Tag Archives: ribera del duero

Wine of the Day: Hacienda Monasterio Ribera del Duero 2012 9-17-16

Bodegas Hacienda Monasterio, Ribera del Duero 2012 750ML ($44.95) $36.60 special

Case-12 Bodegas Hacienda Monasterio, Ribera del Duero 2012 750ML ($479.95) $399 special

haciendamonasterioJust outside the town of Pesquera, in Spain’s Duero Valley, Hacienda Monasterio has been producing sumptuous reds since 1992. Limestone soil and organic viticulture give the south-facing vineyard just the right amount of delicacy to match the heat and sunlight. Tinto Fino (Tempranillo) produces the majority of the estate’s grapes, but Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Malbec also find their way into the blends. None other than Peter Sisseck, founder/winemaker at Pingus, started this project and continues to serve as head enologist. His work supports the popular, New World style of Spanish wine. – Daniel

Wine Advocate 94 Points “The current vintage for the crianza is 2012.… Read the rest

Wine of the Day: Vega Sicilia Unico Gran Reserva 2007 6-21-16

Vega Sicilia Unico Gran Reserva, Ribera del Duero, Spain 2007 750ML ($379.95) Buy Now: $249 special

Unico2007If Spain had an aristocracy of wines, Vega Sicilia would be king. (Pingus you could call a usurper to that throne.) Founded in 1864, over a century before creation of the Ribera del Duero DOC, the estate’s various owners have made singular wine ever since. In fact, Vega Sicilia can hardly be compared to other Spanish wines, not even the greats of La Rioja. For one thing, the grape varieties originally planted and still grown in Vega Sicilia’s 500-acre limestone-soil vineyard include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Malbec, though eighty percent of the vines are Tempranillo. As a result, Vega Sicilia doesn’t taste like other Tempranillo-based wines from Spain.… Read the rest

Wine of the Day: Bodegas Emilio Moro Finca Resalso, Ribera del Duero 2014 6-21-16

Bodegas Emilio Moro Finca Resalso, Ribera del Duero 2014 750ML ($17.95) Buy Now: $11.90 special

emilmoroSometimes summer isn’t hot enough – or it’s too hot – and I need a burst of wine from a place known for summer heat (and winter freeze). In such cases, I head for a Ribera del Duero. The 2014 Emilio Moro Finca Resalso fits the bill, for just over ten bucks. Made entirely from young Tempranillo vines planted in Emilio Moro’s original vineyard, this wine warms the palate while refreshing the spirit. Four months in American and French oak lends backbone and sweet smokiness to this fruit-forward tinto. The tannins are smooth and round, as is the finish. Try it with paella, grilled veggies, or anything barbecued.… Read the rest