Comments on: Txakoli, albarino, Manzanilla and more! A Spanish tasting

By: nancy todd

nancy todd — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 12:59:53 +0000

Wine still only 2 euros a glass here in Spain including La Rioja. I am very spoiled.

By: Dr. Vino

Dr. Vino — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 15:09:57 +0000

Scott – Thanks for your comments. I will have to try some of those you mention.

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By: Scott R

Scott R — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 02:02:19 +0000

Dr. Vino,

I have enjoyed it in the past, but it is certainly an anomaly being a single vineyard Sherry. There’s almost no ground for comparison as there exist few, if any, other single vineyard expression of the appellation. Add to this the uniqueness of the Manzanilla Pasada designation and you have a distinctive, singular wine.

Interestingly, Lustau just released a Manzanilla Amontillada (how it’s actually spelled) from an almacenista. I have yet to taste it, but look forward to it since I’ve never tried such an uncommon sub-category of Sherry.

When you view these esoteric imports in the context that Gonzalez Byass also enjoyed great success with it’s limited release of Tio Pepe En Rama in the UK, maybe it’s fair to say that Sherry is on the upswing, long overdue, but certainly welcome.

By: Dr. Vino

Dr. Vino — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 16:00:14 +0000

Adi – glad you like those ones!

Joe – Try to find a txakoli this summer at least once this summer if you can!

Dave – Thanks for the thumbs up!

Scott – true and corrected above. Do you like that sherry?

By: Scott R

Scott R — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 15:46:49 +0000

Dr. Vino,

The Sherry you wrote about is actually produced by Hidalgo La Gitana. Pastrana is the name of the vineyard from which the grapes hail. Additionally, the wine is technically a Manzanilla Pasada, as opposed to a Manzanilla. Manzanilla Pasadas are aged longer in Solera than typical Manzanillas.

By: Dave Erickson

Dave Erickson — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 15:45:11 +0000

Wow, great lineup! I’d get a replacement bottle of the Benaza right quick. It is a fine example of what can be done with godello, and it’s priced right. Another great spritzy summer wine is aVinYó “Vi D’Agulla,” made by a producer best known for his cavas. It is light, bright, dry, full of mineral character, and made from 100% Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains (Yeah, it’s Muscat. No, it’s not even remotely sweet.)

By: Joe

Joe — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 14:10:05 +0000

I’m yet to see Txakoli in the Atlanta market. I’m sure it’s got to be somewhere. For now, I will get by with Vinho Verde to quench in the oppressive Georgia heat.

By: adi

adi — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 13:46:08 +0000

Thanks for sharing. Albarino and La Rioja Alta are definitely personal favorites!