2010 Desvia, Rioja, Spain
You’ll Like This Wine If You…
Enjoy the earthiness of a fine Pinot Noir and the food friendliness of a great Chianti
Seek out lighter reds for food pairings, particularly dishes that incorporate mushrooms
Rioja is known as the greatest wine region of Spain. Located just 40 miles north of Madrid, the area is known for its reds and is the only region in the country with the Denominacion de Origen Calificada, (DOC) “qualified” status, not just DO status. This means that it must meet the highest standards in its winemaking and viticultural practices according to Spanish wine laws.
Rioja is typically made with Spain’s signature grape, Tempranillo, which has been likened to France’s illustrious Pinot Noir or Italy’s Sangiovese in terms of its elegant and subtle character. Earthy and delicate, here it is crafted into a red blend along with two other native Spanish grapes, Garnacha (called Grenache wine by the French) and Mazuelo.
The wine’s label suggests a playful English translation of “Desvia” as “diverts attention” or “alters the course of action” implying that the wine will entice you. This vino joven (pronounced “HO-vehn”) meaning “young wine” is made in the newer style of Spanish reds and has seen much less oak than a typical Rioja.
Vino joven is not required to age in oak casks and typically exhibits a more fruitforward style. The other three types of Rioja – Crianza, Reserva, and Gran Reserva – require a minimum aging of one year in oak and additional aging in bottle. Many Spanish wines are aged for up to 10 years in American oak which imparts a more pronounced vanilla flavor. In comparison, most French wines are aged 2-3 years in French oak which imparts subtler oak aromas and flavors.
Winemaking
Stainless steel fermentation 10 days; Aged 3 months in American oak barrels.
Region
The grapes for this wine were grown in estate vineyards of Rioja, Spain’s top wine region for her top red, Tempranillo. Rioja is often referred to as Spain’s Bordeaux, but in fact the wines resemble more those of Burgundy (Pinot Noir).
Taste
Rich red color, pleasant fragrance of strawberries, raspberries and black cherries with vanilla and hints of toasty spices.
Food Pairings
The perfect house red. Offer this wine with bread and semi-hard to firm cheeses like Fontina or Pecorino and other tapas appetizers. Serve it with roasted baby lamb and white asparagus, traditional dishes of northern Spain. Any dish incorporating wild mushrooms will accentuate the wine’s earthiness.
More information and reviews available of the Desvia on the full wine page
2010 Caballeria de Luna, Vino de la Tierra Castilla, Spain
You’ll Like This Wine If You…
Like to experiment with different white wines from an array of regions
Are looking for a wine to pair with ethnic foods
Spain is a country with deep-rooted, rich cultural traditions. From bullfighting to flamenco dancing, the arts play a huge role in life there as does wine. Though you may envision red wine when you think of Spain, wines like this blend of white varietals are becoming much more popular.
An engaging wine from outside the major regions, it is derived from thre varietals – Moscato (popularized in Moscato d’Asti) brings citrus mandarin orange, guava, lychee aromas and flavors. Viura offers aromas of butter, roasted nuts, honey and cinnamon. Its mild fruit flavors of ripe melon, pineapple and vanilla explode in the mouth with a bright core of acidity. Hints of pineapple and banana come from a small amount of Verdejo.
Since 1998, our Spanish winery partners have gained a strong reputation for producing a modern, fruity and elegant style of wines. Our collaboration is referred to as a “Vino de la Tierra Castilla”, a designation just below the mainstream DO (denominations of origin) according to the regulatory classifcation system of Spain. This fairly new geographic/quality designation is encompassed in the region called Castile La Mancha, the area of central Spain memorialized in Cervantes’ depiction of Don Quixote, located just 40 miles south of Madrid. Pour it at your next fiesta!
Winemaking
The wine underwent “sur lie” aging for two months meaning that it rested on the “lees”, yeast cells remaining after fermentation. This gives the wine additional complexity.
Region
This wine carries the Vino de la Tierra Castilla designation. Castile-La Mancha is an autonomous region created in 2000 to endorse native varieties.
Taste
Aromas reminiscent of citrus and tropical fruits along with floral blossoms begin your journey. In the mouth, it boasts a palate of sweet tropical fruits dominated by lime with a pleasant acidity.
Food Pairings
Feel free to serve this wine on its own as a sipping wine, not a table wine. However, it shines brighter with wide variety of light finger foods. Its semi sweet character and delicate fruity nature will complement the unique flavors and moderate heat of ethnic foods like Asian, Mexican, Thai or traditional Spanish tapas.
More information and reviews of the Caballeria de Luna available on the full wine page