November TWITs - Tempranillo & Tapas - hosted by Rachel & Chris

November TWITs - Tempranillo & Tapas - hosted by Rachel & Chris

Date:  Saturday, November 4th, 2017 - 7pm ET

Theme:  Tempranillo & Tapas
"Wine is sunlight held together by water" - Galileo Galilei
Pronunciation: “Temp-rah-NEE-yo” - Tempranillo is derived from the word temprano, which in Spanish means “early.” Among red varieties in Spain, it’s considered an early ripener. Tempranillo is an easy to find and wildly diverse food-pairing wine that also happens to have great a great flavor profile for its value.

Tempranillo Characteristics: 

• Fruit: Cherry, plum, tomato, and dried fig 
• Other: Cedar, leather, tobacco, vanilla, dill, and clove 
• Oak: Yes; typically aged 6-18 months in American or French Oak 
• Tannin: Medium-plus tannin 
• Acidity: Medium-minus acidity 
• ABV: 13-14.5%

A Brief History of Tempranillo

• Proof of wine in ancient Spain was discovered in 1972, when archaeologists unearthed a mosaic of the wine god Bacchus at Baños de Valdearados in north-central Spain. Tempranillo may well have been the wine shown in the mosaic because it has been in Spain since 800 BC. 
• The Phoenicians brought wine to Southern Spain. Tempranillo originated from this area, so it’s quite possible that Tempranillo is related to the ancient Phoenician species in Lebanon.

"Beer is made by men, wine by God" - Martin Luther

Tempranillo Wine Profile: 

Major Regions: Spain (over 80% of vineyards worldwide), Portugal, Argentina, Australia, USA 575,000 acres / 232,700 hectares (2010) 

Common Synonyms:  Tinto del Toro, Tinta Fina, and Tinto del Pais (Spain); Tinta Roriz and Aragonez (Portugal) Other Names Rioja, Valdepeñas, Ribera del Duero

"Wine is the most healthful and most hygienic of beverages" - Louis Pasteur

Tempranillo is known by other names in certain regions:  Albillo Negro, Aldepenas, Aragon, Aragones, Aragonez, Aragonez 51, Aragonez da Ferra, Aragonez de Elvas, Arganda, Arinto Tinto, Cencibel, Cencibera, Chinchillana, Chinchillano, Chinchilyano, Cupani, De Por Aca, Escobera, Garnacho Fono, Grenache de Logrono, Jacibera, Jacibiera, Jacivera, Juan Garcia, Negra de Mesa, Negretto, Ojo de Liebre, Olho de Lebre, Pinuela, Sensibel, Tempranilla, Tempranillo de la Rioja, Tempranillo de Perralta, Tempranillo de Rioja, Tempranillo de Rioza, Tempranillo Rioja, Tinta Aragones, Tinta Corriente, Tinta de Madrid, Tinta de Santiago, Tinta de Toro, Tinta do Inacio, Tinta do Pais, Tinta Fina, Tinta Madrid, Tinta Monteira, Tinta Monteiro, Tinta Roris, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Santiago, Tinto Aragon, Tinto Aragonez, Tinto de la Ribera, Tinto de Madrid, Tinto de Rioja, Tinto de Toro, Tinto del Pais, Tinto del Toro, Tinto Fino, Tinto Madrid, Tinto Pais, Tinto Ribiera, Tinto Riojano, Ull de Liebre, Ull de Llebre, Valdepenas, Verdiell, Vid de Aranda.

"I cook with wine, sometimes I even add it to the food" - W.C. Fields

What does Tempranillo taste like?  Spanish Tempranillo delivers contrasting flavors of leather and cherries. The finer the wine, the more balance there is between earth and fruit. The finish is typically smooth and lingers with the taste of tannin on both sides of your mouth. Tempranillo wines from New World regions, including Argentina, Mexico, and the United States, generally offer more fruit flavors like cherry and tomato-sauce, followed by chunky tannins and less earthy notes. Tempranillo can be characterized as either a medium- to full-bodied, with red fruit characteristics. If you’ve never tried Tempranillo before, you may find it has a similar taste profile to both Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Tempranillo Food Pairing:  Tempranillo pairs well with all types of food because of its savory qualities. Regional Spanish cuisine, which includes roasted vegetables and cured meats, like the lusty Jamón Iberico de Bellota creates an exceptional pairing. However, the wine is diverse and not only pairs with local Spanish food, but it also works well foods from all over the globe. 

