Water into Wino

I do my best drinking in the morning.

It's 10:50 am, Saturday. It's freezing outside yet sunny -- perhaps the coldest day of the year so far, and my girlfriend and I share the unspoken thought of not leaving the apartment. As I map out my eating schedule for the rest of the day, she says "Let's drink some wine. Is there anything we can open?" I immediately go back into food thoughts. Linguine with meat ragu would be a tasty lunch, and I do have sauce I could thaw. If that's not a meal that wants red wine, I don't know what is. I figure I better open it before lunch so it can breathe and open up.

So I've rationalized opening a bottle of wine before 11 am. What do I open? Well, I've got many Italian bottles that aren't all that cheap, some I'm holding, and some that I'm saving for special occasions. Then I recalled a bottle that I purchased for no other reason than to taste it before Monday, the first day of all wines being 25% off at Astor Wines, and see if I want to buy a few at the discount price. My palate is fresh in the morning, so why not begin the day with red teeth and a smile?

The wine I chose is another from the value country of Spain. More specifically Bierzo in the Northwestern area that is a part of Castilla y Leon. What drew me to these parts was that reoccurring theme in my wine ramblings, Cabernet Franc. Apparently, once again another grape was either misidentified as or thought to be a clone of this grape, and this time it's a grape called Mencia. Most think that this grape makes fruit-driven light reds in the beaujolais style, but it turns out, in the right hands and soil, it can deliver bordeaux qualities, but more commonly, characteristics of the Rhone Valley.

Bodegas Pucho Mencia 2003
Spain, Bierzo ($13)

From Bodegas Pucho, this wine was grown and made in the Cantabrian Mountains, at elevations of around 1700 or 1800 feet. According to some in the know, the vines grown in the hills lead to wine with much more structure than the fruity, valley-grown vines in the area. The vines are between 40 to 80 years old and the soil is clay ferrous hillside. It's fermented in steel tanks for 12 months and aged in the bottle for 6 months before release.

Ruby red color. Red berry fruit driven nose. Smooth flavors of plum and cherry with a satisfying mineral quality. The taste that hits you first is reminiscent of a Cab Franc, a lively burst of fruit and minerals. The finish reminds me of a good Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, with an almost tart cherry finish. It stood up well against my rich meat ragu, and I think it would go well with lighter dishes from chicken to pork. Taking a page from Taj of The Cork and Demon, I am going to do a superhero match to this wine...Spiderman. Not dark and mysterious like Batman, not muscular like Superman, but agile and clean cut with the ability to charm Kirsten Dunst. My grade: B+

Wrongo Dongo Red Jumilla 2004

Wrongo Dongo Red 2004
Spain, Jumilla ($8)

If drinking this is wrongo, I don't wanna be right. Pathetic attempt of a pun isn't it. I had seen this wine online in my Jorge Ordonez searches but never came across it in my local stores. I needed a wine for dinner last night that pairs with grilled skirt steak and found this bottle. From what I hear it's mostly Monastrell and from Jumilla, my favorite region of Spain of late. As you can see you just can't miss the label and the name is unforgettable. Funny thing is the guy at the store said it was a great Syrah. For $8, there could have been anything in there, I was still going to try it.

Blackberry aroma with a little spice. Dark cherry flavor with light tannins. It went very well with the delicious skirt steak and sweet potato wedges we ate for dinner. We also had a mixed green salad dressed with oranges that this wine didn't over power. For $8 this is a very good food wine. My grade: B-

Spanish Wine Buzz

Jens over at Cincinnati Wine Warehouse commented on his experience with a bottle of Luzon Verde yesterday and even gave me credit as to bringing it to his attention. His blog was one of the first I read and eventually motivated me to write my own, so I'm flattered to have influenced him and any other wine buffs out there.

I often check my referrals and stats associated with my blog, and day after day I notice that I get several visits from people searching the few Spanish wines I've commented on. Some days it seems like 25% of my hits are from these searches. There must be quite a buzz out there. I've been a big fan of Jorge Ordonez selections for their consistent quality and value. It must be said that his name is on wine of all price ranges though, but my buying tendencies tend to stay below $25. I just wonder how long they will stay this affordable with what seems to be a rising demand.

2005...that's SO last year!

