Cork Poppers Sample the Wines of Spain

I haven't had a Cork Poppers post in months so I had been looking forward to our September gathering for weeks. Yes, September. Life happened but now I'm happy to update you with our autumn Corkie escapade!

When Kate chose "wines of Spain" as our theme, I was excited -- I love Spanish wine and plans for a potluck menu of Spanish-related foods and cheeses sounded delicious. 

Then I got on meds where I couldn't have red wine, cheese, sausage (like chorizo) or all the other good stuff! But I could still have loads of fun!

Loads of fun is a Cork Poppers requirement.

 

Our hosts, Kate and Mike, started the afternoon gathering with a delicious Cava (Blanchard Perez, Brut). Since I couldn't have red wine for another week, this sparkling treat was the only one I could enjoy (no one brought a white!) and I loved it.

We toasted our missing members, Meredith (who had recently undergone surgery), Dick and Cheryl (participating in a charity event) and Pat (who has moved to Savannah). Then on with the tasting.

Rick was first with Rapariga da Quinta 2019. Nothing like starting a Spanish wine tasting off with one from Portugal, but this one was so delicious, who cared?

This was a red blend of three grapes. Barb said, "This is a good one!" and Rick noted it had a nice  dimension. It was a great way to start the afternoon and no one was disappointed (except me. I really wanted to try this one!) It was $18.50 at our local wine store.

 

Mike M. was up next with Gomez Crizado 2017, a Haro-Rioja from Crianza, south of Madrid. Our gang of tasters loved this one, too. (And at the end of the day, this one and Rick's received the most "best" comments.

Comments included "A fuller mouth than I felt with the first," (Barb) and "This one has lots of tannins. I could have another sip of this!" It cost $22 at one of our local wine shops.

Roger was up next with Marques de Caceres Reserva, 2017, another Rioja. Made with temparillo grapes and aged 39 months, Anne was first to note, "It's tasty!" Clayton observed that "it tastes dryer than the others" while Barb simply acknowledged "This is good wine." Wine fans everywhere should be able to find this one -- Rog found his at Costco for $13.99.

 In addition to offering up his wine, he also entertained us!

The shirt he is wearing is a screened shirt designed by local artist Laura DeLind and printed by having the linocut inked and then run over by a huge asphalt roller as part of the Mason INK, a community block party. A number of linocut artists (including our host, Kate) created designs which were printed using this asphalt roller. Included was printing of T-shirts. All the proceeds went to provide student scholarships.

 Kate took the floor next with Amona Tempranillo from the Rioja regon. 

People seemed to enjoy this one too -- and we all liked the simple but nicely designed label. Anne noted that it was "fruit forward" and tasted more like a Pinot Noir. Barb determined "I think this is very good" (of course!). But then all agreed that all so far were good.

Kate purchased it at our local wine shop during it's monthly "6 for $66" packet of wines, but said it was $13 retail,.

If you are getting the idea that all the Spanish reds were well received, you are spot on. Every one.

Clayton was next with Campo Viejo Rioja Reserva 2015. Comments on this one included that it had cherry overtones, while another thought dried figs might be involved.  He purchased this at a regional grocery store.

Bob was the last to share his wine -- and it was the same as Claytonr's -- but a different year, a 2017. By this time, our happy gang couldn't tell the difference! But no one was turning down another pour! He noted there were three different grapes in this one ("all unpronounceable") and that it aged three years.

Bob and Roger also spent some time perusing the Wine Folly book to learn a little more about Spanish wines. 

 

Although we'd been snacking throughout, there was more to be enjoyed! Barb made two kinds of delicious empanadas....

.... Kate had a wonderful platter of Spanish meats and olives, while I contributed deviled eggs.

Oh, how I wanted it all!

We'd also been feasting on a Spanish bread that Rick made, as well as crackers and cheese from Bob. Anne provided dessert in the form of some tasty cookies and bars. 

 

 It was another good afternoon with lots of tasty wine recommendations! Best of all, it meant good companionship with dear friends -- and you can't beat that!

(For previous Cork Popper posts by wine category, see the link on the menu tab above!) 

Sharing with:   Love Your Creativity    /   Share Your Style