▸ Lasagna, pizza and dishes with tomato-based sauces 

▸ Barbecue grilled-meats, smoky dishes 

▸ Grits, polenta, and dishes with corn as a major ingredient 

▸ Mexican food such as tacos, nachos, burritos, and chile rellenos

"Wine is bottled poetry" - Robert Louis Stevenson

Crianza:  

▸ Tasting Notes: Sour Cherry, Plum, Spicy Black Pepper and Bay Leaf 

▸ Average cost: $10–20 USD 

▸ Regions: Rioja Crianza, Ribera del Duero Roble and Crianza, Valdepeñas, Tinto de Toro, La Mancha, CastillaLeón, Extremadura 

▸ A juicy and spicy style of Tempranillo that typically receives less than a year of aging. Because wines are not aged long, they are spicy, fleshy and tart. Most value-driven Tempranillo tastes this way and the most well-known example of it is Rioja Crianza. In Central Spain, there are sub-$10 wines which are ideal for traditional Spanish Sangria

"Wine can of their wits the wise beguile, make the sage frolic, and the serious smile." - Homer

Reserva & Gran Reserva:  

▸ Tasting Notes: Cherry, Dried Fig, Vanilla and Cedar 

▸ Average cost: $25–35 USD 

▸ Regions: Rioja Reserva, Ribera del Duero Reserva, Toro Reserva, Aged Castilla-León 

▸ Bold high tannin wines that embellish Tempranillo’s best qualities that are aged for several years in oak and bottle. The aging of Tempranillo softens the variety’s spiciness and flavors become almost sweet and dried. The extended cost of aging explains why this style typically costs more. Keep your eyes peeled for wines labeled with Reserva and Gran Reserva.

*** This year International Tempranillo Day is November 9th, 2017!!! ***

Tasting Notes:
Welcome Wine:  2015 Estylo Puro Albarino ~ $18-19 @ Brookhaven Wines
12% alcohol, 100% Albarino
refreshing, tasted light, great beach wine.

1) 2015 Storyteller Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon  - $ purchased @ the winery
13.5% alcohol, 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
OOPS this isn't a Tempranillo, but we didn't know that when we tasted it blind.
tomato, dry, cedar note, mineral, chalkiness, "let's just move on"

2) 2008 Dehasa la Granja - $18.99 @ Brookhaven Wines
14% alcohol, 100% Tempranillo
chocolate, perfumey nose, oaky, lighter, leather, velvet pepper finish, cherry, a lot more fruit, graphite,

3) 2012 Gomez Cruzado Haro Rioja Crianza - $20 @ H&F Bottleshop
14% alcohol, 100% Tempranillo
sweeter nose, a lot of pepper, younger than the last one, lighter, clay, high tannin

4) 2010 Vina Alberdi Reserva ~ $20 @ Brookhaven Wines
13.5% alcohol, 100% Tempranillo
leather, tobacco, cherry, pepper, I need this in a perfume, a study filled with books, acidic yet smooth, it has a really good feel in the mouth, velvety,

5) 2015 Campo Viejo Rioja - $12.99 @ Publix
15.5% alcohol, 100% Tempranillo
different nose, smells of cassis, lots of pepper, star anise, licorice, the nose keeps disappearing, tobacco-y, no flavor, it's flat, non-descript, nothing about it finishes, it's a wedding wine - approachable, a stereotypical tempranillo, not amazing.

6) 2010 Gran Reserve Cune ~ $35 @ Total Wine
13.5% alcohol, 100% Tempranillo
black cherry, smooth, mmm, bright red fruit, not as much tannin, apricot, spice @ finish, smooth, fuller taste, rounded, (if you said this was Sangiovese), pairs well with nachos, vanilla on the end, love it on the front but not on the finish, flat on the finish, one of my faves, orange rinds, a bit bitter.

