Friday Sips

Something from top-notch Albarino producer Paco Y Lola we haven't featured in the past mostly because we never really knew that it existed is this old vine 50% Tempranillo-50% Garnacha blend from their Navarra property. Navarra is officially part of the Basque country and is one of those areas of Spain where diversity runs rampant and wine styles and grape varietals can change from sub-zone to sub-zone with ever changing terroirs.

The epitome of smoothness and very expressive of its site, this wine offers up extroverted fragrances of cassis, violet, allspice, black licorice and a hint of mineral. In the mouth, this red is flavorful, palate pleasing and very plucky and not having a mean bone in its body. The finish is impressively laden with exotic spice and plenty of persistence. Enjoy this delicious Spanish red with anything from roasted chicken to roasted lamb shanks.

The Galicia region of Ribera Sacra (sacred banks) is home to some of Spain's most exciting and unique wines. A leading producer in the area and one that is ridiculously undervalued is Ramon Losada's D. Ventura estate. Three different cuvees of red wine are produced from the slopes above the Sil and Mino Rivers. Working this land is extremely difficult with the terraces in some parts so steep that all the grapes are brought down using dumb waiters. All farming is done by hand and Ramon, and with the help of Gerardo Mendez of Do Ferreiro, the King of all Albariño, in the production of the wines, magical things do occur.

100% Mencia from the single vineyard of Burato and with 80+ year vines, this is a unique, flavorful, detailed 12% alcohol red wine that is aged entirely in stainless steel tanks has plenty of impact. The result is a wine of dark red color and offering an intensely aromatic nose of red berries, minerals and dried flowers. Firm redcurrant and wild strawberry flavors possess admirable energy and a sappy quality, picking up light tannins with air. The succulent and very soil-driven finish features a deeper cherry-pit quality and outstanding length. Drink this obscure, yet delicious offering through 2019 and pair it with a bevy of pork dishes, especially Jamon Serrano.

t used to be that we could say that Spain is the thrift store of great value wines. We wish this statement were still true but lately it seems as though Spain really runs the risk of becoming the next Australia with homogenized, tooty-frooty wines that are all about nothing. In fact, we're waiting to see some Spanish wine featuring a critter doing some sort of flamenco dance on the label. Fortunately there are still producers who make Spanish wine that tastes of Spain.

Bodegas Vegalfaro is a producer that is new to us and one that we are overly excited about. From just outside Valencia in the Utiel-Requena region, Rebel.lia is a blend of the local Bobal grape combined with splashes of Tempranillo and Garnacha Tintorera and is quite the head turner for 10 bucks! Direct aromas and flavors permeating of dark chocolate, Asian spice, red, black and blue berries coat the palate with roasted earth and good structure to add a level of intrigue. Utterly enchanting with soulful fare from barbecued ribs to paella.

The region of Valdeorras in Western Spain is a hot spot for white wines that reflect their amiable climate and varied soils. Adegas A Coroa is one of the area's exciting producers. Angel Lopez and his family own 10 acres of Godello vines around their winery situated at 1500 feet above sea level with the soils being a virtual slate beach.

Perfumy and very detailed; intense clay-soil driven minerals are buffered by lilac, orange/lemon, ginger and fennel. The fleshy, vinous and clean attack shows plenty of mouth-coating aspects, but the real beauty lies in the back of the mouth as the wine gains profound energetic zest and length. An absolute delight with spring seafood dishes and will especially make a halibut dish with a salsa verde a symphonic experience.