Spanish Table in Seattle

Bean Stew & New Great Wines

spanishtableseattle — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 23:00:02 +0000

Spanish Table Seattle Newsletter January 26, 2012

ONE HOUR PARKING VALIDATION: Park in the Public Market Parking Garage at 1531 Western Avenue and receive one hour free parking validation when you spend a minimum of $35.00 at The Spanish Table.

January CD sale! Buy three and receive the least expensive one free!

Spain is justifiably proud of its incredible variety of beans, peas and lentils which are used in stews, soups, and even paella. When the weather outside is blustery, I like to get a big pot of beans simmering with some ham hocks and chorizo, and savor the mouth watering aromas filling the house. Put on a movie and serve the bean stew with a glass of Rioja. That’s not a half bad way to spend a winter evening!

Spain’s most famous bean dish is the wonderful fabada, but there’s more in the Spanish bean pot than just fabes. In the Basque country you’ll find many local beans such as deep red Tolosanas. White beans from Leon have a fine and consistent texture; popular in stews, they are principally cooked with potatoes, chorizo sausages, bacon and blood sausage. The recipe below is adapted from “My Kitchen in Spain“, by Janet Mendel (Harper Collins 202, $16.99). It’s not a glamorous, photo-filled book, but for unfussy home-style Spanish cooking it’s one of the best. (I like her blog, too. Check it out.)

NEW PRODUCTS AND ITEMS BACK IN STOCK

Chocolove bars are back! Choose from Almonds & Sea Salt in Dark Chocolate, Coffee Crunch in Dark Chocolate, Ginger in Dark Chocolate or new flavors Salted Peanut in Milk Chocolate, and Peach & Pecan in Milk Chocolate.

Spicy Tunisian Olives – Find these in our deli cooler. Medium hot, buttery and meaty green olives warmed by a touch of heat.

Busha Browne’s Spicy Pepper Sherry ($7.99/5 oz). Sherry spiced with scotch bonnet peppers, made in Jamaica. Add to soups, casseroles or even Bloody Mary’s.

Agnus EVOO ($24.00/500 ml) A blend of Arbequina and Hojiblanca, this extra virgin olive oil is fruity with a touch of spice. It comes in a terrific Pyramid shaped bottle. Ask to sample it.

EXCLUSIVE SPECIAL ORDER WINES ARRIVED TODAY FROM SPAIN. Quantities limited and available only at The Spanish Table.

2009 El Halcon, Ribera del Duero ($16.99) Bodegas Torremoron is located in tiny Quintanamanvigo (pop. 94). We met many of the town’s residents during last May’s visit, as the winery employs nearly everyone in town. 2009 El Halcon is 100% Tempranillo, sourced from 75 year old vines grown in the highest elevation vineyard in Ribera del Duero. Vega Sicilia buys 20% of their fruit, and the best of the rest is used to make the 4500 cases of El Halcon. Aged 8 months in 3 year old French barrels, it is extremely aromatic. Notes of berry, vanilla, and coffee are balanced and well integrated. “.. it sports a fragrant nose of cedar, Asian spices, incense, lavender, and black fruits. Dense, rich, and round, it is a great value for drinking over the next 5-6 years.” 90 points Wine Advocate

2009 Dargo by Raul Perez, Vino de Mesa Mencia ($16.99) Ripe strawberry and cherry aromas up front give way to dark black fruit and minerals. Think finesse, precision and elegance, a trademark of winemaker Raul Pérez. Dargo is his value expression; he produced 1000 cases of it, a huge quantity for him. We received one case. “The 2009 Dargo Mencia (100%) was 30% whole cluster fermented and aged for 7 months in 5000-liter foudres. Black cherry, cassis, mineral, and spice notes inform the nose of this surprisingly elegant red. Succulent, nicely balanced, and lengthy, this outstanding value will provide enjoyment over the next 5 years. The Geografia Liquida wines are made by Raul Perez. 90 points Wine Advocate, 90 points Stephen Tanzer

2009 Pinyolet Selección, Montsant ($19.99) Made from old-vine Garnacha and Cariñena, 2009 Pinyolet Selección displays black fruit aromas with notes of crushed rock. Laced with minerals, it shows bright fruit and dark velvety elements, layered with notes of chocolate and road dust. Full-bodied and expressive, this has the stuffing to age for several years — if it lasts that long. ” The 2009 Pinyolet Selección is made up of 80% Garnacha planted in 1945 and 20% Carinena planted in 1928 aged for 8 months in two-year-old French oak. Asian spices, incense, mineral, and a confiture of black fruits inform the nose of this juicy, incipiently complex red. Plush, friendly, and nicely proportioned, it can be enjoyed over the next 6 years. It is an outstanding value in pleasure-bent Montsant.” 91 points Wine Advocate

FINALLY BACK IN STOCK

2006 Kripta Cava Brut Nature ($78.00) Just in time for Valentine’s Day, this cult cava comes in a handmade, amphora-shaped bottle and is now back on the shelf! The grapes come from vineyards over 50 years old and it is aged on the lees for 4 years. Pronounced better than most Champagnes by an influential French wine critic, this exceptional cava continues to develop in the glass, revealing layers of buttered brioche, citrus peel, dried white fruit and mineral. Only 20% of this producer’s wine is exported.

Photo by Friederike Paetzold

Judiones con Chorizo y Jamon

1 lb Spanish Alubia Judión (large white beans), rinsed but not presoaked

1 ham bone or hock

1 large carrot cut into chunks

2 bay leaves

1 small green bell pepper, chopped

1/2 onion, chopped

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 leek, white & tender green parts, chopped

1 lb potatoes, peeled and cut into 1″ cubes

1 tablespoon salt

1 Palacios chorizo (7.9 oz), sliced

1/2 red onion, slicesd and sauteed

Put the beans in a soup pot w/ 6 cups water. Add the ham bone,bay leaves, green pepper, and onion. Bring the water to a boil and add the oil. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and cook for 1 hour.

Add 1 cup cold water. Simmer for another 30 minutes.

Add another cup of cold water. Add the leek, potatoes, salt, and chorizo. Bring to a full boil, then reduce to a simmer, and cook for another 30-60 minutes, until the beans are tender. Remove the bay leaves.

Serve the beans accompanied by sautéed onions and a glass of red wine . Serves 4.

Fish Resolutions and Parking Validation

spanishtableseattle — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 19:44:46 +0000

Spanish Table Seattle Newsletter January 12, 2012

January CD sale! Buy three and receive the least expensive one free!

