Spanish Tasting Ribera Del Duero at Cafe Maxx

“With bread and wine you can walk your road” Spanish Proverb quotes

When I tasted with this distributor’s wines for the first time, I looked over to the supplier, Antonio Gomez-Orodea, and said "Wines like this are the reason that I get out of bed in the morning"! Antonio is the General Manager/owner of Terraspania an import company that specializes in Spanish wines. I like to do business with small companies that specialize in specific regions as they tend to have really good wines- if they know what they are doing. Well, let’s just say that Antonio knows what he is doing as all 13 wines that I tasted with him on this afternoon were excellent and I am sure that those of you who attend this event will find that all of the wines on the table are excellent and then you may have to do a double take when you look at the prices.  Can they really be this reasonable?? Yes- these prices are correct!!

These tastings at the Cafe Maxx for $35 are the best value of any event that we do. You get to try 8 different wines at the same time, pre-poured so they have a chance to open up and so you can go back through the line-up to get a second and third look at everything. This is how you learn about wine and with master chef Oliver Saucy sending out a few small courses to accompany the wines, you get a taste of Cafe Maxx and an education in wine all at the same time. A great way to spend happy hour.

Tonight we will feature wines from Spain's noble Tempranillo varietal from the region of Ribera Del Duero.   This is a pre-poured sit down tasting and is limited to 25 tasters, the fee for this tasting is $35 + Gratuity + tax for reservations call 954-523-9463.

Ribera Del Duero Tasting at Cafe Maxx Thursday, April 3nd7pm

Rios de Tinta Ribera Del Duero 2012 Price: $14.25   Sale $12.54     Case $146

(90 points) Vivid ruby. Emphatically fruity nose displays scents of fresh red berries and pungent flowers, lifted by a peppery topnote. Juicy raspberry and cherry flavors show very good clarity and pick up a hint of pipe tobacco with aeration. The finish strongly repeats the raspberry note and betrays barely a hint of tannins. International Wine Cellar, Issue 170, Sept/Oct 2013

Aptus Ribera Del Duero 2010 Price: $16.25   Sale $14.30     Case $166

(90 Points)  Vivid ruby. A wild, highly perfumed bouquet evokes candied black and blue fruits, violet and spicecake. Sweet, focused blueberry and floral pastille flavors show impressive energy and pick up a smoky nuance with air. Juicy and seamless on the finish, which clings with very good tenacity. Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, Issue 164, Sept/Oct 2012

Finca La Mata Ribera Del Duero 2011 Price: $18.00   Sale $15.84     Case $184

Produced from 100% Tinta del Pais (Tempranillo)from two different vineyards with an average age of 60 years old. Production methods are very similar as for the Rios de Tinta with hand harvested fruit sorted prior to destemming and light crushing. Cooled pre-fermentation maceration helps to attain a deep color and intense fruit aromas. Native microbes are encouraged to complete both alcoholic and malo- lactic fermentation. There were no additions of yeast or malo bacteria. The wine was aged for 8 months in 225 liter barrels prior to assembling the final blend.

Arrocal Ribera Del Duero 2011 Price: $18.75   Sale $16.50     Case $192

Located in Gumiel de Mercado, a small village in the western portion of the Ribera del Duero, the Arrocal winery produced its first wine in 2001. The vineyards were planted by the owners and a new winery was built and utilized for the 2005 vintage. The young estate vines are trained espalier in a Smart system and are drip-irrigated. The 100% Tinto Fino grapes for the Arrocal Selección are hand harvested, destemmed but not crushed, then macerated for 14 days in temperature-controlled tanks followed by aging in 80% French and 20% American oak barrels for 15 months. The wine is bottled without filtration after a gentle egg-white fining.

Allende la Ermita Crianza Ribera Del Duero 2009 Price: $17.25   Sale $15.18     Case $176

This is a very easy drinking youthful Tempranillo based wine with intense ruby color and lots of fresh red berry fruit, it has round ripe tannins very pleasant and fruity finish.

Carravid Ribera Del Duero 2006 Price: $27.00   Sale $23.76     Case $276

(90+ Points) “Clean and brisk, offering energetic dark fruit flavors and nervy mineral bite... Impressively lively and precise INternational Wine Cellar

Miros de Ribera Reserva Ribera Del Duero 2004 Price: $43.50   Sale $38.28     Case $444

(92 Points) "This expressive red offers berry, spice, tobacco and cedar notes on a lithe frame, with firm tannins and bright acidity. Shows good density, yet remains vibrant and focused, in the traditional style."  Wine Spectator

Angel de Arrocal Ribera Del Duero 2010 Price: $57.00   Sale $50.16     Case $582

Arrocal Angel is 100% Tinto Fino sourced from a single organically farmed 70-year-old vineyard and aged for 20 months in new French oak. Only the top 8 barrels a year are  chosen for this cuvee.

