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750ml
Bottle:
$67.94
Aalto was established in 1999 by Mariano Garcia, winemaker for 30 years at Vega Sicilia. His philosophy was minimal...
750ml
Bottle:
$249.94
Expressive and intense, this impressive red marries elegance and power, delivering rich flavors of blackberry,...
750ml
Bottle:
$20.69
$22.20
12 bottles:
$20.28
Our fruit-driven Fiesta Tempranillo is a fantastic representation of vintage and terroir. Bright garnet in color,...
750ml - Case of 12
Bottle:
$17.50
Typical Albarino from the Salnés Valley, in Rías Baixas, to enjoy now and for the next 5 years.
750ml - Case of 12
Bottle:
$16.51
Clean and fresh with delicate citrus notes on the nose and a palate packed with green apple, orange peel and lime...
750ml
Bottle:
$41.94
12 bottles:
$41.10
"Alma de Mar" is one of Xurxo's top wines, and comes from a single plot of 100% Albariño very close to the sea. The...
750ml
Bottle:
$43.94
12 bottles:
$43.06
Xurxo makes this wine from 100% Albariño from a tiny 1 ha vineyard of 35 year old vines grown organically on clay...
750ml
Bottle:
$94.68
$105.20
Ripe, tarry plums and black cherries with violets, rocks, coffee and graphite. Refined notes of balsamic fruit and...
750ml
Bottle:
$16.94
12 bottles:
$16.60
Citrus and slightly tropical notes. Full bodied with good structure, fresh and mineral. Long finish with the light...
750ml
Bottle:
$21.93
12 bottles:
$21.49
A deep nose full of black and purple fruit, iodine, stones, sage and hedgerow. Full-bodied and broad on the palate...
750ml
Bottle:
$25.95
$26.80
12 bottles:
$25.43
The grapes for Arano come from our own vineyards in Moradillo de Roa (Burgos) of more than 20 years old. 9 hectares...
750ml
Bottle:
$26.33
$28.00
Dense and broad Viñas de Gain with impressive concentration and compact tannins that give gravity to the palate,...
750ml
Bottle:
$22.93
$24.40
This deep-garnet-colored wine features a bouquet of purple plum, roasted fennel bulb and flint. Flavors of blackberry...
750ml
Bottle:
$117.93
$119.80
Quite a mineral Gran Reserva expression with wet stones and hints of sweet spices to the minty plums and cherries....
750ml
Bottle:
$19.92
$20.80
12 bottles:
$19.76
Clean and bright dark cherry in color, this wine has a multitude of differentiated nuances on the nose, intertwining...
750ml
Bottle:
$56.92
Lots of vanilla extract and minty oak to the creamy blackberries, Spanish chocolate and cinnamon spices. Juicy and...
750ml
Bottle:
$79.94
The super austere, sharp and mineral 2020 Atalier La Encrucijada reminded me of the first Leirana wines (that were...
750ml
Bottle:
$23.51
12 bottles:
$23.03
Elegant lemon-yellow color, clean and glossy. It is a very intense wine on the nose with persistent quality aromas,...
Albarino Mavrodaphne Tempranillo
The pale skinned grapes of the Albarino varietal have been grown in and around Spain and Portugal for almost a thousand years, where they are highly enjoyed and prized by the locals for their distinctive aroma, and sharp, tart acidity levels. Over the past century, their influence has spread to the New World, and many vineyards keen to emulate the white wines of Spain have had considerable success with this varietal. The light bodied wines which are produced from the Albarino grapes have wonderfully aromatic properties, and carry ripe flavors of soft summer fruits, apricot and peach, with a mild and pleasantly bitter after taste brought on by their thick skins. Because of their acidic nature, they are a fantastic match for many Spanish foods, and are best served chilled on a hot day.
In the Archaea region, high in the Northern Peloponnese mountains, the predominant grape varietal grown is the prized Mavrodaphne. Meaning 'Black Laurel', the Mavrodaphne grapes have extremely dark skins, and ripen slowly under the Greek sunshine, helped by the mineral rich soils the vines thrive in. This grape varietal is mostly used to produce the opaque, inky fortified wine of the same name, which is popular all over Greece and elsewhere in the world. This fortified wine allows the grapes to really show off their complex and fascinating flavors, which range from a rich marzipan to flavors of bitter chocolate, sweet coffee, dried figs and prunes, as well as plenty of jammy fruit notes.
Mavrodaphne is produced in a traditional method which involves leaving the grape juice exposed to the sun in large vats, before having its fermentation halted by the addition of various distillates taken from previous successful vintages. This mixture contains plenty of residual sugar, which gives the end result its characteristic sticky sweetness, and also helps with the next fermentation process, which typically takes place in large underground cellars. The final product is a heady drink, absolutely bursting with unusual, rich and sweet flavors and carried in a dark and slightly viscous Port-like liquid.
Mavrodaphne grapes are also used for the production of still red wines, but are generally blended with varietals such as Agiorgitiko or imported grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon. Mavrodaphne grapes are excellent for mellowing more acidic varieties, and producing deliciously rounded wines, which have taken the international market by storm in recent decades.
Additional Information on Greek Wines
Greek Wines
Ancient Greek Wines – A Brief History of Wine in Greece
The Myth of Dionysus, Greek God of Wine
What is Retsina?
There are plenty of notable native Spanish grapes which have made a big impression on the wine world at large, but none are as renowned or as widely loved as the Tempranillo varietal. This black skinned grape has been used for wine making for centuries, with several ancient civilizations noticing the fact that it is highly versatile and holds some delicious flavors and aromas, perfect for those looking for a powerful yet elegant grape for their wines. Tempranillo often causes winemakers some trouble, however, as it is highly susceptible to many diseases. Despite this, plenty continue to persevere with this varietal, as it is perfect for producing delicious and complex single variety and blended wines, packed full of classic Spanish flavors and plenty of aromatic and intense surprises.