Attributes:

Infinitus

Spain

Merlot

750 ML

Food Matches:

(mer loh) Deep in color, high in alcohol and low in tannins, this grape is grown mostly in California, France, Washington, New York and Chile. The aromas and flavors can be plummy, chocolaty, and even redolent of tea leaves. It is often blended with Cabernet Sauvignon although it is the most prevalent grape variety in Bordeaux.

This mountainous country possesses more vineyard land than any other country on earth, and ranks third in wine production after France and Italy. Spain is best known for its red Riojas and its Sherries, however other wines and regions are quickly gaining notoriety. Like France, Spain divides wine into categories; table wine at the bottom level and quality wine at the top, with a large emphasis on geographical origin. VdM (Vino de Mesa) is a basic table wine. VC (Vino Comarcal) wines are a level up. VdlT (Vino de la Tierra) refers to one of the country’s 25 distinct regions, and each wine possesses a local character. At the top level, only about fifty wines are considered DO (Denominacion de Origen). These wines come from the best-known regions and are the equivalent of France’s Appellation Contrôlée. DOC (Denominacion de Origen Calificada) is reserved for wines that adhere to the most stringent regulations. So far, Rioja is the only wine to gain the Calificada classification.

Attributes:

Bodegas Nekeas Vega Sindoa

Navarra, Spain

Grenache

750 ML

2004: Tanzer Rating: 90

bright, fresh

pepper, raspberry, strawberry

concentrated

2003: Tanzer Rating: 88

fresh

black fruit, blackberry, pepper, spices

ripe, sweet

2002: Tanzer Rating: 88

medium body

black pepper, licorice, peppery, red fruits, spicy

juicy

2001: Tanzer Rating: 88

fresh

suave

flint, meat, pepper, peppery, spearmint, spicy, tar

2000: Tanzer Rating: 88

light

stylish

oak, red berry, red cherry, spicy

intensely flavored, juicy

2000: WineAdvocate Rating: 87

soft

medium body

deep

cherry, pepper, raspberries

1999: Tanzer Rating: 87

pepper, peppery, spicy

1999: WineAdvocate Rating: 85

crisp, soft

light, medium-bodied

well-made

silky

Food Matches:

Originally from Spain, this grape comes in both red-wine and white-wine varieties and is often associated with France’s southern Rhone Valley. The Grenache grape does well in hot, dry regions, and its strong stalk makes it well suited for windy conditions. It ripens with very high sugar levels and can produce wines with high alcohol content. Grenache wines are sweet, fruity, and very low in tannins. They are usually lacking in color, except in growing areas where yields are low. In Spain Grenache is widely planted in Navarra as well as in many of the hotter areas of the country. In southern France Grenache is widely cultivated in the areas around Languedoc- RoussillonRousellon, Provence, and the southern Rhone. It is also extensively grown in Algeria, Australia, Corsica, Israel, Morocco, Sardinia and California's central valley. Red Grenache wines are usually blended with other varieties: trempranillo in Spain and cinsaut and carignan in France. It’s the primary grape in chateauneuf-du-pape as well as in several rose wines.

Once known for easy-drinking dry rose wines, today this region just northeast of Rioja is becoming known for red wines that are similar to but less expensive than Rioja’s. Navarra currently is going through a modernization program, which includes not only adding new equipment and implementing modern winemaking techniques but also experimenting with different varieties such as cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay.

Attributes:

Graham

Portugal, Other

Tawny Port

750 ML

NV: WineSpectator Rating: 89

fresh

medium-bodied

butterscotch, caramel, chocolate, honey, prunes

NV: WineSpectator Rating: 88

fresh

medium-bodied

sweet

NV: WineEnthusiast Rating: 90

butterscotch, honey, orange peel

NV: WineEnthusiast Rating: 90

layered

caramel, honey, maple, red fruits

concentrated

Food Matches:

Well known for its Port and Vinho Verde wines, Portugal is one of Europe’s leading wine producing countries. It competes closely with Germany for the position of fourth largest wine producer in Europe. Portugal is also the worlds leading producer of cork. Single-handedly it accounts for nearly 70 percent of the worlds commercially traded cork supply.

Tawny Port is a fortified Portuguese wine and describes a wide variety of types. All are made from red grapes aged in wood barrels, mellowing the wine to an amber-brown color with a nutty flavor. (See PORT for more information on the region and fortification process.)