon be forgotten by those lucky enough to attend. For more information on any of these wines, stop by the Wine and Cheese Place or log on to www.europeancellars.com

Cracking Crabs with Cava

After hauling in a huge load of crab legs, the Wine Armada sensed a challenge. We figured crab and Cava would make a great combination, but which one of Spain’s sparklers would work best?

We began our journey with Miquel Pons Brut Nature. No dosage during fermentation, makes this drier than most Cavas, but creating an intensity of flavor we all enjoyed. In fact, we thought this wine resembled Champagne more than any Cava we had previously tasted.

Montsarra Cava Brut was next on deck and dazzled us with a complex array of flavors. This more traditional Cava had a great balance of aromatics, flavor and a squeaky clean finish.

We concluded our journey with a bottle of Segura Viudas Brut Reserva Heredad Cava. This mothership of Spanish sparkling wine was a creamy, elegant symphony of citrus and minerals, with a finish that sailed on and on. Full of flavor, yet light on it’s feet.

As expected all paired quite well with the fresh steamed crab, occasionally dipped in melted butter. But the the true shining beacon of the evening was the Miquel Pons. Something about the fine texture of the wine, it’s lack of residual sugar, and citrus peel notes, made a magical merger with the crab.

Let us know when you put crab and Cava on your menu and what results from your expedition.

Salud!

Pairing Paella

Paella - the dish that launched a thousand interpretations. This culinary diversity makes for a wine pairing challenge. Fortunately, the Wine Armada, armed with tasting experience in both Paella and Spanish vino, has risen to this occasion presented by a friend’s dinner invitation. The words “we’ll cook, if you bring the wine,” is music to our ears.

We christened our journey with one of the “Kings of Cava”, Segura Viudas Brut Reserva. While simple, inexpensive cavas are always crowd pleasers, this bubbly adds new found depth, and richness, to the palate for only a few dollars more. It was absolutely delicious on it’s own, but catapulted our first course of balsamic-drizzled tomatoes, and steamed mussels, to new gastronomic levels.

A series of wines were then opened, and ready for their orders, when the Paella was served. First out of the dock was a rare find, Montecillo Blanco. While I thought the 2007 vintage was possibly past its prime, others on board were extremely pleased. Even a few “I drink mostly-red wine" crew members were captured by the classy restraint, and minerality, of this White Rioja.

The 2010 Bodegas Borsao 'Campo de Borja' Garnacha Rosado was next in line and the fresh strawberry/red raspberry aromas quickly seduced everyone. More of the same red berry flavors pleased the palate with a clean, refreshing finish. The quality of this rose' made it quite obvious why this segment of the wine market has seen such explosive growth recently.

The classic Paella pairing of red Rioja was next, with two diverse styles ready to test the waters. The 2009 Montebuena Rioja was the youngster of the pair, offering a beautiful blend of red cherry, great acidity and a long, pure aftertaste. The 2006 Bodegas Lan Rioja Crianza was deeper and darker, with black cherry, leather and spice notes, but more astringent tannins than one would expect from a five-year old wine.

This particular Paella was perfectly prepared, containing more seafood and chicken, with a smaller quantity of chorizo. This meal continued to confirm I am a huge fan of white Rioja (Viura) with this style of Paella. The Montecillo Blanco's subtly, and minerality, was in glorious harmony with the ingredients in the dish. The Montebuena Rioja was a second-place finisher, with great fruit, and impeccable balance, that would satisfy the “red wine only” audience.

While the other wines were also quite good, they fell to the rear of the fleet with this particular Paella. The Rosado being too fruit-forward, and would be a better match with barbeque chicken or cheese enchiladas. The big, bold structure of the Rioja Crianza would best be served with steak hot off the grill or pot roast.

Let the Armada know your Paella wine pairing preference, and what discoveries you've made in the wide world of Spanish wine and cuisine.

Set Your Course for 3500 Winehaus

A big, 21-gun salute for Marco, of A. Bommarito Wines, for conducting the January 25, Spanish wine tasting event at 3500 Winehaus in South St. Louis. This destination was not previously on the Wine Armada charts, but we have now implemented a course correction, with plans on returning as soon as possible. The cozy confines, and congenial crowd, combined with a unique wine line-up that made for a successful journey through the various regions of Spain.

Beginning with a luscious, well-balanced Cava Reserva, continuing through a wide array of whites and reds, we ended with a muscular garnacha/syrah blend from the increasingly popular Madrid DO. The following is the full wine menu we experienced, along with an enticing array of Spanish cheeses, local deli meats, olives and bread supplied by our 3500 Winehaus hosts.

Gran Gesta NV Cava Brut Reserva

Penascal Sauvignon Blanc

Agrícola Castellana Inspiracion Pampano Rueda

Bodegas Legado Muñoz, Tempranillo

Altanza Dominio de Heredia Rioja

Merum Old Vines Grenache - Syrah

All these wonderful wines are available for purchase at 3500 Winehaus. If winter squalls cause your crew to seek shelter, this classy little port of call may be just what you need to right your ship.