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.

South of the Border Discovery

‎A meal from south of the border has always proved a challenge to the Wine Armada. The spicy heat, and complex flavors, from so many Mexican dishes, makes wine pairing difficult. Red wine in particular, with tannins and higher alcohol levels, only serves to intensify fiery flavors to make jumping ship seem like the only viable option.

We finally unloaded one our finds from Binny's in Chicago and this unusual bottle proved to be the answer to our "spicy food prayers." The 2006 Alaia by Dehesa de Rubiales from Castilla y Leon proved to be an excellent partner when paired with pork chops, chile rellenos and ancho sauce. The smoky, earthy flavors, and slightly sweet, dark fruit on the finish of this medium-bodied blend (50% - the rare prieto picudo grape, 45% tempranillo & 5% merlot) makes me think the Wine Armada may have finally discovered the elusive Spanish red wine match for food that leans toward the hotter side of the thermometer.

Now, if only we could find something to pair with the even more elusive grilled asparagus.

Haul in Some "Bargains from Spain"

One of my favorite local wine shops, The Wine Merchant, Ltd., is raising the Spanish flag on these great wines, at even better prices. Below are just a few they have on board and some quick thoughts that may help guide you.

2009 Castano Rosé - Had this last weekend and was one of the best Spanish Roses I've tried. Great match for BBQ chicken or pizza.

2007 Protocolo Tinto - A very reliable bargain brand. Not real complex, but easy drinking. They make a nice white too.

2009 Ercavio Blanco - This is in "the cargo hold," so haven't sampled it yet, but I hear good things about this blend from the world's most widely-planted white grape (Airen).

NV Segura Viudas Cava Brut Rosé - Haven't had this yet, but have had other Cavas (sparkling wine) from Segura Viudas and they've all been excellent. To me Spanish Brut Roses taste cleaner & drier than others which tend to lean toward the sweet side.

2009 El Perro Verde Verdejo Rueda - Haven't had this either, but have never had a Verdejo that's been anything less than outstanding. Great summer wine that pairs really well with light pasta & seafood.

2008 Tres Picos Garnacha - One of my favorite grapes (Garnacha) from a consistent producer, vintage after vintage. This juicy red is always one of the best wines for the money you can buy. Try with some spicy BBQ.

2004 Viña Mayor Ribera del Duero Riserva - This is showing up all over town for some reason. Love this region (Ribera del Duero) for the Tempranillo grape. I plan on picking up a bottle soon, but I'm sure this one has a lot flavors and smooth finish.

2008 Sotorrondero - Just opened this last night with some ribs and it was AWESOME! Little known region (Mentrida) and more common varietals (mostly Syrah, with a little Merlot & Cabernet), but the combination tasted like something new and wonderful. Will be back for more since production and availability is limited.

2007 Artadi Rioja "Vinas de Gain" - Also on my radar for purchase soon since the description and reviews are all very positive.

Your best bet, of course, would be to pick up one of each, invite some friends over, and create your own personal "wine tour" of Spain. Just don't forget to contact me as an able and willing crew member aboard your ship!

Raising the White Flag

Sometimes the Wine Armada surrenders to the heat of summer. Thankfully, the winemakers in Rueda come to our rescue by combining two of this region's most notable grapes in this 50-50 blend of Verdejo and Viura. Think turbo-charged Sauvignon Blanc and this unique white will have you quickly forgetting the need to pour anything red in your glass.

2008 Esperanza Verdejo Viura

Rueda, Spain

THROUGH THE NOSE: Citrus and white flowers.

AROUND THE MOUTH: Ruby red grapefruit and fresh white peaches.

ON THE SIDE: Was the perfect match for chicken enchiladas, but would also work well with your "catch of the day."

BY THE NUMBERS: This can be yours for around $14. I captured my bottle at City Gourmet in downtown St. Louis. Wine Armada gives this a 16-gun salute on our 21-gun salute scale.

IN SUMMARY: Rueda is a region quickly gaining in popularity and is placing Spain on the world map with white wine that is fresh, flavorful and fabulously food friendly. So if the outdoor temperature is taking the wind out of your sails, try this or other Verdejo blends to right your ship.

Pink Wine at Night, Sailors Delight

We promised a review on this organically-grown, tetra-packed wine after our “STAYcation” at Saint Louis Cellars, and the Wine Armada now delivers. Trying one of these new “green” packages has been on the radar for awhile, so when this Monestrall/Syrah blend from Spain’s Alicante region appeared on their horizon, we immediately sailed full-speed ahead.

2008 Yellow + Blue Rosé

Alicante, Spain

THROUGH THE NOSE: Hard cherry candy and red raspberry jam

AROUND THE MOUTH: Pomegranate and strawberry juice, with a tenuous minerally, acidic grip on larger than usual Rosé frame.

ON THE SIDE: Serve cool, but not cold. Was the perfect partner to an herbed chicken thrown on the grill. Would perform just as well on it’s own poolside, on a warm summer day.

BY THE NUMBERS: Saint Louis Cellars will surrender this for only $13.99. Wine Armada gives this a 15-gun salute on our 21-gun salute scale.

IN SUMMARY: An extra salute is fired in honor of yellow+blue wine’s earth-friendly commitment with their packaging and organic certification. This Rosé is as fresh and flavorful as anything from a bottle and is a trend we can all get on board with.