Zarate 2016 Balado Albariño Rias Baixas DO

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Zarate 2016 Balado Albariño Rias Baixas DO ($48.99) with Hake Galician Style

A family-owned and operated winery in Spain’s coveted Rias Baixas DO in Galicia. Rias Baixas attained its appellation status in 1998 with less than 40 wineries in operation, but has grown to over 240 today. Albariño, an aromatic grape variety probably related to Riesling, thrives in the cool, wet, and sandy soils of Galicia. This pairing follows the tried and true “what grows together, goes together” approach: locals would most certainly be enjoying a similar meal. Depending on viticultural practices and the vintage, this grape can range from lean and tightly wound to broad and fleshy, but a core fruit profile of peach and apricot is typical. Expect this wine to show great body and weight on the palate, with lifted floral aromas. Drink 10-13 C.

Altovinum 2013 Evodia Old Vines Garnacha Calatayud, Spain

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Altovinum 2013 Evodia Old Vines Garnacha Calatayud, Spain

 Evodia is an exciting new project in the Denominacion de Origen Calatayud, hailed as one of Spain's most progressive and promising wine growing regions. It is here, in the vineyards of Atea, that Altovinum sources their Garnacha grapes for Evodia. In addition to the remarkable climate due to elevation, the property is comprised of pure schiste soils, known as pisara in the local area. Aficionados familiar with the wines of the Priorat and the Roussillon are well acquainted to this soil type and its extraordinary influence on the wines.

 Named after the Greek word for aroma, the Evodia is the product of very old vine Garnacha (up to 100 years old).  Aromas of rich blackberry, cola, licorice, pepper and Indian spices open up in the glass.  Flavours of smoke, mocha and black fruit linger on the finish. This wine is aged in stainless steel, which makes it a better candidate for pairing with spicy foods than reds aged in oak.  The tannins of the Evodia are smooth and silky, an important element when the wine is being paired with spice. 

Comenge Tempranillo (32.99) Spain

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Plush, full and smooth body. This wine has balanced out in the bottle after 14 months in French and American oak. Dark unctuous smoky fruit with notes of gingerbread and black pepper.