The Spanish Pairing

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Bodegas Amézola de la Mora, Crianza, 2017, Rioja, Spain

About Bodegas Amézola de la Mora :  Established in the mid-19th Century, is one of Rioja’s oldest and finest wine estates. Restored in the early 1980s by brothers Iñigo and Javier Amézola, this estate is extremely unusual (for Rioja) in that it owns all of its vines. The estate encompasses 60 ha of mature vines overlooking the confluence of the Najerilla and Ebro Rivers in the heart of Rioja Alta.
Following the tragic death of their winemaker father, Iñigo’s daughters María and Cristina have guided the property, capably assisted by winemaking consultant Georges Pauli, who served previously as head enologist at Château Gruaud-Larose and other fine French estates. At the time the sisters took over the winery they were the youngest wine-producers in Rioja.

Despite their youth, their enthusiasm and high diligence to producing wines of the highest quality have since earned them huge respect amongst their peers and wine aficionados. The prestigious and influential wine critic Robert M. Parker, recently classified Rioja’s Iñigo Amézola  and Viña Amézola  as “outstanding”.

Vinification : A blend of Tempranillo, Mazuelo, Graciano. The grapes are hand-picked into small boxes followed by a long must fermentation, fermentation in a steel tank and soft pressing. Aged in French (40%) and American (60%) oak barrels for 15 months. Rest in bottle.

Description: Its bouquet, typical of a classic Rioja, is dominated by aromas of dried fruit and spices, accompanied by a delicate scent of caramel and butter. With pleasant acidity and mild tannins, it is harmonious and not too heavy. Fruity blackcurrant and cherry notes on the nose and the palate with a hint of liquorice and smoke on the finish. This makes it a versatile dining companion. Pairs well with most red meats, game and medium to mature cheeses.

ABV : 14%

Vina Cartin Albarino, Val do Salnes, Rias Baixas, Spain

Ramiro Martinez Señorans, who made his fortune in the Spanish meat industry, rebuilt the renowned Bodegas Terras de Lantaño in the Salnés Valley (known as the birthplace of the Albariño grape). Combining traditional character with modern winemaking methods, this winery reopened in 2005. Intense with floral aromas of pear and apple, this wine is well-balanced with a persistent finish.

ABV: 12.5%.