New Year's Eve used to be the holiday that I would live vicariously through others. If I was with family upstate, I'd watch the hardcore winter weather folk endure a bone chilling night in Niagara Falls, Ontario, attend a live music event overlooking the falls. Way too cold for my blood. I'd eventually turn on Dick Clark and rock the night away with a bottle of Champagne. Living in New York City has made this a much more social holiday, creating several memorable moments already. This year wasn't as wild as last year's tree grinding affair, and spontaneous dancing didn't rear its ugly head. All joking aside, it was a great New Year's Eve. Well dressed friends, good eats, and a strategic approach to each food pairing let us ring in the new year with style.

Codoniu Pinot Noir Brut Cava Spain ($15)

My best friend and I kicked off the night with a glass of Knob Creek Bourbon served neat. Then, with a little help from Mario and Joe, we followed with an aperitif called "The Merchant of Venice." Paired with "good luck" egg rolls, this mixture of Prosecco, a splash of pomegranate juice, and a pinch of cinnamon was a hit. Our first seated course was lobster bisque paired with Codoniu Pinot Noir Brut Cava. This was a near perfect match as the delicate bisque and refreshing Cava succeeded in awaking the taste buds.

Osprey's Dominion Johannisberg Riesling 2004
New York, North Fork ($15)

The salad that followed was equally as delicious and refreshing. A mix of baby greens, sliced almonds, dried cranberries and goat cheese paired with an Osprey's Dominion Johannisberg Riesling aroused the taste buds not affected by the bisque. The tangy cheese in combination with the sweet cranberries and the almost sour grapefruit flavors of the Riesling was mouth watering to say the least. This wine tastes completely different than the Canadian Rieslings I've enjoyed of late, but it still had that deeply floral nose. When paired with something that feeds off its youthfully acidic palate, this wine enhances and awakens the senses.

Osprey's Dominion Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2000
New York, North Fork ($40)

The main course consisted of filet mignon, twice baked potatoes with cheddar cheese and chives, steamed asparagus with shaved parmigiano reggiano, and sauteed mushrooms and onions. My friend was generous enough to open an Osprey's Dominion Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2000 to pair with the steak. This wine was awesome. Full of fruit, licorice, and spice. I am so used to heavy California Cab Savs that are over oaked and overly tannic. This New York Cabernet had incredibly soft tannins that finished with an equally soft spice. Perfect compliment to the filet.

Altos de Luzon 2003 Spain, Jumilla ($17)

Luckily the second bottle for the main course pairing wasn't shabby either. Seizing on what was probably human error, we picked up the 2003 Altos de Luzon at our local wine store for only $11. While not as softly rounded as the Osprey's Cab, this blend of Monastrell, Tempranillo, and Cabernet Sauvignon was an aggressively hedonistic match for the steak. While still tasting youthful, it packed a powerful one-two punch of fruit and spice that finished long with all the Catholic guilt of the 2002 vintage. Darker, fuller, and more intense, this was a perfect last bottle to uncork for 2005.

At midnight we popped open a bottle of Piper Heidsieck Champagne. Tasted like, well...Champagne. By midnight my taste buds had seen sharper moments. Homemade cream-filled chocolate cupcakes rounded out the meal with a cocktail my friends and I call the "Red Russian." Basically its a white Russian made with raspberry vodka. How I didn't get the spins I'll never know. Apparently I had a Samuel Adams seasonal Lager before bed, but the only evidence of that was a couple empty beers bottles. There were no reliable witnesses at that point of the night.

And for those of you keeping score at home it went bourbon, sparkling wine, white wine, two red wines, Champagne, vodka cocktail, and then beer..then Advil. Cheers!

Altos de Luzon 2002

Altos de Luzon 2002 Spain, Jumilla ($20)

It only took one glass of this to get me hooked on Spanish wines. While munching on some manchego cheese and serrano ham at Bar Jamon here in New York, and after a bottle of some impressive a spanish rose wine, the waiter suggested a wine of 50% Monastrell, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 25% Tempranillo. A few sips later I had the first feeling of guilt while drinking wine. It was sinfully good. I noted the name and vintage and went on a treasure hunt to buy my own bottle. I found one at Union Square Wine and Spirits and promised myself I would open it on a special occasion.

It wasn't long after that I was drinking at my place with friends and looking into my stash for a third bottle to open that night. Since this is a big wine, I figured it would be the perfect closer to a night of indulgence. We finished it quickly without any patience or any critical analysis. The next day I woke up guilty again. I barely remembered what I liked so much about that wine. The alcohol from a night of drinking had diluted any memories of the bottle. So the next day, knowing that I picked up one of the last bottles at the store, I ordered a bottle from wine.com, and once again saved it for another day.