I eat a lot of canned tuna. I grew up eating Chicken of the Sea but since my first trip to Iberia and a taste of Spanish Bonito del Norte, I’ve never gone back to the fish of my youth. I’m seriously addicted to Spanish tuna which is so delicious on sandwiches, on top of lentils or mixed greens, or tossed with pasta and capers.

But there’s much, much more than tuna in the way of canned seafood from Spain and Portugal. In fact, the quality of Spain’s tinned seafood is so legendary that many tapas bars in Madrid and Barcelona serve only canned fish.

For 2012 I resolve to broaden my seafood horizons beyond tuna by tasting through The Spanish Table’s canned fish department. So far, I’ve delved into Cole’s Smoked Trout (delicately flavored, excellent on crostini, $6.99/3.2 oz,) Matiz Gallego Octopus in Olive Oil (wonderful served warm over sliced boiled potato with smoked paprika – $8.99/4.2 oz), Albo Mackerel Fillets in Olive Oil (loaded with Omega-3! $4.99/4 1/4 oz).

And I simply couldn’t resist the Serrats Tuna with Piquillo Pepper ($12.99/5.45 oz, net). Bonito del Norte permeated by the flavor of piquillo pepper from the layer of pepper on top. This is great on top of brown rice.

The results from our annual Three Kings Day staff wine tasting are in!

THE WINNER: 2006 Izadi Reserva Rioja ($19.99) 100% Tempranillo, aged in American oak for 14 months, this is a beautifully structured red with a core of smoothly integrated oak notes. Bright red fruit with notes of tobacco and spice and a fresh, lingering finish make this a wine fit for a King! 90 points Stephen Tanzer

2007 Quinta dos Aciprestes Tinto, Douro ($18.99) A full-bodied and smooth red wine from an excellent Portuguese vintage, 2007 Aciprestes has explosive notes of blackberry, cherry and cassis. With notes of earth, great lift, an abundance of minerals, and hints of vanilla from seven months of aging in oak, this superbly balanced red is absolutely stellar.

2009 Planella, Montsant ($19.99) tied with Quinta dos Aciprestes for second place in our tasting. A blend of old-vine Carignan, 35% Garnacha and 20% Syrah, it was aged 11 months in oak. With ripe and dense cherry liqueur aromas on the nose, it has notes of berry, spice and coffee on the palate. Rich and polished, 2009 Planella has hints of dust and mineral and a lengthy, clean finish.

Super prices on two tasty reds!

2006 Pó de Poeira Tinto, Douro ($9.99) SALE! regularly $20.99. “Poeira” means fine dust from the schist soils of this vineyard, which is owned by Jorge Nobre Moreira, winemaker at Quinta de la Rosa. Jorge makes small quantities of wine from his north facing property using minimal intervention. 2006 Pó de Poeiraisan authentic expression of terroir, while offering up freshness and vitality. With a traditional Douro red’s depth and weight, it displays elegance, energy, and well-knit structure. ‘Poeira’ means dust, as Jorge explains: ‘This wine is born in the dirt and wind-borne dust, in the coarseness and austerity of the Douro, it is born from the elements and the vine. It is moulded by man because we believe that a wine should not end with an exclamation mark, but always leave questions to be answered…. This wine is highly recommended!

2008 Codice, Vino de la Tierra de Castilla ($10.99) ” The deep crimson-colored 2008 Codice Tinto is 100% Tempranillo aged for 6 months in tank and 6 months in French and American barriques. It sports a bouquet of cedar, spice box, black cherry, and plum. On the palate it reveals a solid core of fruit with good ripeness, savory flavors, and a fruit-filled finish.” 87 points Wine Advocate

Los Reyes Magos and New Parking Validation

spanishtableseattle — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 19:34:17 +0000

Spanish Table Seattle Newsletter January 6, 2012

Beginning today January 6th, park in the Public Market Parking Garage at 1531 Western Avenue and receive one hour free parking validation when you spend a minimum of $35.00 at The Spanish Table. Valid Monday through Friday.

January CD sale! Buy three and receive the least expensive one free!

As the New Year begins, we welcome The Three Kings (Los Reyes Magos) who arrive today, January 6th. All across Spain, crowds turn out to celebrate the arrival of the gift-bearing kings with lavish parades and processions known as “cabalgatas”. Once Gaspar, Melchor, and Baltasar are escorted into town, it’s time for another fabulous dinner, then to bed for the little ones, so the kings can fill their shoes with goodies.

A favorite holiday dish served in Spain are Canalons, meat-filled and rolled pasta sheets. In Catalonia, these are traditonally eaten on Saint Stephen’s Day (December 26th) but they are delicious for any occasion. We carry El Pavo Canellones (pasta sheets) for $3.49. See the recipe below adapted from Colman Andrews’ Catalan Cuisine ($18.95) for Canalons a la Barcelonesa (serves 6):

The beginning of a New Year is an excellent time to reminisce about the highlights of the year that just ended. In 2011, we made several fantastic new discoveries, had great experiences and were able to bring back some long-lost favorite products:

Perucchi Spanish Vermouth in sweet, medium-sweet and extra dry.

Tarta de Santiago: Delaviuda makes a terrific Tarta de Santiago ($6.99). This almond pound cake is rectangular in shape, traditionally finished with a Cross of the Order of Santiago rendered in powdered sugar. You can’t walk down a street in Santiago de Compostela without passing shops selling these traditional cakes. Excellent with tea or coffee as a mid-afternoon snack.

Best white wine: 2010 Rogo Godello ($19.99; only 800 cases made) This is an impressively aromatic and mineral-driven white with rich pear and citrus notes, scents of honey and white pepper. Stellar with seafood.

Best red wine: From all the glasses quaffed in 2011, the wine that stood out for me was the Muga 2001 Prado Enea Rioja Gran Reserva ($57.00). The distributor is sold out but when we did inventory we found an intact wooden case. Grab a bottle for a special occasion while they last. Remember: it is only 39 days until Valentine’s Day! – Steve Winston

Best new cookbook: Rustica: A Return to Spanish Home Cooking ($35.00). Alubias Blancas con Chanterelles (White Beans with Chanterelles) is fantastic this time of year! A New York Times Notable new cookbook.

Red and black cazuelas with handles.

Authentic Sherry glasses from Spanish Bodegas.

Albo canned Fabada Asturianas & Ybarra Manzanilla Olives stuffed with Piquillo Peppers came back to our shelves in 2011.

A delicious experience last year was eating embutidos over vine clippings in Rioja at Bodegas Don Sancho Londoño.