7) 2006 Gran Reserva El Puntido - $40 @ CostCo Brookhaven
14% alcohol, 100% Tempranillo
got grip, tomatoey, peppery, dark, old musty leaves under a rotting log, tomato sauce and plum, got some age, wise old grandmother

8) 2011 Muga Rioja - $35 @ Savvy Provisions
14% alcohol, 100% Tempranillo
peppery, hot nose, very dry, sweet?, cherry bomb, luxardo, got grip, chewy, musty cherry vanilla,

9) 2014 Tinto Pesquera Crianza  - $36.99 @ Brookhaven Wines
14.5% alcohol, 100% Tempranillo
a smack in the face, serious pepper, urine odor, dry, tannic, grass, makes you pucker, I like the taste better than the smell, tart, dip-sticks candy, raisiny, port-thing going on, an olympic swimming pool of tannins, pairs with pepperoncini, green pepper, a pairing wine, needs food.

10) 2012 Ercavio Tempranillo Roble - $12.99 @ Jackie's Bottle Shop
14% alcohol, 100% Tempranillo
orange rind on the nose, vanilla, chocolate, spicy, cinnamon chocolae, cocoa, cherry.

11) 2014 Tridente Tempranillo ~ $15.99
15.5% alcohol, 100% Tempranillo
wow, holy crap, dark mellow fruit, noms, interesting, chewy, got grip, raisins, fruit salad, sangria

Food Pairings:
Patatas Bravas, romesco sauce, jamon, quesos, olives, jamon stuffed rolls, banderillas veggie skewers

Scooby!!! 

TWITs Albarino - August 26th, 2016 - hosted by Abbie & Matt

TWITs Albarino - August 26th, 2016 - hosted by Abbie & Matt

When:  Friday August 26th, 2016 - 7:00pm ET

Theme:  Albarino, a white grape varietal

Bring:  TWITs should bring a bottle of Albarino within the specified price range (Up to $20/bottle for Singles, between $20 - $40/bottle for Couples)

Food Pairings:
Saffron Salmon, Mustard sauces, Cheeses (Dubliner aged cheddar, Manchego, Goat Cheese with honey), watermelon, goat cheese stuffed peppadews, olives, gluten-free crackers, rosemary crackers, Romaine and Tomato salad, Spicy Thai ice cream,

Tasting Notes:
Welcome Wine:  2015 Pazo de Senorans Camino del Peregrino Albarino - $7.99 @ Jett Ferry Kroger

1) 2015 Burgans Albarino - $12 at Toco Giant, others found it around town for $14-15.
12.5% alcohol
light nose, delicate floral palate, minerality, less citrusy, apple, pear, herbacious, laundry detergent, refreshing, easy, floral, diet sprite, more complex.

2) 2014 Eladio Peneiro Envidia Cochina - $24 @ Le Caveau Fine Wines
12% alcohol, means the slow is beautiful, has photo of a snail on the label, uniquely shaped bottle.
perfumey, white floral, beer, funk, some stank, darker yellow color, toasted butter, oaked, yeasty, cider nose, mead-like, chalky, pinot grigio - like, more sophisticated, leather, saline neutral, rough finish, bug spray, don't love it.

3) 2015 Lagrima Bagoa do Mino - $24 @ Total Wine
13% alcohol
fruity, laundry detergent, crisp granny smith apples, pear, stone fruits, viscosity, licorice, gala apples, super dry, vanilla ice cream, sort of effervescent, sour, smells like Val's face cream.

4) 2013 Peitan Albarino, Minho River Galicia Spain - $19 Marietta Wines or Naked Wines
13% alcohol
honey, licorice, magic marker, soapy, tart, peach, so deep it may never be there, freshly erased white board - specifically expo brand, pineapple, liquor - a thin liquor, oxidized, bitter leaves, vermouth, bitter but rich, charcoal, good hot tub wine, trying its best to be fruity but it's plasticy, latex, nose completely different than the palate, this terroir is near an ancient Celtic fortress.

5) 2015 Val do Sesego O'pucha Arbo - $14.99 @ Total Wine
12.5% alcohol
lighter in color, mineral and chalk, juicy fruit gum nose, light, crisp, honey, straight up pinot grigio, Mott's applesauce, nose is different than the palate, larger finish, thicker, nose of cheddar cheese, mild cheddar not sharp, it feels in my mouth like a silk wave, not a liquid, more thick, liquid-esque.

6) 2015 La Cana Albarino - $17 @ Whole Foods
13% alcohol
stone fruits, non-existant nose, biscotti, floral, flower, no scent, lavendar, the most different, effervescent, christmas, citrus, lemon grass, green things, cardamom, lime nose, white flowers, best of the night, pair with fish tacos or seafood.

