A 9 wine flight tasting of Grandes Pagos de Espana wines
We attended a seminar in Washington DC at Oyamel restaurant. Nine wines from producers that are members of Grandes Pagos de España were tasted. The tasting took place in a private room at the restaurant. We attended the first seminar. Jean Belondrade Lurton of Belondrade winery introduced those attending with the concept behind Grandes Pagos de España. We were reminded that Pago is a Spanish word for a single vineyard whose characteristics set it apart from others in the same area. In order to belong to the exclusive group, wineries must meet certain qualifications that include:
Andy Myers, Master Sommelier
•Wine must come from an exceptional single vineyard
•Winery should have attained a demonstrable fame with at least five years of recognized prestige in the marketplace
•High marks in national and international competitions
•Winery must undergo a meticulous inspection
•Wines must surpass the quality requirements set at a vertical tasting
Jean pointed out that this organization is more than a marketing attempt by the member wineries; it also focuses on each member helping each other to elevate the wines to a high standard. After the introduction, Andy Myers, Master Sommelier, led the tasting.
Grandes Pagos de Espana producers throughout Spain
Wines
Our first wine was a cava from Gramona. The Gramona III Lustrous 2007 was a blend of Xarel-lo 75% and Macabeo 25%. The sparkling wine had a yellow color and had green apple, pear and freshly baked bread notes. There was a hint of nuts and lemon on the finish. This sparkling wine was complex and was a great start to the flight of wines in the seminar. It awakened our perception at 11:00 am.
Our second wine was a 2014 La Zarcita, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. There were small amounts of a couple other varieties in the blend. The wine by producer Palacio Quemado was a dark ruby color. The wine aged in large 500 liter barrels for eight months. The wine reminded us of black fruits, leather and licorice. The wine had medium tannins and a medium/full body. The finish was crisp and the fruit lasted a long time.
The third wine was one of my favorites. The 2012 Petit Verdot was crafted by Dehesa del Carrizal.This dark opaque ruby to black colored wine emphasized black fruits. The wine spent 15 months in new French oak. The full bodied wine had kissing tannins (your lips pucker as if you were going to kiss someone). This wine had its own personality and was simply delicious. Terry would drink this as an aperitif while others would like a juicy steak.
Our fourth wine by Enrique Mendoza was the 2011 Estrecho. This ruby colored wine was made with 100% Monastrell and spent 15 months aging in French oak barrels. It offered red and black berry fruit along with violets. The wine had medium/bold tannins and a medium/full body. Some oak influences were noticeable on the finish, then yielded to fruit notes on the aftertaste.
The fifth wine in the flight also captured my interest. Cortijo Los Aguilares produced a 2013 Pago el Espino. The dark ruby to black colored wine was a blend of Petit Verdot 53%, Tempranillo 30% and Syrah 17%. Violets and black fruits were picked up on the aroma and taste. The wine had bold tannins and a full body. The fruits were luscious and there was a subtle influence of oak.
We spent a few minutes dumping our wines for the next part of the flight, four additional wines.
Finca Valiera crafted the 2009 Finca Valiera Reserva. This slightly translucent ruby colored wine was a blend of Tempranillo 92%, Graciano 4% and Maturana Tinta 4%. The wine had some floral notes to accompany the black and red fruits. The wine had bold tannins and a medium/full body. Oak influenced the wine with a bit of leather and licorice. There was mineral and fruit on the finish and aftertaste.
Cérvoles winery crafted the 2009 Cérvoles a transparent ruby colored blend of Grenache, Tempranillo, Merlot and Cabernet. The wine spent 12 months aging in new French oak barrels. There were light aromas of red and black fruits. There was a perceived sweetness from the fruit forward wine that had bold tannins and a medium/full body.
Mas Doix winery produced the 2012 Salanques, a red blend of Grenache 65%, Carignan 25% and Syrah 10%. The opaque dark ruby colored wine offered dark fruits notably black raspberries. There were bold tannins on this full-bodied wine with some oak influences in the background.
The last wine was another favorite for me. The 2012 Pago Valdebellón was produced by Abadia Retuerta. The opaque dark ruby to black colored wine was 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine offered cassis and blackberries. The wine had bold tannins and was full-bodied. There were licorice notes mostly on the finish. The wine had a long aftertaste.
Cheers,
Terry
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Flying Over Vineyards Into San Luis Obispo
Wine Country sign at San Luis Obispo Airport
On Tuesday we flew into the smallest airport we have ever been to. The last small airport we were at was in Colorado and we still are delighted to tell others about how friendly and low key it was. However, the trip to the San Luis Obispo airport was also outstanding.
As soon as we departed the 50 passenger plane, we were guided to the two-room building where we discovered one small luggage carousel. On the top was an oak barrel with a sign
San Luis Obispo Airpot
welcoming visitors to wine country. While Terry waited for our luggage, I walked through a doorway and saw four car rental agencies waiting to help travelers. One sure doesn’t get tired walking around the airport to locate anything. There were no shops or restaurants.
However, what struck us as one of the most beautiful views we have seen were the dynamic views of green vineyards attractively climbing the beautiful hills of Edna Valley.
After arriving at Autrey Cellars, less than two miles from the passenger terminal, we met Steve Autrey who explained that a little earlier the colors of the hills were even more dynamic with wildflowers including orange poppies
contrasting with the vibrant green. We watched as another plane flew over rolling hills of vineyards. Then we felt the shock waves as they gently kissed the vines.
As with other areas of California, we learned that in a few short months the green of the hillsides will turn brown as summer’s lack of rain dictates.
Claiborne & Churchill winery in San Luis Obispo
We had another view of the Edna Valley AVA from Claiborne & Churchill Winery. They have a few acres of Riesling and Pinot Noir, where we could get close and photograph the vines. The Edna Valley is a beautiful and photographic wine region.
Cheers!
Kathy and Terry