Canalons a la Barcelonesa (serves 6):

1 onion, chopped 6 T breadcrumbs

2 cloves garlic, minced 1 egg, lightly beaten

1 tomato, seeded and grated 1 sprig fresh thyme

1 lard (or olive oil)

Olive oil 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

6 oz ground chicken or turkey meat salt & pepper

3 chicken livers, minced 18 canellone wrappers

6 oz veal, finely ground butter

6 oz pork, finely ground bechamel sauce

In a cazuela, saute the onion, garlic and tomato in olive oil. Add the chicken, livers, veal and pork and cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes. Mix the breadcrumbs with the egg, then stir in the thyme and nutmeg and salt & pepper to taste. Stir the mixture into the cazuela, remove from heat. Cook the pasta according to package directions, remove carefully with a slotted spoon and drain them on cloth towels. Preheat the oven to 400 F. Spoon a small amount of meat mixture down one side of each canolo wrapper, covering no more than 1/3 of its surface. Roll each wrapper into a tube, starting with the meat side. Place them seam side down in a lightly buttered cazuela. Pour the bechamel sauce evenly over the pasta, then sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Bake them until the filling is heated through and the cheese has turned golden brown (about 15-20 minutes).

Cava and Grapes

spanishtableseattle — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 19:06:49 +0000

Spanish Table Seattle Newsletter December 29, 2011

In Spain on New Year’s Eve, people eat grapes as each bong of the clock counts down the final 12 seconds of the year. A group of shrewd farmers started this tradition when one year there were too many grapes left after the harvest. The King of Spain gave everyone grapes to eat on New Year’s Eve and the ritual was born! This is easy and fun to do at a party, and works best with seedless grapes and a delicious bottle of cava to wash them down. For each grape consumed at exactly the right time, you will get a month’s good luck. Get your grapes and cava, and celebrate the holiday Spanish style! We will be open regular hours on New Year’s Eve – Saturday, December 31 – from 10 AM to 6 PM. We will be closed on New Year’s Day, January 1 and will reopen on Monday, January 2.

FELIZ AŇO NUEVO!

OUR FAVORITE CAVAS - Spanish bubbly is delicious and affordable!

2008 Vilarnau Brut Nature ($16.99) “Pale yellow color with green reflections and fine and expressive bubbles. Powerful nose with aromas of apples and pears and toasted bread notes due to its aging period. Round structured and well-balanced. Great with seafood or as an aperitif.” 89 points Wine Enthusiast

2007 Jane Ventura Brut Reserva de la Musica ($14.99) A small family run winery, Jane Ventura started production in 1914 by selling to the local market. Their wine making process is artisanal and hands-on rather than efficient. The earnestness for quality over quantity is palpable, which is evident in this tasty cava. 2007 Brut Reserva de la Musica is aged on the lees for 30 months. Fresh and rich, this low dosage cava has notes of pears, brioche and toast with a dry and crisp finish and a fine mousse of beautiful bubbles. 3800 cases made.

2004 Llopart Gran Reserva Brut Nature Cava ($29.99) This limited production vintage cava has been aged a minimum of 48 months on the lees. Hand produced from four monovarietals (40% Macabeo, 40% Xarel-lo, 10% Parellada and 10% Chardonnay), it is bottle fermented in the Methode Champenoise. Llopart Gran Reserva has tiny and refined bubbles with a complex bouquet of butter, yeast, and elegant spicy notes. Light flavors of orchard fruit have a creamy texture; the crisp acidity and prolonged aging tones have a persistent and dry finish. This will delight any lover of bubbly wines.

NV Matilde Totus Tuus Brut Cava ($16.99) This delicious cava has bright notes of apple and pear, brioche and finishes dry with hints of toast. The 17 months aging on the lees offer up a sparkler with intensity and depth. “Matilde’s Non-Vintage Totus Tuus Cuvee Brut is a blend of 40% Chardonnay, 18% Xarel-lo, 18% Macabeo, 18% Parellada, and 6% Pinot Noir aged for 17 months on its lees. It reveals a beautiful frothy mousse, fragrant aromas from the Chardonnay, plenty of glycerin, and a Champagne-like personality at a fraction of the price. This lengthy effort is an outstanding value meant for drinking over the next 12-18 months.” 89 points Wine Advocate

NV German Gilabert Brut Nature Cava ($15.99) Rich buttered toast and white fruit aromas. Zesty, with notes of dried white fruit and beautiful bubbles. “Pale yellow with an abundant bead. Pear skin, white flowers and minerals on the nose, along with a gentle leesiness. Juicy, pure orchard fruit and spice flavors offer very good cut and precision. Nicely supple if not exactly fleshy, with strong mineral lift and good clarity. Finishes with a note of dusty minerals and attractive lingering perfume.” 89 points Stephen Tanzer

Last Minute Gift Ideas

spanishtableseattle — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 18:54:58 +0000

Spanish Table Seattle Newsletter December 19, 2011

To our customers and friends: Thank you for shopping at The Spanish Table this year and best wishes for a glorious holiday season! The Spanish Table and Paris Grocery will have special hours for last minute purchases on Saturday, December 24th (Christmas Eve). Both stores will be open from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

LAST MINUTE GIFTS FOR COOKS

Spanish, Portuguese, Latin, or North African cookbooks, from $9.99 to $45.00

Paella sets with an 8 serving pan and all of the ingredients to get one started! From $54.00

Copper Portuguese Cataplanas (clam steamers) in 4 sizes, from $90.00

Clay Tagines (North African slow cookers) from $45.00.

Cazuelas (clay cookware) from 1/8 cup to 7 liters, in brown, red, black or beige, from $2.99 to $105.99

A whole leg of Jamon Serrano….

INEXPENSIVE GIFTS AND STOCKING STUFFERS

A ceramic crock of sweet Asturian honey ($11.99) — excellent on toast or with a fresh goat cheese.

A jar of olives ($3.99-$10.99) with a package of fancy skewers ($1.99).

Wooden spoons or forks made from olive wood ($5.99 to $19.99).

A ceramic salt cellar ($10.00) and some Mediterranean sea salt.

A selection of Taza spiced hot chocolate discs ($4.99 each), a jar of Nocilla ($7.99) and/or individually wrapped Rabitos (chocolate covered figs, $.89 each) for the chocolate lover in your life.

