Ribera Del Duero Event w/ Snooth, Montecastrillo, Ferratus, Malleolus, and Matarromera
Hello Friends,
I know you would never believe this, but I uncork or unscrew a new wine adventure just about every day. Being a wine enthusiast, a wine blogger, and someone who thoroughly appreciates and enjoys the liquid expression of a place, a person’s vision, and Mother Nature’s influence, I often tell people that wine is one of the most intriguing beverages in the world. It’s a hobby where there is always something new to taste and learn as well as great people to meet in real life or via those wonderful social media portals called Facebook and Twitter.
Having a Splash of Rosado
Below are a few wines I had a chance to review for a recent Snooth and Drink Ribera wine event accompanied by my tasting notes and a picture I snapped of each bottle. These wines are from the Ribera del Duero wine region, hence the name Drink Ribera, which is located in northern Spain. This region has a long winemaking tradition dating back to the Roman period and specializes almost exclusively in red wine produced from Tinto Fino/Tinta del País -- known to most of us as Tempranillo. If you’re seeking out full-bodied, robust red wines that offer good quality-to-price ratios, then I suggest giving this region a look the next time you visit your local wine shop. Variety, so they say, is the spice of life; so, keep an open mind and an open palate and enjoy the experience. Drink well my friends!
Montecastrillo 2012 Rosado
1) Finca Torremilanos Montecastrillo 2012 Rosado (SRP $14): Produced from a 100% Tempranillo, this refreshing and jazzy selection exhibits a vibrant red fruit core with underlying citrus tones and a touch of fresh herb that is nicely balanced by fresh acidity. The wine does have some meat on its bones, but it is light on its feet and is a nice bottle to greet the arrival of summer. This wine is dry and versatile and is an ideal aperitif or a nice wine to pair with light summer fare. During the event, some tasters suggested pairing a bottle with grilled fish tacos -- a match I totally agree with and will more than likely try. Click here to find this wine.
Ferratus A0 2011
2) Bodegas Cuevas Jiménez, S.L. Ferratus A0 2011 (SRP $19): This is a 100% Tempranillo that has been aged for 5 months in French oak barrels. In the glass, it displays a deep ruby color with inviting spiced berry fruit and ripe plum next to hints of cured meat, violets, and vanilla roasted almonds. It is medium-to-full in body with a rounded mouth-feel that’s balanced by slightly chalky tannins and enough food-friendly acidity to make it enjoyable. Overall, this is a Ribera Del Duero wine made in a more modern style that all of my guests found pleasant and moderately complex. This is good juice for the money that’s drinking nicely now that also has the potential to develop further with short-term cellaring. Click here to find this wine.
2009 Malleolus Reserva
3) Bodegas Emilio Moro, S.L., 2009 Malleolus Reserva (SRP $49): This deeply colored wine is 100% Tempranillo that’s aged for 18 months in 100% French oak barrels. It sports a ripe and voluptuous profile with expressive aromas of blackberry preserve, red currants, and mixed berry cobbler with subtle cedar, brown spice, and toasted vanilla notes. The wine is velvety in texture with a round mouth-feel and rich mid-palate with a slight tannic grip in the medium length finish. Overall, this is a well-structured and nicely balanced wine that would complement flavorful grilled meats (hint-hint …summertime cookouts). Click here to find this wine.
2008 Matarromera Crianza
4) Bodegas Matarromera, S.L., 2008 Matarromera Crianza ($30): This wine displays an intense dark ruby color with inviting ripe blackberry, baked plum, dried fig, and toasty oak alongside anise, eucalyptus, sweet tobacco and new leather. The aromas echo on the palate with a round texture, medium-firm tannins and soft acidity with a dollop of vanilla in the lasting finish. Overall, this is a dense and solid wine that’s drinking nicely now and asking to be shared with grilled red meats. Click here to find this wine.
Try These Reds w/ Grilled Meats
Have a question about this post? Feel free to drop me an e-mail at myvinespot@yahoo.com or hit me up on Facebook or Twitter. Stay tuned ...more to come. Happy Sipping, my friends! Disclosure: These wines were provided for an event. Thoughts are my own.
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