A bit about Ribera Del Duero:

Officially, the Denominación de Origen (D.O.) of Ribera del Duero was founded on July 21, 1982 by an organization of wine producers and growers who were determined to promote the quality of their wines and enforce regulatory standards.

In practice, winemaking in Ribera dates back over 2,000 years to the Roman era, as evidenced by a recent find, a 66-meter mosaic of Bacchus, the god of wine, unearthed at Baños de Valdearados.  In the middle ages, new plantings by monasteries such as the Cistercians in Valbuena de Duero (first to arrive in the 12th Century) and the Benedictines from Cluny in Burgundy spurred a revival in local winemaking.  Ribera’s earliest underground cellars with their distinctive chimneys were built in the thirteenth century in towns across the region, and still serve to protect wines from the extreme climate.

Wine became an essential aspect of Ribera’s cultural and economic development facilitating trade with other areas of Spain and resulting in the first quality regulations, the "Ordinances of Castilla y León," in the fifteenth century.  Ribera wines were highly regarded for export at the height of the Spanish Empire in the 17th and 18th centuries, and in more recent times the founding of Bodega Vega Sicilia in 1864 heralded the quality credentials of the region prior to the formal establishment of the D.O.

Today, new technology and modern techniques as well as a respect for tradition have driven the quality of Ribera del Duero to its highest accomplishments in over two millennia of winemaking history. Ribera wines have received international acclaim and enjoy widespread distribution.

The climate of Ribera del Duero is unique and ideally suited to growing quality red grapes. Mediterranean with Continental influences, the Ribera climate is characterized by extremes; the region has the highest average elevation in Europe for growing red wine grapes, hot summers, cold winters, a short growing season, minimal rainfall, and a diversity of soils.  Combined, these conditions favor the highest quality winemaking.

Summers are short and hot with temperatures ranging from 50 to 60 °F (10 to 15.5 °C) at night to over 100 °F (38 °C) during the day.  Rapid daily temperature changes during the growing season facilitate healthy ripening of the grapes by day, and promote balanced acidity and aromatic complexity at night.  Moderate to low rainfall, with an average of approximately sixteen inches per year, and extremely limited summer rainfall, also contributes to a perfect, consistent ripening of the vine.

On average, the vineyards of Ribera are planted between approximately 2,500 to 2,800 feet (760 to 850 meters) above sea level (with some vineyards as high as 3,100 feet or 945 meters), resulting in considerable differential between night and daytime temperatures.

Soil conditions in Ribera are near-perfect, with a great diversity of soils extending from the banks of the Duero to the steepest slopes.  Closest to the river, soils are alluvial with sand and reddish clay.  At higher elevations, alternating layers of limestone, marl and even chalk are a notable feature, even with many outstanding plantings on limestone sites.

The main grape variety of the Ribera region is Tempranillo, known locally as Tinto Fino or Tinta del País. Tempranillo, an early-ripening variety, (from "temprano" meaning "early"), is ideally suited to Ribera’s shorter growing season and extreme conditions.

Widely planted and cherished throughout Spain, Tempranillo produces red wines that are well-balanced in sweetness, color and acidity and yields fresh and fruity characteristics with appealing aromas such as black plums, cherry, and licorice. In Ribera del Duero Tempranillo yields smaller berries, loose clusters and tougher skin, which encourages more skin-to-juice contact and promotes full-bodied, powerful wines that still retain the grape’s renowned elegance. The combination of power and elegance represents Tempranillo’s signature in Ribera del Duero, and the region’s singular contribution to winemaking today.

D.O. Ribera del Duero adheres to and closely monitors strict quality controls. During harvest each winery is assigned a surveyor by the Consejo Regulador of D.O. Ribera del Duero, the governing body that oversees all aspects of the viticultural and winemaking process. The Consejo regulates where the grapes come from, the varieties used, the percentages allowed, vineyard practices including pruning, density, and yields, winemaking procedures, alcohol levels and labeling. In practice, the wineries consistently outperform the high standards set by the Consejo in order to maximize quality production.

There are several designations for wines that are produced in the Ribera del Duero: Joven, Crianza, Reserva, Gran Reserva, and Rosado.

* Joven:  Joven wines have no oak at all. "Joven Roble" and "Joven Barrica" are interchangeable terms that refer to wines aged for a short period of three to six months in oak, released soon after harvest. All wines with a Joven classification are fruity and vibrant, and meant to be consumed quite young.