Spanish Daily Phrase Calendar ($13.99)

Aged sherry vinegar from $12.99

Small bottles of port, cava or Spanish red wine, including 375 ml bottles of 2005 Marques de Riscal Reserva Rioja ($9.99)

SPECIAL WINES FOR THE HOLIDAYS

2008 Bodegas Alto Moncayo Alto Moncayo ($45.00) “Exotic aromas of fresh raspberries and cherry-cola. An expansive, sweet fruit bomb with intense raspberry and blackberry flavors enlivened by juicy acidity; this doesn’t come off as jammy. Finishes bright, sweet and long, with an echoing raspberry note.” 92 points Stephen Tanzer We have two bottles left of the 2008 vintage, and a case of the spectacular 2009 vintage just arrived.

2008 Bodegas Alto Moncayo Veraton ($29.99) “Explosively perfumed scents of ripe blackberry, blueberry and candied violet. Appealingly sweet flavors of dark fruit preserves are framed by velvety tannins and pick up spiciness with air. Shows good freshness on the finish, which echoes the blueberry note.” 91 points Stephen Tanzer. We have a couple of bottles left of the 2008 vintage, and a case of the spectacular 2009 vintage just arrived.

Bodegas R. Lopez Heredia “Library” Gran Reservas Once per year, Bodegas Lopez Heredia offers us the opportunity to order a limited number of Gran Reservas from their cellars. Here’s a snapshot of some of the vintages we have on hand. These one-of-a-kind Riojas make fantastic gifts for the wine connoisseur in your life:

1985 Viña Tondonia Rioja Gran Reserva ($150.00) 95 points Stephen Tanzer: “Knockout perfumed nose of great purity and complexity: an extremely elegant, very intensely flavored Rioja with superb persistence on the palate.”

1981 Viña Tondonia Rioja Gran Reserva ($150.00) 90 points Stephen Tanzer: “Citrus skin and cinnamon on the nose. At once penetrating and suave, with lovely subtlety and cut; still evolving. Very long, ethereal back end.”

1981 Viña Bosconia Rioja Gran Reserva ($150.00) 94 points Stephen Tanzer: ”Gorgeous , multidimensional aromas of dried red fruits, white flowers, spicecake, leather, underbrush, graphite and lavender sachet. Silky and seemingly weightless, with a haunting crystalline purity to the sweet strawberry and redcurrant flavors. A remarkable wine that’s completely out of step with today’s styles: this is the stuff that gets die-hard Rioja traditionalists all weepy.”

1976 Viña Tondonia Rioja Gran Reserva ($375.00) 92 points Wine Advocate: “The outstanding 1976 Vina Tondonia Gran Reserva offers a multitude of tertiary nuances in its suggestions of leather, licorice, coffee beans, earthiness and dried prunes on a medium-bodied frame of notable elegance.”

1970 Viña Tondonia Rioja Gran Reserva ($650.00) 93 points Wine Advocate

1970 Viña Bosconia Rioja Gran Reserva ($650.00) 93 points Wine Advocate: ”The 1970 Vina Bosconia Gran Reserva is a captivating effort, with endless, well-defined nuances of pine, minerals and sweet red fruits that emerge from the glass in a breathtaking display of purity and class. It shows the extraordinary length, great expression and the pure breed of a truly great wine.”

HOLIDAY PARTY WINES

2010 Viña Reboreda Blanco, Ribeiro ($12.99) It opens with a mild lime bouquet with a hint of green pear. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied, balanced and clean. The flavor profile is a gently mineral infused Anjou pear with jus a drop of tangerine and lime mixed in. The finish is dry and very refreshing. This wine is excellent with shellfish.

2008 Adagio Reserva Malbec, Mendoza ($13.99) One of our favorite Malbecs, 50% is aged in French oak for 12 months which gives the wine notes of vanilla and baking spice. Two years of bottle age offers up a voluptuous, juicy, it is elegant and superbly balanced. 2008 Adagio Reserva has well integrated tannins, a medium body and a persistent finish. Wonderful with smoked meats and charcuterie.

2009 Mencos Tinto Rioja ($14.99) A delicious old-vine Tempranillo, unoaked. Ripe fruit aromas on the nose with notes of boysenberry and menthol on the palate. Medium-bodied, Mencos shows a purity of fruit with an expressive and balanced finish. ” The entry-level 2009 Mencos is an unoaked cuvee of 100% Tempranillo. Aromas of earthy minerals, spice box, violets, cherry blossom, and blackberry inform the nose of a ripe, firm, savory red with good balance and length. It is an outstanding value meant for drinking over the next 5-6 years.” 90 points Wine Advocate

Legs of Jamon Serrano & Jamon Iberico

spanishtableseattle — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 18:44:31 +0000

Museo del Jamón, Madrid

Spanish Table Seattle Newsletter December 14, 2011

Two Hours FREE PARKING at the Market through tomorrow, December 15, 2011, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.! To qualify, PARK in the Public Market Parking Garage at 1531 Western Avenue from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. SPEND at least $30 at Market businesses and VALIDATE your parking ticket and receipts at the Market Information Booth at 1st & Pike prior to returning to your car, from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

The Spanish Table and Paris Grocery will have special hours for the holiday shopping season. On Sunday, December 18, both stores are open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. On Saturday, December 24th (Christmas Eve), both stores will be open from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

An unforgettable Madrid experience is a stop at the Museo del Jamón in the Puerta del Sol. Akin to a pilgrimage stop for lovers of all things pork, the large shop is filled to the rafters with Embutidos (sausages) and legs of Jamón Serrano and Iberico. If only we could display our ham plenty here in such a mouthwatering fashion! But here, we can only hang plastic jamónes outside the refrigerator.

But we do have authentic, bone-in legs of Jamón Serrano which weigh from 18 to 20 pounds and range from $340.00 to $370.00. We also have a bone-in leg of Jamón Iberico ($656.00; 18.76#) and one leg of Jamón Iberico Bellota ($954.00; 13.3#). We carry

the leg stands (soporte jamonero – $19.95) so that you can carve slices off your very own leg of ham, whenever you wish. Think charcuterie plates or boccadillos for holidays!

We were challenged by our California partners recently to find the best use of MIguel y Valentino Pine Cone Smoked Extra Virgin Olive Oil ($13.99). It’s naturally smoked, without any artificial flavorings and the oil itself is fruity and delicious. We found that it enhanced pretty much anything we drizzled it on, and it makes an excellent gift! Our favorite dishes to sprinkle it over:

- Wild mushroom pizza, risotto or paella

- Grilled Halibut or Salmon

- Grilled pork chops

- In an Apple and Cabrales blue cheese salad in place of bacon (it IS like invisible bacon after all!)

