Wine Blogging Wednesday #2: Spanish Red Wine
My selection for this evening is a Rioja. Allende 2000 has been called the "modern" side of Rioja. Winemaker Miguel de Gregorio and his sister Mercedes produce this Rioja from 100 percent Tempranillo, which is grown on their estate's terraced vineyards along the Ebro River. This vintage is aged for 13 months in a combination of French and American oak prior to bottling. A Girls on Grapes best in show selection for August, this evening's tasting is certainly an important taste test considering the wine notes on this bottle suggest it will hold well in the cellar through 2012. It is, after all, 100 percent tempranillo.
The tasting notes suggest "aromas of cherries intermixed with black currants and pencil shavings. Elegant, vivid and sophisticated, showing pure fruit flavors of blackberry and blueberry, accented by vanilla from oak and kept lively by crisp acidity. Well-proportioned and well-integrated." Suggested retail ranges from $24 to $29 per bottle, with scores of 89, 90, and 4 1/2 stars (for whatever ratings are worth). I'm just happy to report, this is a delicious investment.
First, I should note the deep red-purpley coloring, and the thick unctuous legs my swirling produces. There is substantial fruit on the nose, which carries through on the palate. In addition to the fruit in the tasting notes, I'm getting some smoke, a tobacco-like subtleness, which is followed by traces of dark chocolate. This is a medium bodied wine, that is well balanced with a bit of muscle (okay, structure). The acidity brings this wine to balance, and makes me think it would stand up to just about any meal. This evening, I'm testing a recipe for Moroccan spiced lamb meatballs. I believe my point is proven. Even the tang in the yogurt, mint and cilantro dip doesn't diminish the elegance of this wine. In fact, I believe the pairing brings out a bit of licorice in the wine. Very Nice. Nothing like wines that love food, and foods that love wine.
My recommendation: Buy, stash and enjoy for the next 5 or 6 years... if you can keep it around that long!
Check in with Alder at Vinography for all the Wine Blogging Wednesday action!
7:25:13 PM 
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