October 29, 1:52 PMNapa Valley Wine ExaminerLaird Durham
There are several hundred varieties of wine grapes grown in the U.S., brought over from France, Spain, Italy, Germany – even Switzerland, Bulgaria, and Greece. But until very recently wine growers planted, and vintners produced, wine only from the well known varietals. They seldom risked producing wine from grapes most have never heard of.
That began to change in this century. U.S. consumers not only are drinking more wine, they are trying new varietals, and, by golly, they like them.
Considering California’s history as a Spanish territory, it seems downright peculiar that the two major Spanish varietals, Tempranillo, a red, and Albarino, a white, responsible for Spain’s most revered and most popular wines, did not catch on early. Well, better late than never. More and more vintners now are planting those two Spanish grapes, and the wines made from them are finding enthusiastic fans. Both wines marry well with spicy Spanish dishes such as paella and the wide varieties of tapas.
Tempranillo
The production leader of the two Spanish grapes in the U.S. and in Spain is Tempranillo, the grape that produces Spain’s premier Rioja wines. (Photo left by Col.Hou) The wine is dark red, fruity, and has minimal tannin. Most bottling do not require aerating, making it easy and delicious to drink young. More than 40 wineries in California, Texas, Arizona, Oregon, and Washington are producing Tempranillo wine. Most of the 40 are in California. Among the leaders is Artesa Vineyards in Napa Valley’s Carneros region. Artesa is owned by a Spanish wine family, Cordoniu, that dates back to the 14th century. Other leading producers are Viader, Goosecross Cellars, and Parador Cellars.
There is a Tempranillo fan club, called TAPAS, which stands both for the Spanish small-plate tasty dishes and Tempranillo Advocates Producers and Amigos Society. The TAPAS web site lists many of the wineries with links to their web sites. TAPAS is headquartered in Phoenix, and holds annual tastings in major cities. TAPAS also promotes Albarino wines.
List prices range from $16 to $30.
Albarino
Albarino grapes produce Spain’s most popular white wine. The grapes are grown primarily in the Rias Baixos region on Spain’s Northwest Coast. They have been planted only in the past 20 years in the New World. The Albarino pioneer vintner in California is the Verdad Winery in the Santa Inez Valley, Northeast of Santa Barbara. Other producers today, in California, include Artesa, Cambiata Winery, and Tangent Winery. It is produced in Oregon by Abacela Winery.
Albarino is a clean, refreshing wine, with flintiness similar to Chablis, and with a lasting finish. It has been called a cross between a sauvignon blanc and a dry Riesling, and to a Gewurztraminer. Tasting notes list flavors of citrus, pineapple, and lemon meringue pie. Albarino has a characteristic aroma of orange blossoms.
List prices are about the same as for Tempranillo.
Because of the growing popularity of Albarino and Tempranillo wine, releases often sell out quickly. Consider joining a wine club at one of the producing wineries to be sure to get in early on the releases. Some, such as Artesa, have included Tempranillo in wine club selections.
Origin information: Examiner.com
No hay comentarios:
Publicar un comentario