Spanish wine is a bit of an untapped resource for me, which is a shame given bottles like these. I've been trying to explore a bit more of Spain, from tasting a Monastrell a few days ago to exploring the Priorat Region of Northeaster Spain, which is quite an interesting place. Priorat specializes in old vine Grenache. For many years they were known for rustic and rough wines, but lately there has been a bit of a renaissance in the region and winemakers have started tapping into the amazing potential of the often 100+ year old Grenache vines. Prices have also gone up, but this is a pretty exciting region, especially for someone like me who loves Grenache (most southern Rhone wines are heavy in that variety of grape).
The nose on the Salmos was very cherry and a bit of cherry cola (i.e. dried/candied cherry). The palate was cherry, berry, supple and smooth with chocolate, herbs and licorice rounding out the fruit. This was also a low acidity wine, but was not bloated, limp or jammy. A big and fruity wine that is full of character and, while powerful, not over the top. I am definitely seeking out more wines from this region, especially given Torres is a new entry into the region and there are plenty of older generation wineries to sample.
Excellent
$43 at BCLDB
2 comments:
Spanish wines are awesome! From the old--Rioja's R. Lopez Heredia's Vina Tondonia or Ribera del Duero's Tinto Pesquera, for instasnce--to the new--Priorat's Onix blend of garnacha and carinena--Spanish wines represent some of the greatest values in the market today.
You should try the Onix, which I mentioned a bit in my latest post. It's very decent, though I wouldn't categorize it as among my favorites from Spain. (Maybe you'll have a more positive take on it than I did!) Even better, you should try the 2005 Piqueras Monastrell, which is from the Almansa D.O. It's intense, with pronounced tannins, dark fruit, leather, spice--an interesting mouthfeel, as well. A must-try!
We have a pretty crappy selection of Spanish wine here in Vancouver. However, I am going down to Seattle in the summer and will check out The Spanish Table wine store for all those recommendations.
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