- Pasta with a homemade piquillo pepper sauce

- Grilled or sauteed shrimp Easy party tapa!

- Roasted fingerling potatoes Easy party tapa!

SPECIAL RIOJAS FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Montecillo Gran Reserva Seleccion Especial – 4 bottle gift pack ($149.00)

There’s been a buzz here at the shop about Montecillo Gran Reserva Seleccion Especials, ever since we scooped the last of an amazing deal on 1981, 1982, 1985 and 1991 vintages. Professional duty demanded that we taste them all to make sure they lived up to their potential, and they absolutely do! These are exceptional classic Riojas, gracefully aged, each reflecting the individuality of the vintage. This is an excellent gift for lovers of traditional Riojas, or anyone who wants the rare opportunity to taste 4 old vintages! The 4 bottle wooden box contains one bottle of each wine:
1981 Montecillo Gran Reserva Selección Especial Rioja Impressive liveliness in this 30 year old wine. Notes of balsamic, dried cherry and cigar box; elegant with silky tannins. “Complex aromas of plum, red berries, cinnamon, tree bark, pepper and bacon; autumnal in the style of a mature syrah yet still fresh. Less sweet in the middle than the 1982 but more penetrating, with lovely clarity of flavor. Finishes with firm, slightly drying tannins. For tasters unfamiliar with fully mature classic Riojas, this would be an excellent starting point.” 91 points Stephen Tanzer
1982 Montecillo Gran Reserva Selección Especial Rioja From an excellent vintage, the 1982 exhibits nuance and impressive complexity. Vibrant and savory, with notes of smoke, mushroom, leather. “The superb 1982 Gran Reserva Seleccion is from a great Rioja vintage. The wine was aged for nearly four years in French barriques and bottled in 1987. It exhibits a deep red-brick color and a sexy nose of earthy minerals, smoky tobacco, spice box, cherry, and red currants. This is followed by a nicely structured wine with elegance and a certain stateliness marking it as a classic example of old-style Rioja. This splendid effort should drink well for another decade.” 93 points Wine Advocate
1985 Montecillo Gran Reserva Selección Especial Rioja Initally the 1985 seemed to be the lightest wine of the four, but it gradually opened up with air, and was even better the following day. “Mature aromas of strawberry, meat, leather and truffle. Old-style, slightly funky Rioja flavors of pungent strawberry, leather and baking spices; lovely acidity gives the wine a juiciness and impressive inner-mouth lift. Reminded me a bit of an old Graves. Finishes juicy and long, with a slight dryness. A very idiosyncratic and satisfying example of a fully mature Rioja” 89 points Stephen Tanzer

1991 Montecillo Gran Reserva Selección Especial Rioja A more modern style, its expressive bright fruit has a beautiful taut balance. “The 1991 Gran Reserva Seleccion, from a difficult vintage, is nevertheless an outstanding effort. It spent 46 months in French barriques before being bottled in 1996. Dark ruby in color, the wine emits a lovely perfume of spice box, tobacco, and cherry. With considerable stuffing consisting of wood, mushrooms, currants and cherries, and a long finish, this deceptively powerful wine can be enjoyed for another 5-7 years.” 90 points Wine Advocate

OTHER FAVORITE RIOJAS

2001 La Rioja Alta Viña Ardanza Reserva Especial Rioja ($36.00/750 ml; $19.99/375 ml) La Rioja Alta is a benchmark for traditional Rioja wines, with its uncompromising quality and expressive wines. 2001 was a superb vintage and at La Rioja Alta, this wine was so distinctive that it earned the “Reserva Especial” designation which the winery has awarded to only 3 vintages in its history (1964, 1973 and 2001). “Sexy, intensely perfumed bouquet of ripe raspberry and cherry with suggestions of potpourri, sandalwood and vanilla. Shows more power and darker fruits on the palate, picking up a touch of singed plum that adds a serious quality to the sweet black raspberry and cherry flavors without costing the wine any of its vibrancy. The long, sweet finish hangs on with very good tenacity.” 92 points Stephen Tanzer

2001 Muga Prado Enea Gran Reserva Rioja ($57.00) Winemaker Jorge Muga told us that the 2001 and 2005 vintages were the finest they’ve ever produced. After sharing a bottle of this wine with friends recently, we couldn’t agree more! “A complex, heady bouquet of dried red berries, sandalwood, rose oil, black tea and licorice pastille. Smooth, focused and gently sweet cherry and raspberry flavors coat the palate, with gentle but integrated tannins providing shape. This silky, seamless wine finishes with a strong echo of candied flowers, spices and minerals.” 93 points Stephen Tanzer

2001 Marques de Murrieta Castillo Ygay Rioja Gran Reserva Especial ($60.) “Impressively complex bouquet of dried red fruits, tobacco, cedar and potpourri. A spicy, subtly sweet midweight, offering lively redcurrant and bitter cherry flavors and very soft tannins. The smoky finish features a strong echo of cedary spice.” 92 points Stephen Tanzer

Cataplanas and Flor de Pingus

spanishtableseattle — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 20:13:39 +0000

Spanish Table Seattle Newsletter December 8, 2011

Two Hours FREE PARKING at the Market from December 1 – 15, 2011, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.! To qualify, PARK in the Public Market Parking Garage at 1531 Western Avenue from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. SPEND at least $30 at Market businesses and VALIDATE your parking ticket and receipts at the Market Information Booth at 1st & Pike prior to returning to your car, from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Our first trip to Iberia in September 1985 took us through southern Portugal’s Algarve region. Populated by fishing villages with expansive sandy beaches, it is paradise for both beach goers and seafood lovers. This is where we first ate Clams Cataplana, a dish made with pork and clams in a copper steamer that latches shut to keep all of the juices inside.

We have our own cataplana at home that we experiment with, and the shop just received a new shipment of them in four sizes. Last week we made a fantastic combination by sautéing 1/2 an onion, one clove garlic and 1 cup chanterelle mushrooms in 3 Tablespoons of olive oil for 3-4 minutes. Then we added 1 pound of fresh clams in the shell, 1 pound of large prawns, 1/4 cup of sliced jamon serrano and 1/4 cup sherry, stirred it all together and latched shut the cataplana. In 10 minutes it was ready. We sprinkled some parsley on top and served with crusty bread to soak up the juices. Yum!

