We begin our August tastings with Spanish Reds. Spain has become known for some of the best values in the world of wine and usually you find these in the lesser known regions. Vineyard land in the famous regions of Rioja and Ribera Del Duero has become so expensive that many top wineries from these two regions have purchased land in other areas like Toro, Navarra, Montsant and Cariñena. This enables them to offer inexpensive wines made by talented hands. What’s become encouraging is that lately there seem to be values coming from even these two legendary areas. I was surprised to find six delicious wines for this tasting, two coming from Rioja and two from the Ribera Del Duero. It seems that in these sluggish economic times even the top areas are finding ways to offer value. If you’re a fan of Spanish wines this tasting has something for everyone. We have a very traditional Rioja Gran Reserva from Cune and more modern wines from Cariñena and Montsant. Tasty indeed!
The Lineup
2010 Jordán de Asso, Garnacha/ Cariñena $10
2010 Arzuaga, La Planta/ Ribera Del Duero $14
2007 Pedro Martinez Alesanco/ Rioja $18
2007 Acustic Celler, Acustic Rojo/ Montsant $20
2009 Bodegas Reyes, Teofilo Reyes/ Ribera Del Duero $29
Premium Pour ($4)
2001 Cune, Viña Real Gran Reserva/ Rioja $43
Sandy Thompson, Proprietor
Mt. Tabor Fine Wines
4316 SE Hawthorne Bl
Portland, Or. 97215
(503)235-4444
