Tasting notes, July 15, 2023; Spain & Portugal

                     Iberian Peninsula Wines

2021 Nortico Alvarinho
$14.99 / Case Price $12
Monção / Minho / Portugal
100% Alvarinho
The southern banks of the Minho river reside in northern Portugal and are home to a number of tiny plots of Alvarinho vines. From these old “jardins” this crisp, mineral driven white is born.
2022 Ostatu Blanco
$19.99 / Case Price $16
Rioja Alavesa / Rioja / Spain
85% Viura, 15% Malvasia
Sourced from vines ranging from 30 – 90 years of age, Ostatu fashions this crisp, brightly natured white for consumption upon release. The Viura contributes weight and texture while the Malvasia adds aromatic interest.
2022 Gramona Mart
$27.99 / Case Price $22.40
Penedes / Catalonia / Spain
100% Xarel-lo Vermell
While better known for their sparkling wines, Gramona also produces this lovely, Provencal-style Rose. Featuring a nose which suggests chalk and faint hints of spearmint, this is a supremely elegant wine.
2015 La Rioja Alta
Vina Ardanza Reserva
$47.99 / Case Price $38.40
Rioja Alta / Rioja
78% Tempranillo, 22% Garnacha
Produced only in vintages deemed outstanding by the property, Vina Ardanza is produced from Rioja Alta Tempranillo and Rioja Baja Garnacha. The Tempranillo is aged for 36 months in barrel, the Garnacha 30 months. Only used American oak is employed for Vina Ardanza.
2019 Churchill’s Grafite
$21.99 / Case Price $17.60
Gaia / Douro / Portugal
40% Touriga Nacional, 30% Touriga Franca, 30% Tinta Roriz
Proprietor Johnny Graham has invested a load of time and research into developing the dry red wine program at Churchill’s. The result of his efforts include the blackberry inflected Grafite Tinto. 
2020 Alto Moncayo Veraton
$34.99 / Case Price $28
Campo di Borja / Spain
100% Garnacha
A richly textured Grenache sourced from very old vines, Moncayo’s Veraton is dense and packed with flavor yet manages to carry its concentration and alcohol with ease.