Kronick Wino

‘Este’ de Bodegas Alto Almanzora - 2007 - Almeria, Spain

Friday, December 25th, 2009 | Food Pairings, Wine Tasting Notes | 2 Comments

This is a bottle I’ve had a few times now and love each and every sip! Great food-pairing wine! Something newer on the market are these Spanish table wines, or ‘vino de mesas’. These don’t fall under any particular aging requirements but tend to be little jewels if you know what to look for.

P.S. the label below shows 13.5%, but this bottle I’m reviewing is 14%.

‘Este’ means ‘east’ in Spanish and similarly, that’s where the wine originates from out of the eastern section of Andalucia in the DO of Almeria. I’ve only had a couple of wines from this region and haven’t been disappointed. The flavors are not too complex, but lovely, easy to drink and gentle on the wallet!

This is also a blend of Spain’s most beloved grapes - 60% Monastrell, 10% Tempranillo, 10% Garnacha with the balance three other varieties(probably Merlot and Syrah), aged for 6 months in French and American oak.

Let’s get to the nitty gritty…

Nose:

Nice smoke, earthy raspberry and other red berry fruit with a bit of musky leaves. Definitely picking up aromas of the french oak and cedar. It reminds me of a smoky cherry wood fire burning; kind of sweet and smoky.

Flavor:

Lots of fresh berry fruit, some cherry and sharp tannins at the front. Medium-bodied with a touch of slate, black pepper, smoky oak and leather in the finish. A somewhat thin finish, but it lingers. Great pairing with the gaminess of seared lamb chops with a bit of char or a traditional steak au poivre. Even a nice sausage or margarita pizza would do nicely with this wine. It’s not overpowering, but has a solid presence with charcuterie meats and most tapas. I’d like to get this together with some sauteed mushrooms and goat cheese.

Purchase a few bottles or a case at your friendly Mountain Road Wine & Liquors in Seymour, CT!

Cheers,

Kronick Wino

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