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Bodegas Tierra Blanco 2020
Origin: Rioja, Spain
Retail: $19.95 | Sale: $17.95
The Fernandez Gomez family has a history in viticulture that stretches back for more than a century, but it was the vision of the latest generation that first brought their production to the commercial market through the emergence of Bodegas Tierra. With nearly 80 acres of prime vineyard holdings in Rioja Alavesa, some containing original hundred-year-old plantings, it’s not surprising Tierra quickly earned an impressive reputation as an estate grower and producer. Efforts taken by Tierra focus on maintaining grape integrity from vineyard to bottle so true character is maintained; picking is always done by hand, with great care and winemaking is never intrusive. Within the stylistic spectrum of Rioja, expect robust, balanced wines that integrate generous barrel maturity with minimal oxidative characteristics. Straw yellow in color with golden reflections. Aromas of stone fruits and flowers with hints of mint and oak from the barrel aging. A fresh wine with a smooth mouthfeel. Velvety textures are nicely lifted by balanced acidity.
70% Viura, 20% Malvasia, 10% Garnacha
Mus Lias Verdejo 2020
Origin: Rueda, Spain
Retail: $17.95 | Sale: $16.16
Miguel Arroyo Izquierdo is a family-run winery with roots established long before their debut 2010 vintage. Winemaker and vineyard manager Miguel is a fourth-generation grape grower who tends to parcels that have been producing Verdejo for more than 100 years. It has been with clippings from these original sites that the surrounding vineyards have grown and expanded. The pure continental climate results in little disease pressure, allowing for a minimal use of sulfur. Farming is organic in practice and utilizes natural fertilizers and plowing, which promotes soil oxygenation and manages grass and undergrowth without the need for herbicides. A classically fresh Verdejo focused around fruity aromas of stone fruit and citrus. The vibrant minerality and herbaceousness is appreciated, and often missed at this price point.
100% Verdejo
Bodegas Alegjandro ‘Arbui’ Monastrell 2019
Origin: Alicante, Spain
Retail: $29.95 | Sale: $26.95
Bodegas Alejandro has been practicing traditional viticulture and wine production in the Alicante region since 1982. Their passion begins in their vineyards, and their intimate knowledge of the region's climate and geology allows them to craft wines with nuanced character and personality. This connection with the land stretches back 30 years, and as a family, they still walk the vineyards together. To achieve wines of exceptional quality, they are made in small quantities to ensure quality and control over the harvest, production and maturation. Clusters are hand-picked, selected and berry sorted. Prior to fermentation the grapes are macerated on-skins at cold temperatures. The wine is gently pressed, settled and racked to French oak barrels for 15 months of aging. Monastrell is originally from this area in Spain. It traveled from the monasteries up the Mediterranean and eventually found its way through Catalan and into the Rhone valley. It is also known as mourvedre and in parts of California and Australia, mataro. This wine has an intense ruby color with the classic powerful flavor profile of Monastrell. Rich fruity aromas compliment the toasted barrel notes and seamless, ripe tannins.
100% Monastrell