Tonight at the wine store from 5-8pm, our resident Spanish wine enthusiast, CJ, leads you through three fantastic reds. Sample Valderiz Ribera 2008 ($18.75), Barahonda Monastrell 2009 ($14.00) and Ludovicus Terra Alta 2009 ($13.50).
These spanish wines demonstrate the range of wines to come from the varied terrain of Spain. The Valderiz Ribera 2008 ($18.75) comes from the Ribera del Duero, the northern plateau on the Duero river. There winemaker Tomas Esteban grafts old vines to turn Tinta del Pais (Tempranillo) into a subtle and more fruit friendly style of Ribera wine that sees 6 months of French oak.
From Southeastern Spain near Jumilla, the arid wine country of Yecla produces medium and full body wines like Barahonda Monastrell 2009 ($14.00) with hints of black pepper and full tannins. This 100% Monastrell wine is deep purple in color and sees no oak adding to its youthful and fresh spirit.
And finally, 45 miles south of Barcelona, the town of Batea in Terra Alta rises 1300 ft above the Mediterranean at the same altitude and temperature as its neighbor, Priorat. The warm climate allows the old vines to fully ripen and produce fruit forward reds with good structure and elegant body. The Ludovicus Terra Alta 2009 ($13.50) is a classic Terra Alta D.O. blend of garnacha, syrah, and cabernet sauvignon with a wonderful share of Tempranillo that contributes succulence to the wine. Aged for 3 months in both American and French oak there is no mistaking the vanilla, dark fruit, and mineral tones with a hint of dark chocolate on the nose.