The Wine & Whisky Thread

[Filterlab]

The cork's not a problem, it's chewing the bottle that hurts the most.

[Marco]

Hi Daniel,

That would be great as I love wine but my knowledge of Spanish wines isn't on the same level as for example Italian and French wines so your expertise in that area would be much appreciated

I love big, 'powerful', rich full-bodied reds, hence why I mentioned Rioja. My favourites are Faustino Gran Reserva and Marques de Riscal. But if you can recommend me something of that nature which is outside of the mainstream, and providing I can get it, I would be very interested.

Perhaps you could contribute to this thread:

http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?t=506

Marco.

[Daniel]

I was in debt with you all and Marco reminded me that today.

I can suggest this spanish wines:

1.- Azpilicueta (Rioja, Crianza, 2005): made from Tempranillo, Graciano and Mazuelo grapes. 12 month in wood cask and another 12 month in bottle. The character of a Rioja but with rounded edges. This wine is a best seller in my restaurant. You can find it in Spain for 7€ in a supermarket.

2.- Muga (Rioja, Crianza, 2004): 70% tempranillo, 20% Garnacha, 10% Graciano y Mazuelo. 24 month in wood barrel. A true classic Rioja lots of body. More expensive than the other one, maybe 12€ in a supermarket.

3.- Condado de Oriza (Ribera del Duero, Crianza, 2003): One of my favorite and pretty unknown Ribera. It has what I look for in red wine: long and elegant in mouth that you taste gently until the end. You don´t have to figth with it to undestand it and enjoy it. In a spanish supermarket: 6€.

My advice: Don´t waste lots of money on wines. There are "crianzas" that are pretty good for much less than "reservas". And don´t forget: take advantage of the broad competition in wine market.

[Peter Stockwell]

Daniel, Marco

I like spanish plonk too. There's some truly excellent wines in spain. I lived in pamplona for a while just after Franco.

But for a quick taste and to see if you want to go further, Yous should try a Taja, it's a Jumilla and it's not expensive. It should fit your base requirements.

I'll be going to andalucia in November and I'd likey to have an idea of what to look out for.

OTOH, I'd be really thrilled if someone would give me some vega sicilia

cheers

[Daniel]

I'd be really thrilled if someone would give me some vega sicilia

Don´t waste your money on Vega Sicilias, instead try "Alión" a very good Ribera from the same wine maker.

[Marco]

Guys,

Some good tips here. I will come back to this thread later

Today we enjoyed a lovely bottle of 2004 Chateau Des Abeilles Saint-Émilion, so not Spanish, but very good nonetheless!

Marco.

[Peter Stockwell]

Don´t waste your money on Vega Sicilias, instead try "Alión" a very good Ribera from the same wine maker.

what kind of price ?

[Daniel]

what kind of price ?

The cheapest Vega Sicilia can be found in a spanish restaurant for not less 200€. Instead, Alión could be worth 60€.

[Marco]

200 Euros!! I like nice wine, Daniel, but I would never pay that for it in a restaurant.

I like to pay for wine, not people's expenses and overheads...

Forget restaurant prices - how much is it direct from a farm or vineyard in the area of production?

Marco.

[Mike]

200 Euros!! I like nice wine, Daniel, but I would never pay that for it in a restaurant.

I don't think I'd pay that anywhere!

It'd be a waste if I did, rather like feeding strawberry's to a Donkey!