WINES FROM SPAIN: Part 2 #SPAINSGREATMATCH

IAC BUILDING HQ/NYC

Utiel-Requena Wines benefit from a Mediterranean climate-with vines 75% Bobal grapes-pictured Tharsys Unico 2008

ZOLLO: Senorio de Astobiza 's white from Basque region made with native grape 80% Hondarrabi Zuri, 20% Hondarrabi-affordable fruity-smooth white pairs well with-meats and ripened cheeses

Biodynamic Wine---we asked what that was-organic grapes and harvesting methods...Pablo Claro Graciano-Cab. Sau.-tasty dark cherry, vanilla, spice fruity-sweet tannins-full bodied.From Terroir WIne Group

Men de Mencia 2009, Soto del Vicario, DO Bierzo

A fav...and the last wine we tasted---Marquis de Riscal Gran Reserva 2005, DOCa Rioja

deep dark cherry-black fruit, spicy and elegant with long finish, firm tannins, fresh and balanced. NICE.

DO La Mancha Wines

Oristan Crianza 2012, Bodegas Lozano, DO La Mancha-Tempranillo 70%, Cab. Sau. 15%, Shiraz 15%-good for a crowd-deep ruby red with coffee-tobacco -integrated with oak notes-well structured good with meats + mature cheeses. Finca La Carrasca vineyard estate

Ojos del Guadiana Crianza 2011 right, Cuesta de Encarnacion 2014, Bodegas El Progreso, DO La Mancha left

Marques De Castilla Crianza 2010 (left) garnet color with red fruits, vanilla and toasty notes of American oak, well balanced+smooth

Valduero Reserva 2010 (right)+ Crianza 2011 (left) DO Ribera del Duero

FINCA HISPANA-is a branded group of wines---we chatted with the founders who explained the concept (as Americans with a marketing MBA-we got it...)--and as a company had to get a special A-OK-as the offerings are from several DOCs...the Brut Imperial Reserva Cava is delicious---dry bread-y, great nose...the labels are pictures taken of harvesters, growers and actual vineyards. Cava made in NE Spain with Parellada, Macabeo, and Xarel.lo on vines= 40-80 years old.

FINCA HISPANA full complement of whites, reds, sherries, sparkling, Sangria and rosés

didn't try the Sangria...

the team -FINCA HISPANA

refreshing-Paternina Rosé Cava DO Cava-at $12.99 great for a crowd---

FAGOR

WHAT ELSE:

Cheeses From Spain-classic pairings with Membrillo (quince paste) and Pan de Higo (Spanish fig nut cake)....we could have just planted ourselves here with a glass or two and been happy.

several cheese makers...Cerrato, El Gran Cardenal, Queso Devalderone, la Gruta, Solera, Corcuera, Gomez Moreno, Coinga, La Gruta--transporting Hacienda Zorita-organic cheese that we learned not easily found here.