Wednesday, June 11, 2008

And he's back!

It was an amazing, rainy, rack up the kilometers type trip across northern Spain. I learned a lot, spoke to some living legends (Angel Rodriguez at Martinsancho, Maria Jose Lopez de Heredia) became acquainted with some other terrific folks (Jesus Madrazgo and Jose Luis Ripa at Contino, Jose Puig at Vindeos de Ithaca) and really was glad that I finally, after 8 years, made it back to Spain. Hopefully this can become an annual trip. Even after nearly a decade apart, and despite some major changes post euro, spending time in Spain still felt familiar and comforting, like a favorite hoodie.

I'll try to hash out the winery posts, as well as a few other reflections on the trip, over the next week. For now, a quick tasting note on two unusual Rias Baixas reds I tasted at work today.

2006 Goliardo Caiño

Light, bright, transparent, high acid, blue fruited, spicy, mineral, tasty. All good things, true, but this would sell for at least $50 - is it worth bringing in?

2006 Goliardo Loureiro

If the above is sort of reminiscent of good pineau d'aunis, lighter northern rhone syrah, or maybe a tasty, naturally made Loire red blend, then the loire equivalent of this inkier red would be cot. Darker fruited, deeper purple color, hints of violets and pepper, but still with vibrancy and balanced acidity. Another fun wine but it would be a lot more fun for $25, maybe even $30. Not $50+.