New shipments of holiday foods and gifts keep rolling in! Yesterday, 11 pallets from Spain were delivered. We now have Peces Mazapán Figures, Tarta de Santiago (almond cake turrón), Spanish Judión beans (giant, creamy white beans that are excellent in a broth with chorizo). New cazuelas with handles in red or black; Churro Mix and churro makers; Quijote brand chorizo and salchichón, sold individually or packaged with a cazuela and 5 new styles of green glassware.

SPECTACULAR NEW WINES

2010 La Cana Albarino, Rias Baixas ($16.99) “Pungent aromas of citrus pith, beeswax and minerals, with a deeper note of pear skin coming out with air. Taut and spicy, with very good density and a distinct pungency to its flavors of candied citrus fruits, pear and lemon zest. A suggestion of licorice builds with air and carries through the broad, supple, energetic finish.” 91 points Stephen Tanzer

2007 Muga Reserva Rioja in 375 ml bottles ($14.99) Great stocking stuffer! The full bottles of 2007 Muga Reserva will appear as soon as the distributor sells out of the 2006 vintage. The 2007 Muga Reserva has “powerful cherry and blackberry on the nose, with alluring smoked meat and licorice notes and a suggestion of candied rose. Full, fleshy dark berry and bitter cherry flavors are lifted by a gentle mineral note and are supported by silky tannins. Gains sweetness on the persistent finish, which features an exotic note of resiny, cured tobacco. This is the only wine that Muga commercialized from the 2007 vintage.” 91 points Stephen Tanzer

Arriving Friday Dec 9th: 2008 Cautivo Rioja ($11.99) This tastyand value-priced Rioja was a customer favorite in October and quickly sold out. Fortunately we were able to get another 5 cases that are arriving tomorrow. 2008 Cautivo Rioja is versatile, balanced and clean. Loaded with bright and juicy red fruit, it has a hint of smoke and tobacco. It’s paired well with everything we’ve thrown at it, especially cured meats and cheeses. This would be an excellent party wine!

2009 Flor de Pingus, Ribera del Duero ($90.00) ”The 2009 Flor de Pingus (3000 cases produced) is 100% Tempranillo and spends 14 months in a mix of new and used French oak… a primary perfume of pain grille, mineral, spice box, incense, and blackberry. Locked and loaded with remarkable concentration and depth, this mouth-coating lengthy offering manages to incorporate some elegance into its powerful physique. It will drink well for 30-40 years. … there is no doubting that the 2004 and the 2009′s are the greatest wines of [owner] Sisseck’s career. Flor de Pingus is one of the great values in winedom.” 95-98 points Wine Advocate

El Maestro Sierra VORS Amontillado 1830 ($90.00) The exact age of this solera is impossible to determine as the wines have been here for as long as the bodega owners can remember. The barrels themselves were built in 1830 and have been used for aging sherry ever since; what is known is that the freshest 14 butts of this wine have spent at least 50 years aging in the solera system. This wine is ethereally light and profound with a seemingly never-ending finish. Medium bodied, very dry, with notes of butterscotch and pungent green olives, “…Vinos Viejos Amontillado is racy and intense and would work well with lobster bisque.” 92 points Wine Advocate

We now have 375 ml bottles of Rare Wine Madeiras ($32.00). Choose from Charleston Sercial, New York Malmsey, Boston Bual or Savannah Verdelho.

Party Tapas and More New Shipments

spanishtableseattle — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 19:49:08 +0000

Spanish Table Seattle Newsletter December 2, 2011

Less is definitely more when it comes to holiday entertaining. Our greatest party inspirations come from travels in Spain, especially to San Sebastian, Sevilla and Madrid where every bar counter is laden with a glorious tapas array. Most tapas are simple finger foods which make excellent and quick bites to serve at gatherings, easy to prepare and quite delicious. To make the evening complete, always serve tapas with Spanish wine!

Montaditos are simple party snacks – small morsels of food “mounted” atop a slice of bread. These easy-to-eat toasts look elegant and taste sublime! To prepare, toast slices of baguette under the broiler or fry the bread in Ybarra Extra Virgin Olive Oil and then drain on paper towels before continuing. Spread plain mayonnaise, or use mayonnaise flavored with saffron or anchovy paste on the toasted baguette.

Other great spreads that work well are Ferrer brand Alioli (garlic mayonnaise) or Romesco sauce (almond – pepper sauce). On top of the sauce, spread a dollop of baby shrimp meat, or a single medium-large prawn. For a vegetarian alternative, top with a quarter of an artichoke heart, a section of a white asparagus spear, a slice of piquillo pepper, pitted Ybarra Manzanilla olives, or a combination of all four. A toothpick can help stabilize the layers. TO UPSCALE: Add a slice of hard boiled egg, a boqueron (white anchovy), sprinkle a few capers or smoked pimentón on top for a more San Sebastian-style pintxo. For more tapas suggestions, stop in and see us. We’ll help you put together a tapas spread.

New and returning products from our latest shipments: Spanish Table 2012 calendars — Free with purchase! Chocolate covered figs; Rose petal Harissa sauce; Kalamata crown figs from Greece; Date & Walnut cake – great with cheese! Cases of Sumol soda; Macarico Piri Piri sauce in 1 liter, 200 gram, and 100 gram containers, Zergüt brand Ajvar pepper sauce – hot & mild; Barcelos Medium Linguica.

The film El Bulli: Cooking In Progress opens today at The Varsity Theater for one week only!

SPECTACULAR NEW WINES FROM RIBEIRO

Bodegas Casal de Arman is in Galicia’s little known D.O. Ribeiro. They’ve received numerous awards over the last several years for their wines in Spain and in England, including just released 91 points reviews from Guia Penin and a 94 point review from Guia Proensa, Spain’s two most famous wine publications. We’re excited to offer their wines!

The 2010 Casal de Arman Blanco ($17.99) is super enticing and powerful with lemon curd, apricot, white flowers and seashells. Rich and lingering flavors of lemon, lime, white peach, lychee, and enticing crushed seashell notes on the finish.

The 2008 Casal de Arman Blanco Sobre Lias ($24.99) spends 6 months resting on the lees in French oak barrels which add a textural richness. Luscious and complete on the palate with flavors of spiced yellow pear, apricot and herbal freshness with an underlying mineral note that makes me think this is what rock juice would taste like. Balanced and with lingering notes of said crushed rocks, citrus and a hint of stone fruit pit bitterness which I really like. Only 100 cases produced, very limited.

