The crisp cool days of autumn are the perfect time to throw on a cozy sweater and light jacket, take your loved one, and enjoy the outdoors for one last call before winter arrives at our doorstep. Here is my modest selection of Spanish wines to complement your enjoyment of fall weather.
In Red:
Izadi Reserva 2011. SAQ Code: 12604098. $20.50. Vintages: 461269
Rich aromatic intensity with a nice balance of red fruit, liquorice and spices and hints of smoke in the background.Elegant and round on the palate with a long aftertaste full of floral and ripe fruit notes. Will grace a cubed beef stew with navy beans in rich tomato sauce. 92/100
Condado De Haza 2012. SAQ Code: 00978866 . $26.85
On the nose, this classic Ribera del Duero exhibits a gorgeous nose of crushed blackberry, plum, currant, cedar, and tobacco. It, also, possesses a rich and savory feeling in the mouth to match its big cstructure and ripe tannins. Firm, full-bodied, and full of flavor, it will be a hit with braised lamb shanks and lentils. 90/100
Cune Gran Reserva Rioja 2009.SAQ Code: 12591944 . $28.75
In the middle of the Cune range, this out this world Gran Reserva offers plump, beautifully ripe fruit from a lovely warm, ripe vintage. Two full years in oak have both softened and structured the wine even more, to produce a classical known of Cune. Give it a try with a carrot and beef stew. 95/100.
Tinto Pesquera Ribera del Duero 2013. SAQ Code: 10273109. $32.75.
Vintage tasted 2012: This Ribera del Duero is aged mostly in American oak with 10% french oak. It has a seductive bouquet of black fruits such as cassis and with dry violets. On the mouth, it is elegant with mineral and pure black fruit flavors with an excellent aging potential for aging. 95/100. Give it a try with roasted prime rib roast.
In White:
Pazo de Senorans Albarino 2015. SAQ Code: 00898411 . $23.20
Aromas of nectarine, fresh figs, orange zest and white flowers. Dry, medium body with citrus flavours and a mineral-driven finish, which dances a long time in the palate. Offers an excellent balance between power and finesse. 92/100. Food match: Fresh Oysters, Steamed mussels.
Vina Gravonia Rioja Crianza 2006. SAQ Code: 11667927. $30.50
On the nose, floral notes of chamomile, ricola with honey and aromatic herbs. The palate is medium-bodied with a fantastic acidity and freshness that is amazingly crisp and persistent; it is more austere than exuberant, which was a real surprise. Tasty with lots of depth. 95/100 Food match: Indian curries.
Castano Chardonnay / Maccabeo 2015. SAQ Code: 10855758 . $14.10
This white blend from Murcia is medium bodied without being oaky. Great flavors of peach, melon and papaya with a soft finish. Their organically and sustainably farmed Macabeo and Chardonnay vines are well-established, now averaging more than 19 years old, at an altitude of 1500-2250 feet. Seafood based rice dishes. 90/100
Parès Baltà Calcari Xarel-Lo 2015. SAQ Code: 11377225. $19.85
Medium intensity nose with touches of pear and banana. Elegant and balanced with a very good acidity, fresh and structured. It passes the palate as a big wine would, with great flavors, and a medium-strong aftertaste. An elegant organic wine that is silky with good minerality, which I have enjoyed over and over again, when it comes down to price/quality, this is a winner!. 93/100. Try it with salmon roasted in the BBQ.
