Today we’re sipping three wines that will pair as nicely with time spent sitting in the shade on a warm afternoon as they would with summer salads, light pasta dishes or grilled chicken for supper. All are easy on the pocketbook and offer a taste of several varieties you might not have in your usual wine rotation. We received these wines as tasting samples.
2019 CVNE Monopole, Rioja — pale yellow in the glass with aromas of citrus, minerals, pear and white flowers. Flavors are very citrusy and stony with hints of pear and juicy acidity. Light body, fairly long finish. 13% abv. SRP $15
100% Viura is gently pressed to release free-run juice, which is fermented in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks to preserve the aromas of the variety. Viura is known as Macabeo elsewhere is Spain where it is grown in many parts of the country. It is grown over the border in France as well where it is called Maccabeu.
CVNE and Monopole have an interesting history in Rioja. It is worth reading about.
2019 Viña Real Rosado, Rioja — light salmon in the glass with generous aromas of strawberries, watermelon and fresh squeezed citrus. Flavors of strawberry pie and ground almonds with a grating of citrus zest are bright and refreshing. Light body, bright acidity, medium length finish. 12.5% abv. SRP $14
This rosado is a blend of Garnacha, Tempranillo and Viura. The grapes were transferred to stainless steel tanks for several hours of skin contact. Without pressing, the juice was drained off and a temperature-controlled fermentation followed.
2018 Virgen del Galir Pagos del Galir, Valdeorras — pale golden in the glass with generous aromas of oat hay, citrus and dusty earth. Gravelly minerality leads the flavor profile along with oat hay, dusty earth and citrus. Delicate notes of melon and white flowers float in the background. There is a complexity to the flavors that is difficult to describe. The wine has a bit of weight and a long finish. Very interesting and unique. 13.5% abv. SRP $21
Godello is a white grape variety that is thought to have originated in Galicia. The variety fell out of favor for some time, but is now on the rise. I can see why.
Valdeorras DO specializes in wines made using Godello as does Virgen del Galir (whose other specialty is Mencia.) This wine is 100% Godello and is sourced from the A Malosa vineyard in the village of Éntoma, which Virgen del Galir considers one of its best. The grapes are harvested by hand, undergo cold maceration and fermentation in stainless steel with 4 months’ aging on the lees.
These wines are imported by Arano USA and we thank Donna White Communications for sending them out way.
Cheers!
Nice wines across the board. When I tasted them I pretended I was sitting in Spain, enjoying the summer sun. Your photos make it look as if you’re actually there!