The 2010 Casal de Arman Tinto ($17.99) has a silky textured with gorgeous floral notes of violet, lilac, dried rose & lavender filled out with flavors of tart red cherry, sweet plum and black raspberry. Savory, umami notes of cracked pepper and exotic spice and wild herbs only get more interesting with air and a vibrant, cracked stone/mineral undertone is just flat out delicious.

HOLIDAY PARTY WINES

2008 Dão Cabriz Colheita Seleccionada, Portugal ($9.99) Shows all of the the elegance which Portugal’s Dão region is famous for. ”A well-structured, muscular red, with a touch of Asian spice to the wild plum and dried raspberry flavors. Beef and mineral notes mark the finish. Distinctive, with a very sauvage allure. Drink now through 2015.” 90 points Wine Spectator, Best Value, #42 Spectator’s Top 100 Wines of 2011

2010 Bodegas Martinez Corta Cepas Antiguas Rioja ($10.99) Produced from manually harvested, head-pruned vines that are over 40 years of age. 100% Tempranillo, unoaked. “The [2010] Cepas Antiguas Selección Privada offers up a fruity perfume of violets, black cherry, and blackberry. Savory with a bit of structure, this tasty effort is a great value for drinking over the next 4-5 years.” 90 Points Wine Advocate

2005 Miranda Tinto Rioja SALE! NOW $8.99, WAS $14.99 Take advantage of a close-out price on a tasty Rioja from a great vintage! Fresh aromas of pie cherry with a hint of earth on the front palate lead to a mouthful of bright cherry and intense, ripe plum flavors. 2005 Miranda is 100% Tempranillo; its 8 months aging in used oak casks provide a food-friendly structure and silky tannins. Herbal undertones compliment tar and licorice on the persistent finish. Miranda is a well-knit red that will appeal to any fan of Rioja wines.

2006 Finca Nueva Crianza Rioja SALE! Originally $14.99, now $10.99 Finca Nueva is a younger red Rioja wine produced by Bodegas Allende. “Purple-colored with aromas of violets, spice box, and blackberry, on the palate it is ripe with excellent volume and savory flavors. It is a lot of wine for the money.” 89 points Wine Advocate

New Holiday Shipment

spanishtableseattle — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 00:33:57 +0000

SPANISH TABLE SEATTLE NEWSLETTER November 21, 2011

NEWLY ARRIVED FOODS AND COOKWARE

I like to experiment with new foods when guests come over, and the holidays seem to be a natural time to try out some new recipes.

Bacalou (salt cod) – is a traditional holiday food, and a new shipment just arrived. To make a glorious tapas, soak the cod in a water bath for 24-48 hours, changing the water a couple of times per day. Towel dry, then blend with a little cream and stuff into piquillo peppers. Warm in a 350 degree oven for 15 minutes, then serve.

Filetes de Boqueron (white anchovies) in the flat pack are back in stock. For a delicious starter, spread olive tapenade over crostini and top with a boqueron.

We have Matiz Sardines. Featured in last week’s Wall Street Journal, we’ve had a run on these tasty fishes, but there are now plenty on the shelf. Serve them straight out of the can, or make them into a fish paté by mashing the sardines, adding chopped cilantro, key lime and mayonnaise to taste. Spread on crackers.

Aside from a time of holiday feasts, now is also soup season! There’s nothing more restorative on a cold, wet day than a warm bowl of hearty soup.

We now have prepared, canned Fabada Asturiana and Caldo Gallego.

A new shipment of ham hocks and fabada beans just arrived, for creating your own favorite recipe.

Spanish Christmas Cookies have arrived! We’re stocked with Mantecados, Polvorones, Hojaldrades and one of my favorites, Bocaditos de Mazapan con Chocolate.

Four pallets of clay cookware came in the door today. We’ve got all sizes and colors in ollas (covered bean pots), cazuelas (covered and uncovered shallow cookware) and bowls.

Paella kits are back in stock. The kit includes an 8 serving carbon steel pan, 1/2 kilo of bomba rice, 1 gram saffron, s can of smoked paprika, piquillo peppers and the cookbook “Classic Spanish Cooking” by Elizabeth Luard, all for $50.00. These make excellent gifts.

THANKSGIVING WINES

NV Matilde Totus Tuus Brut Cava ($16.99) This delicious cava has bright notes of apple and pear, brioche and finishes dry with hints of toast. The 17 months aging on the lees offer up a sparkler with intensity and depth. ”Matilde’s Non-Vintage Totus Tuus Cuvee Brut is a blend of 40% Chardonnay, 18% Xarel-lo, 18% Macabeo, 18% Parellada, and 6% Pinot Noir aged for 17 months on its lees. It reveals a beautiful frothy mousse, fragrant aromas from the Chardonnay, plenty of glycerin, and a Champagne-like personality at a fraction of the price. This lengthy effort is an outstanding value meant for drinking over the next 12-18 months.” 89 points Wine Advocate

2010 Adegas Santa Marta Rogo, Valdeorras ($19.99) Made of 100% Godello from 25 year old vines, raised on slate soils. Fermented at low temperature, it rests on the lees for 60 days to gain in richness, then aged in stainless steel. The newest arrival from our trip to Spain last summer, this is such an impressively aromatic, mineral-driven and delicate wine that we placed a special order for it. This will be a stellar pairing with seafood or cheese tapas and rich Thanksgiving dishes. Only 800 cases are made; it is only available at The Spanish Table. ”Mineral- and floral-accented lemon and pear aromas are complicated by scents of honey and white pepper. Pliant lemon gelato and orchard flavors are lifted by zesty minerality, turning spicier with aeration. The floral and mineral notes resonate on the long, sappy finish. I like this wine’s blend of depth and energy. “ 90 points Stephen Tanzer

2009 Barco de Piedra Ribera del Duero ($14.99) A small production red which shows the bright fruit and power of Ribera del Duero. Oak aged for 5 months, it displays enticing violet aromas with fresh notes of blackberry, hints of blueberry and tar, a firm structure and a depth of flavor. This is from a great vintage and has the stuffing to age for a year or two, but it is already irresistible.

2001 Beronia Gran Reserva Rioja ($26.99) This elegant Rioja from a great vintage is suave and balanced. One of the best values in a Gran Reserva, hands down. Rich smoky cherry and red berry, dusted with cocoa, a touch of earth, spice and vanilla. Firm tannins that soften with air and impressive length.

You can also shop online at The Spanish Table.

For food items and cookware (anything except wine), visit Spanishtable.com.

For wine orders, visit Spanishtablewines.com.

For the latest news from our Paris Grocery shop, visit the Paris Grocery Facebook page.