* Crianza:  Aged two years, a minimum of twelve months in oak barrels. They can be released after the first of October, two years after the harvest. These wines have well balanced tannins with a full-bodied and velvety mouthfeel.

* Reserva:  Aged three years, a minimum of twelve months in oak barrels; can only be placed on the market after the first of October of the third year after the harvest.  After twelve months in oak barrels, Reserva wines are then bottled and laid down in winery cellars, producing wines that are ready to drink once they enter the market. Reserva wines are elegant and intense, with a rich aftertaste that is long and persistent.

* Gran Reserva:  Wines of outstanding quality, made in select vintage years only. Aged a minimum of sixty months, with twenty-four months in oak barrels minimum followed by additional bottle aging. First release is allowed after the first of October, five years after the harvest. After twenty-four months in oak barrels, Gran Reserva wines are then bottled and laid down in winery cellars, producing wines ready that are ready to drink at the time of release. Gran Reserva wines are complex and structured, with great balance and vitality.

* Rosado:  Rosé wines are fermented without the skin of the grape and are available shortly after the harvest. Easy to enjoy, with refreshing wild-berry flavors.

The use of oak is closely regulated by type and classification. In addition, oak barrels are changed every four years on average.

Maximum Yields are limited to 7,000 kilograms per hectare (3.1 tons per acre). In practice, the average yields for the past twenty-two years have rarely exceeded 3,600 kilograms per hectare (1.6 tons per acre),  as grape-growers reduce quantity, driven by a pursuit of quality.

What I Drank Yesterday:  Santa Carolina - One of the great values that Chile has to offer.

This is one of the oldest wineries in Chile established in 1875 and they have a lot of vineyards in the top places and they have 11 farms and around 5000 acres producing 3 million cases putting them in the #3 spot in terms of volume behind the big boys; Concha Y Toro and Santa Rita.

I have said this many time but it is worth repeating; "If you like Bordeaux varietals there is no better value in the wine world than what can be found in chile and Argentina". 

These wines are among some of the best values that I have tasted this year and the iconic wines from this producer are also top level.  If you are looking for Most Excellent wines today there is also a lot of value in Chile as you can see their top iconic wine is under $40!!  The VSC is a wine that you could put up against the best made anywhere in the world and this wine will last 20+ years in your cellar making it a collectible and an incredible value!

2009 Santa Carolina Chardonnay Reserva de Famillia          Price: $24.00

This wine is 100% barrel fermented and is a blend of Limari and Casablanca Valley fruit, there is around 30% new oak here, all estate grown fruit.  This wine has a rich aroma of ripe peach and apricot fruit with notes of crème brulee and toasted wood aromas.  A medium bodied Chardonnay with ripe red apple and peach fruit, a touch of vanilla spice and a nice hand of acidity cleaning things up, some earthy/mineral notes on the finish.  Finish 35+   Very Good            

2012 Santa Carolina Merlot Colchagua Valley          Price: $12.00

This is a blend of two different vineyard sites and the vines are 40 years old, this wine has a peppery spice a bit of eucalyptus and dark plum like fruit with cigar box spice, but the focus is the juicy ripe fruit.  Dark plum and cherry fruit on the tongue, smooth silky tannins with nice balance and freshness on the finish, dark chocolate notes.  Finish 30+      Very Good     

2010 Santa Carolina Carmenere Reserva Familia Rapel Valley         Price: $24.00

The reserva features more concentrated fruit with lower yeilds in the vineyards around 6-8 tons per acre, a bit more new oak treatment.  A good amount of fresh earth with fine herbs and dark currant, notes of coffee, nice complexity on the nose.  A good amount of dark berry fruit with zesty acidity and a nice touch of that green pepper spice, dried tobacco and coffee notes through the finish.  finish 40+       Excellent        

2008 Santa Carolina Malbec Reserva de Familia Rapel Valley          Price: $24.00

Dark berry fruit, blackberry and dark currant with dark black earth, black licorice spice and violet floral notes.  This wine is relatively new 2006 first vintage, a good amount of dark berry fruit on the tongue with, espresso and bittersweet chocolate.  A good amount of blackberry fruit on the tongue with notes of dark spices, coffee, fresh earth and some dry tannins here at the end, this wine could use some time but has everything in balance.  Finish 45+            Excellent        

2011 Santa Carolina Cabernet Sauvignon Maipo       Price: $24.00

A good amount of fresh plowed earth and fine herbs to the dark currant and dark cherry berry fruit on the nose, a note of eucalytus, nice complexity on the nose.  This was one of the first famous wines from Chile and it won a tasting in Paris over 100 years ago, 1889 so this wine is very well known in Chile.  A lovely balanced/elegant style of Cabernet Sauvignon with good amount of fresh earth, some of that pepper and espresso notes to the dark currant and cherry fruit, fine tannins and lovley freshness through the finish.  Finish 45+   Excellent +     