That other day turned out to be last friday night. While decorating the Christmas tree, my girlfriend and I opened it up and let it breath for an hour. Dark ruby red color. Very toasty on the nose with ripe cherry and dark berry notes. Extremely full in tannins and alcohol. As time went by it balanced out well as it's flavor rounded out to a smooth combination of fruit and toasted oak leading to a long lasting finish. I compared the experience of this wine to "drinking the blood of a virgin." Felt like I was extending my life as a vampire would with a taste of blood. Sumptuous, velvety, and invigorating. My grade: A-

Finca Luzon Verde 2004

Finca Luzon Verde 2004 Spain, Jumilla ($9)

Another Jorge Ordonez selection. Another reasonably priced wine. Another happy wine drinker here. I am beginning to see a pattern. I believe that this winery is run by Juan Gil. I reviewed his Monastrell here recently. This too, is 100% Monastrell, from Jumilla, and achieving praise in the U.S. with wine critics. This bottle is certified organic too, so call a hippy and raise a glass to this vintage.

Verde means green in spanish, but there's nothing green about the taste of this wine. Purple in color and medium body. Blueberries, plums, and some floral notes on the nose. Crisp and clean with a full dark fruit flavor. It isn't as fleshy as the Juan Gil. Has a soft spice on the finish. This wine is very drinkable and satisfying. When I don't want the hedonism of the Juan Gil Monastrell, I will gladly drink this one. The organic aspect of this wine is a bonus. My grade: B

Bodegas Juan Gil Jumilla 2003

Bodegas Juan Gil 2003 Spain, Jumilla ($16)

This 100% Monastrell (aka. Mourvedre) is grown on 40 year old estate parcels of chalky soil in the Jumilla region of Spain. The arid climate and bed of limestone and rock makes for a low yield, intensly complex wine. The grapes are macerated for 25 days and aged for a year in French oak.

I have been on a Jumilla kick since I had a glass of Altos de Luzon (also Jumilla) at Bar Jamon in Manhattan. Luckily this bottle was just almost as impressive. Dark inky purple color with powerful blackberry aromas. The texture is fleshy and smooth. A full bodied taste of dark berries with a perfect alcohol/fruit ratio. Since the alcohol is 14.8%, it is impressive that I didn't feel any heat. The finish is long with just enough spice to keep it interesting. Looking at the two empty glasses and one empty bottle with a slight buzz, my girlfriend and I agreed that this wine was well above average. Luckily I have another bottle!
My grade: A-

Southern Style BBQ

International Night reared its hungry head at my place last week. It was my girlfriends turn to cook for us. Breaking away from the not so unusual themes of French, Italian, and Latin, she made BBQ pork sandwiches with cole slaw, baked beans, and roasted potato wedges.

My choice of wine for the dinner was one I had drank before. My recent Spanish wine kick taught me that a wine imported by Jorge Ordonez is never a let down. So I chose a $10 tempranillo at a neighborhood liquor store. A friend of mine brought over a California Rosso table wine and another brought an Australian Shiraz.

Niebaum-Coppola Francis Coppola Rosso Classic 2004 California ($9)

Deep violet color and medium bodied. Cherries and berries are evident with an almost refreshing fruity taste. Definetely not complex but a decent table wine. Had some sharp white chedder with it. Probably not a best buy at $9.

Penfolds Shiraz Thomas Hyland 2003 Australia, Southeastern ($15)

Dark berry nose with a fleshy plum and berry taste. Subtle spice and well rounded tannins make this a pleasurable wine that has a long satisfying finish. I tasted some spice at the end from the oak which was very well balanced with the fruit and alcohol. Went very well with my BBQ pork sandwich. A $15 price tag doesn't make this a best buy but a predictably good buy that delivers. My grade: B

Elaborado Y Embotellado Manoamano 2003 Spain, La Mancha ($10)

100% tempranillo aged in french oak for six months creates this well balanced robust wine that was just what I needed to down the last bites of my BBQ pork dinner. There wasn't as much spice as in the previous Shiraz, and wasn't velvety like the Shiraz, but it was as complex a wine as I would need as the night came to an end. I wouldn't dare try to score this wine because my judgement was overwhelmed from stuffing my face. It gets my nod of approval and it will end of on my table again in the future.