New Shipment & Thanksgiving Wines

spanishtableseattle — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 23:57:51 +0000

Spanish Table Seattle Newsletter November 15, 2011

NEW PRODUCTS AND OLD FAVORITES HAVE ARRIVED
One of our most memorable winery visits in Spain last summer was to Hermanos del Villar S.A. in Rueda. Their 2010 Oro de Castilla Verdejo ($14.99) has a creamy citrus flavor, very dry, and with herbal notes, it pairs well with a wide array of foods, including a spectacular seafood rice dish that was cooked in a impressive giant sarten honda (deep, enamelled cooking pot). We couldn’t wait to get some of these pans for the store and they arrived yesterday! Deep enough to boil a lot of liquid, they can cook pasta, boil sausages, braise or simmer anything. Made to use on a propane paella cooker, these pans will expand your menu options ten-fold, allowing a variety of dishes to be cooked on the burner. We brought in three sizes – medium-large, large, and gigantic. Eight pallets of paelleras, burners, and long-handled serving spoons all arrived yesterday. Just in time for the holidays, we have all sizes of pans and burners, and ingredients in stock for making paella!

Authentic Sherry glasses from Bodegas La Gitana and Bodegas Toro Albala. You’ll feel like an Andalucian, sipping from these copas! Our first shipment of turrón has arrived and more is on the way. El Almendro brand Turrón Duro (“Alicante” style hard turrón), is the white crunchy almond brittle so emblematic of the holiday season in Spain. Made of almonds, sugar, honey and egg white. We’ve also got Turrón “Caramelo” with toasted sesame seeds blended in with the almonds, and Turrón “Crocanti con Chocolate” – chocolate covered hard turrón chocolate. Can’t decide which to try? The “Selection” sampler assortment is for you, featuring 3 pieces of each flavor.

THANKSGIVING AND SPECIAL OCCASION WINES
2010 Fillaboa Albariño, Rias Baixas ($16.99) This elegant, unoaked Albariño shows great balance and freshness; excellent with rich foods. Its minerality will keep your palate refreshed during a long meal. ”Bright, green-tinged yellow. Spicy lemon and grapefruit on the nose, with deeper peach and melon qualities emerging with aeration. Dry, brisk citrus and honeydew flavors show very good clarity. This clean, graceful, light-bodied albarino finishes with good clarity and cut.” 90 points Stephen Tanzer
2001 Viña Gravonia Blanco Crianza Rioja ($24.99) The youngest white wine produced by Bodegas R. Lopez Heredia has four years of barrel age which gives it a rich savoriness and great food pairing qualities. ”Highly complex, spice-accented aromas of pear skin, lemon curd, bee pollen and chamomile, plus a hint of honey. Dense, dry and focused, with a firm structure and spice-accented flavors of dried pear, melon, honeysuckle and herbs. The very long, stony finish shows honey and dried peach notes. This has years of life left in it.” 92 points Stephen Tanzer

Rosés are excellent with turkey and stuffing! We’ve got a tremendous selection – choose from light and mineral 2010 Muga Rosé ($12.99), dry and refreshing 2010 Cune Rosé ($12.99) or 2010 Beronia rosé ($11.99).

2009 Pinyolet Selección, Montsant ($19.99) Pinyolet will stand up well to hearty stuffings made with sausage and dried fruit. This excellent red made from old-vine Garnacha and Cariñena displays black fruit aromas with notes of crushed rock. Laced with minerals, it shows bright fruit and dark velvety elements, layered with notes of chocolate and road dust. Full-bodied and expressive, this has the stuffing to age for 3 to 5 years. “The 2009 Pinyolet Seleccion is made up of 80% Garnacha planted in 1945 and 20% Carinena planted in 1928 aged for 8 months in two-year-old French oak. Asian spices, incense, mineral, and a confiture of black fruits inform the nose of this juicy, incipiently complex red. Plush, friendly, and nicely proportioned, it can be enjoyed over the next 6 years, It is an outstanding value in pleasure-bent Montsant.” 91 points Wine Advocate

After a long hiatus, we’ve been able to obtain two spectacular wines from Bodegas Pago de Carraovejas (Ribera del Duero). Bodegas Pago de Carraovejas produces a single vineyard blend of Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon and makes only a Crianza, Reserva and Grand Reserva. Founded by José María Ruiz in 1988, a Segovian restauranteur who specializes in roast suckling pig, Jose Maria is devoted to hands-on quality. Today he not only makes his own wine, but also raises heritage-breed pigs for his restaurant’s culinary specialty. Most of Pago de Carraovejas wines are sold to restaurants in Spain; only 10% of the 50,000 case production is exported. You’re more likely to find it in Spain than in the U.S.; we haven’t been able to stock this wine for over a year and we’re excited to finally get our hands on some!

2008 Pago de Carraovejas Crianza, Ribera del Duero ($53.00) “The 2008 Crianza is made up of 85% Tempranillo, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Merlot aged in a mix of new and used French and American oak. Cedar, Asian spices, violets, tapenade, and blackberry aromas inform the nose of this elegant, savory, nicely proportioned Crianza from a very good vintage. This tasty effort will evolve for 2-3 years and deliver prime drinking from 2013 to 2023.” 90 points Wine Advocate
2007 Pago de Carraovejas Reserva, Ribera del Duero ($86.00) ”The 2007 Reserva is made up of 90% Tempranillo and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon aged in new French oak for 24 months. Purple in color, it gives up an expressive nose of wood smoke, violets, espresso, mineral, and assorted black fruits. Full-bodied, dense, and savory on the palate, this medium-long effort will fill out for another 2-3 years and offer a drinking window extending from 2014 to 2022.” 91 points Wine Advocate
2009 Goliardo Caiño, Rias Baixas ($70.00). Goliardo is made from the red Caiño Tinto grape, which is practically extinct. There is also a white Caiño grape). Winemaker Raúl Pérez makes 8 barrels of this wine from vineyard of 200 year old vines. Caiño Tinto typically produces a light-bodied and peppery red, with characteristics similiar to a Cabernet Franc; but in the hands of Raúl Pérez, Caiño Tinto exhibits a purity of red fruit with a silky texture. Full of minerals,this wine is reminiscent of a great Burgundy. ”High-pitched aromas of cherry, blood orange, minerals and Indian spices. Smoky, assertively spicy dark fruit flavors are complemented by an exotic note of pit fruits, with licorice and mineral nuances gaining strength with air. Shows excellent clarity and power on the finish, which hangs on with excellent tenacity.” 92 points Stephen Tanzer