The Best Free Wine Tasting in Asheville – Friday, September 11th from 2-7 p.m. – Join us for a free, informative, and money saving wine tasting this Friday featuring some classic wines of Spain. You can stop by any time between 2 and 7 p.m. to sample wines that have stood the test of time. From Cava and Rioja to 95 point rated Priorat, you’ll have the chance to familiarize yourself with the traditional regions and grapes of Spain. Stop by, taste, learn, and save up to 20% off on all of the tasting wines.
The Wines
1. NV Bohigas Cava Brut Reserva (Penedes, Spain) – Cava is the classic sparkling wine of Spain, and it is made in a similar fashion to Champagne. “Made from a classic blend (for this area) of Xarel-lo, Macabeo and Parellada planted in limestone and clay soils, the wine spends 24 months on its lees before disgorgement. It is an excellent value for consumers looking for alternatives to French Champagne. Lemon/lime, crushed rock and white currant notes are present in this crisp, elegant, refreshing, zesty, dry sparkler. Hints of wheat thins and brioche add complexity. Enjoy this medium-bodied offering over the next 1-2 years. ” 90 points – Luis Gutierrez – The Wine Advocate
2. 2011 Palacios Remondo Rioja “La Montesa” (Rioja, Spain) – Spanish wine legend Alvaro Palacios steers the ship at this 70 year old winery, and his “basic” Rioja is always a tremendous value. 70% Garnacha, 25% Tempranillo, 5% Mazuelo fermented in stainless steel and then aged in French oak for six months, despite the unique blend (Rioja is usually mainly Tempranillo) the flavors are very classic. Earthy, spice infused red fruits, medium body, and a ripe and supple palate all combine to make this a winner in our books.
91 points – Luis Gutierrez – The Wine Advocate
3. 2013 Black Slate Priorat “Porrera” (Priorat, Spain) – Priorat is the region in Spain that everyone is talking about right now. The wines, usually based on a blend of old vine Garnacha, Carignan, and sometimes a bit of Syrah, Cab, and/or Merlot are full bodied, full flavored, and packed with character. “(T)he 2013 Mas d’en Compte is a blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Carignan aged in a combination of concrete tanks. Large wood foudres and smaller French oak barrels. The wine offers loads of licorice and black raspberries and seems to represent the quintessential style of Priorat in its opulence – floral, blueberry and black raspberry fruit, intense minerality and silky, lush tannins. This medium to full-bodied wine should continue to drink well for another 5-8 years, possibly longer.” 95 points – Robert Parker – The Wine Advocate