2010 Santa Carolina VSC Valle de Cachapoal          Price: $37.50

A blend of 60% Petite Verdot, 15% Carmenere, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon , 10% Mourvedre and 5% Malbec.  This wine is an assemblage of their best fruit so the blend changes every year.  This wine has an incredible bouquet of crushed rocks, violet floral notes, dark currant and black cherry liqueur like fruit very intense, espresso, very complex bouquet of aromas.  Wow- a big and chewy wine on the tongue with an array of pepper, dark spices, violet floral notes, a lot of tannins here on the finish but lots of everything here very long and balanced finish.  Finish 50+            Most Excellent           

What I Drank Yesterday:  Drinking with Pat from Southern

It was a great mixed bag of Napa Valley wine today and these wines are real crowd pleasers.  When you talk immediate gratification wines in the big, fruity and oaky category Napa ranks at the top of the ranks.  The price on these wines are respective to their demand, even though Napa valley only produces around 3% of the wine made in California, the dollar value of that 3% is probably over 50% of the revenue!

Eveything in the bag today is at least excellent in terms of quality and at these prices that is what we expect.

2010 Trinchero Merlot Chicken Ranch Vineyard Rutherford Napa Price: $41.25

A good amount of savory herbs and earthy/loamy notes to the dark plum and black cherry liqueur like fruit, a very complex bouquet with a good hand of earth and savory herbs on the nose.  A big and chewy Merlot with lots of everything, savory herbs, loamy earth, fresh black cherry and plum fruit, this wine has wonderful concentration, big but has nice balance and freshness through the finish.  Finish 45+    Excellent +     

2010 Trinchero Meritage Napa           Price: $55.25

A blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Petit Verdot, 8% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc.  This wine has a good amount of fine herbs, coffee and tobacco spice with nice earthy notes, eucalyptus, a very complex and balanced bouquet of aromas.  A big wine but still lovely balance and depth of flavors on the finish, lots of fresh plowed earth, rich currant, dark cherry and cassis berry fruit along with a host of that spice from the nose through the finish.  Finish 45+       Excellent +     

2010 Gott Cabernet Sauvignon 10 Napa        Price: $58.50

A blend of 92% Cab, 4% Merlot, 2% CF, 2% PV, they are sourcing the fruit for this wine from Howell Mountain, St. Helen and Napa Hills.  A good amount of dark currant, dark cherry fruit with toasty oak, espresso, sweet tobacco spice, very concentrated and rich bouquet, lots of decadent oak spice, dark chocolate and toasty marshmellow.  A big and rich wine on the tongue with dark currant, sweet tobacco spice with dark rich currant and cassis berry fruit very rich and ripe with layers of dark spices, earth and dark chocolate notes very big and oaky but has enough fruit to match.  Finish 45+           Most Excellent

2009 Brandlin Cabernet Sauvignon Mount Veeder   Price: $96.75

This wine is a blend of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Malbec, 3% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc.  A good amount of forward black cherry, currant and cassis berry fruit with a good amount of fresh plowed with notes of dark chocolate and espresso notes, a very forward and seductive bouquet.  Very rich decadent cherry and cassis berry fruit on the tongue with ripe round tannins, very smooth and round tannins with excellent structure and depth of flavors through the finish.  Finish 45+       Excellent +     

2010 Brandlin Cabernet Sauvignon Mount Veeder   Price: $65.25

A blend of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon 4% Petite Verdot, 1% Malbec, 1% Cabernet Franc, a mix of 50% new oak.  Dark chocolate chip, mint and herbs with a good amount of dark cherry and currant berry fruit very well endowed bouquet with lots of everything in the nose very rich and concentrated.  Wow rich and concentrated on the tongue with firm tannins and a healthy dose of acidity holding things in place, dark earth and spices with a long layered finish, this wine has excellent structure and should last for a decade or more in your cellar.  Finish 50+     Most Excellent        

2010 Brandlin Cabernet Sauvignon The Bootleg Mount Veeder      Price: $

This is all from the estate vineyard at 1200 foot elevation and is a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Malbec, 11% petite Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc, this label pay hommage to this winegrowing family that lived in Napa and established this vineyard site originally in the 1920's.  A good amount of minerality on the nose, fresh plowed earth, dark chocolate, fine herbs and a good amount of dark currant and cassis berry fruit, very well endowed bouquet of aromas.  Wow, a big and chewy wine on the tongue with lots of  dark currant and cassis berry fruit with layers of spice, earth and dark chocolate and a good amount of earth/mineral notes.  Finish 50+    Most Excellent +