Viva España!

If ever there was a week for Spanish wines, this is it.

A German octopus with impressive psychic abilities (at least when it comes to anticipating winners and losers in World Cup 2010) has predicted Spain will be victorious at Sunday’s final match against the Netherlands. This is the first time the team has ever qualified for the finals.  And it’s clear why they have done so — the youthful team plays with an obvious passion that is beautiful to watch. For oenophiles, Spanish wines too are attracting more attention and fans this year as wine producers possess devotion, passion and skill, much like the popularized España strikers David Villa, Carles Puyol or Xavi.

Lucky for me, I recently visited Spain and got to experience some of its great wine stars first hand, such as Perfum De Vi Blanc from producer Raventos i Blanc and winemaker Pepe Raventos.  As we approached the vineyard, a striking circular courtyard surrounded a majestic 500-year-old oak tree, unfortunately toppled by a recent storm.  Considered a winery icon, this tree has witnessed the changes and growth in the Raventos operation since 1497—18 generations of winemakers who have worked the 90 hectares of historic vineyard that lie about 30 minutes west of Barcelona in the Catalunya region.  The clean, contemporary architecture with its mix of large skylights and modern arches hints at the family’s keen interest in tapping modern technology to protect the land through biodynamic viticulture to produce truly remarkable wines.  The Raventos are probably best known for their sparkling cavas, but it was this 50/50 blend of Muscat and Macabeo grapes that “wow-ed” me during our tastings.

Macabeo, also known as Viura, is a hearty grape that is often blended into cavas and has become popular in France’s Roussillon area. The grape produces mildly acidic and young white wines that are light, lively, refreshing and perfect for early use as evidenced in this 2009 Perfum.  The grape, however, that puts the “perfume” in the Perfum is clearly the Muscat, which is known for its distinctive floral aroma. (Interesting fact: Muscat grapes have been found to carry large concentrations of flavonoid antioxidants, even at the same level as red wines, which is good for the heart when drunk in moderation, of course.)

The final result of these two grapes is a blend that, as I have said before, is like no other. Initially, it has a hypnotic floral nose, followed by the fresh and lively florality in taste.  There are hints of melon, pear and citrus that make it a perfect match to a hot summer day.  It has a good balance between the mouth-filling character of the Muscat and the freshness of Macabeo. I challenge you to stop at one glass.  I think it’s impossible.

So with a forecast here in Hinsdale of nearly 90-degree weather Sunday for the World Cup finals, it seems like the perfect time to make sure you have some Perfum chilling in preparation.  Whether the octopus is right or wrong, whether he’s a fan of Spanish wines or not, whether you are indifferent to soccer games or octopus, this is a wine that is just perfect for any hot summer day.

 

2007 Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir

Wine Spectator has just named the 2007 vintage Pinot Noir California’s best ever. What does this mean? Besides price increases across the board, it means you should get your hands on this vintage right away.

The Santa Rita Hills are located in the larger Santa Barbara region of California, about 100 miles North of Los Angeles. The area is one of the state’s premier Pinot Noir districts, garnering an overall rating of 93 points for the 2007 vintage, with many of its wines scoring much higher.

A.P. Vin

95 points

Perhaps the wine with the one of the best values on Wine Spectator’s “recommended list” is the A.P. Vin from Santa Rita Hills. This Pinot scored a staggering 95 points, yet is still selling at the low price of $48 / bottle.

“Superrich, bordering on syrupy, with dense, focused, concentrated plum, blueberry and blackberry fruit that’s thick and persistent, with wonderful length and concentration.”

- James Laube, WS

Melville

Estate

This 2007 is sure to impress, coming from the respected Melville Santa Rita Hills Estate. Aged in French Oak and gently racked straight into your bottle. It is unrated as of yet, but you can bet it will be scoring well.

“ With a pretty, dark red-blue hue, this wine opens with lifted fruit punch aromatics of black raspberry, black cherry, fig and watermelon. Spice nuances of pink peppercorns, oolong tea, iron and sesame seed follow. This wine balances the complexity with feminine grace as hints of purple flowers and hibiscus radiate while also yielding to oceanic themes of sand and iodine. These aspects manifest cohesively on the palate bolstering its presence with significant texture and verve.”

The 2007 Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noirs experienced a “Goldilocks” year, the weather being not too hot, not too cold, but just right. You can expect your wine to come out much the same way, just right.

 

Ice Cold Beer in Karachi

Caveat: This post contains strong lanuage. NSFW. Read more

 

« Previous Page — Next Page »