Attributes:

Ramon Cardova

Rioja, Spain

Tempranillo

750 ML

2001: WineEnthusiast Rating: 83

lean

kosher

Food Matches:

(ree OH hah)—This region in north-central Spain makes the country’s most popular red wine from Tempranillo, Garnacha (Grenache), Graciano and Mazuelo grapes. Rosado (rose) and white wines are also produced here. Traditionally red Rioja was aged for many years in small barrels made from American oak; this produced wines that were pale, gentle, and lacking in fruitiness. Current trends have been away from only oak aging and the wines are now much fresher tasting. In addition, the introduction of French oak barrels has contributed to its distinctive vanilla quality. The Rioja region is divided into three zones, the most well known being Rioja Alta. Alta-based wines tend to be firmer and leaner in style. Rioja Alavesa produces delicate, perfumed reds. Both Alavesa- and Alta-based wines are blended with wines from the third region, Rioja Baja, a somewhat warmer area that produces heavier grapes. The label of a Rioja will reveal much about the characteristics of its contents. Sin crianza Riojas receive no oak aging and are released young; they are Beaujolais-like, fruity and fresh. Some wines are aged for two years in oak or bottles; these are labeled crianza and, while still fresh and fruity, begin take on the famous oakiness. Wines aged for three years, at least one year in a barrel, are labeled reserva. These are often the most enjoyable of all Riojas. The most expensive wines are aged for five years or more, earning the status of gran reserva. The youngest Riojas pair well with seafood, spicy sausages, and Spanish-style bean dishes. The mature reds should be eaten with game, stews, and cheese.

This Spanish grape gives wines deep color, low acidity and only moderate alcohol content. In recent years the Ribera del Duero region has been producing wonderful wines featuring this grape; in older, more traditional regions such as Rioja, the grape is blended with others.

Attributes:

Brancott Vineyards

Marlborough, Australia/New Zealand

Sauvignon Blanc

750 ML

2006: Tanzer Rating: 88

bright

supple

grapefruit, herbal, mineral

juicy

2005: WineSpectator Rating: 81

tart

2005: Tanzer Rating: 88

grass, mineral

2004: WineEnthusiast Rating: 89

stone fruit

powerful

grass, peppery

2004: WineSpectator Rating: 81

ripe

2003: WineSpectator Rating: 86

tangy

lean

2003: WineEnthusiast Rating: 89

citrus, pear

2002: WineSpectator Rating: 86

rich

Food Matches:

Comes mostly from California, France, New Zealand, and South Africa. Its highly acidic wines are often suggestive of herbs or grass. Light to medium bodied and usually dry, European versions are generally not oaky while California Sauvignon Blanc can take on many of the qualities of Chardonnay. France has two classic wine regions for the Sauvignon Blanc gape: Bordeaux and the Loire Valley The Bordeaux wine is called Bordeaux Blanc and the two best known of the Loire wines are called Sancerre or Pouilly-Fumé. In Bordeaux, Sauvignon Blanc is sometimes blended with Sémillon.

When the first growers planted grapes in Marlborough in the 1970s (there is evidence of plantings as early as 1870s), it is unlikely they would have foreseen the extent of the growth and fame that the region’s wine industry would achieve, based upon a single varietal called Sauvignon Blanc. The distinctive pungency and zest fruit flavours of the first Marlborough wines, in particular Sauvignon Blanc, captured the imagination of the country's winemakers as well as international wine commentators and consumers and sparked an unparalleled boom in vineyard development. Worldwide interest in Marlborough wines, particularly Sauvignon Blanc, has continued to fuel that regional wine boom.

Attributes:

Pazo San Mauro

Rías Baixas, Spain

Albarino

750 ML

2004: WineSpectator Rating: 85

light

focused

herbal flavors, mineral, smoke

austere

2003: Tanzer Rating: 89

floral

grapefruit, pepper

ripe

2003: WineSpectator Rating: 86

2002: WineSpectator Rating: 88

crisp, fresh

floral

compact

2001: WineSpectator Rating: 86

crisp, lively

2001: Tanzer Rating: 87

mineral, peach

Food Matches:

This thick-skinned aromatic white grape is grown in the Rias Baixas region in the northwestern corner of Spain and in the Vinho Verde region in Portugal. Its wine is medium bodied, crisp, and creamy, often tasting of apples, apricots, peaches, and citrus.