7) 2015 Imagery Albarino (Sonoma California) ~ $24 @ the Imagery Estate Winery
14.1% alcohol
floral soap, depth, sweeter, not too sweet, stone fruits, floral, more complex, fried ripe plantains, banana with grass, pineapple, tropical, mango, pithy, LOVE IT! most complex, tropical fruit punch, more acidic, more alcohol, bitter, dry, showing very well,
TWITs anecdote:  Corinna and Daniel got engaged at Benziger (per Rheinallt's recommendation), then they announced their engagement at Imagery.   And then later, Rheinallt officiated their wedding.

8) 2015 Quinta da Aveleda (Portugal) - $12 @ Toco Giant
11% alcohol
70% Loureiro, 30% Alvarinho
lemon meringue pie, smooth, vanilla, desserty, graham cracker crust, citrusy, lemon, lite lemonade, 2 dumpers, sparkling wine, tart, almost too tart, 10 molar sulfuric acid, worst wine of the night by far, fermented Mt Dew by the pool in 90 degree weather, I wouldn't serve it to my worst enemy, fruit piss.

9) 2015 Quinta da Aveleda Alvarinho (Portugal) - $14 @ Toco Juice Box
12% alcohol - 100% Alvarinho
pineapple, oaky afterbirth, Vicki dumped hers (1st time she's ever dumped one), bouquet of Ty-D-Bol, it's too much, stone fruits, the taste is worse than the smell, 2 dumps, swipe left! it's not for everyone, watered down lemonade from Chick-Fil-A, too citrusy, like caviar you buy at the gas station and we only go to the best gas stations, meh, crisp and palatable, would pair with fish (shellfish or mild fish), very bright, wakes you up, maybe with the right food? prawns or oysters, it might be good? the penultimate.

10) 2013 Terra D'Alter (Portugal) - $15 @ Minks
12.5% alcohol
nice nose, fishy, rotten, apricot, paper, more fruits, stone fruits, pineapple with pear, herbacious, cilantro, Matt dumped it, burnt tires, doing a donut on I-285 - which you should never do, sulfur, like a volcano and asphalt, tar, barbie doll heads, pairs well with the manchego.

The Lineup

JPP our newest TWIT

Our Imagery Lovebirds

Christy, JPP, and Marilyn having fun

Lauren's home made, vegan, Spicy Thai Coconut ice cream

JPP's Daddy feeding JPP (not wine though, he isn't ready yet)

Spanish Red Wines - Wednesday October 22nd, 2014 - hosted by Ms.Abbie & Mr. Matt

Spanish Red Wines - Wednesday October 22nd, 2014 - hosted by Ms. Abbie & Mr. Matt

Theme: Spanish Red Wines
Bring:  A bottle of red wine from Spain. This can be a blend, or a single varietal.  We will do our usual blind tasting format for this evening.
Price range: Up to $20/bottle for Singles, between $20 - $40/bottle for Couples
Information: Spanish Varietals.  Spain oaks their wine more than any other country, and Spain is one of the oldest wine producers in the world.

• Joven (Ho-ven) - no age
• Crianza (Cree-an-tha) - barrel aged 12 months, then bottle aged 12 months
• Reserva - barrel aged 12 months, bottle aged 24 months
• Gran Reserva - barrel aged 36 months, bottle aged 36 months

Tasting Notes:  
Welcome Wine:  2013 Morgadio Rias Baixas Albarino ~ $19.99 @ Le Caveau Fine Wines
12.5% alcohol
light, delightful, tart, slightly viscous finish, dry, great structure, from Western Spain

1) 2008 Dinestia Vivanco, Rioja, Crianza ~ $20-22 @ Le Caveau Fine Wines
13.5% alcohol
deep red fruits, has some heat on it, big oak, vanilla, slight hint of dill, creamy, slightly bitter, dry, that's some big one, almost sweet, sour cherry sweet, cassis, thick, syrupy, luscious, pairs with short ribs well

2) 2004 Casado Morales Gran Reserva Rioja Alvesa $35 @ Total Wine
90% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano, 12.5% alcohol
chill on the oak, more peppery, tart, hits back of the mouth, tar, relaxed, fresher, lighter, burnt caramel, slight acidity, dark cocoa powder, not sweet, palate is more fruity, toasted almonds, RH guesses French oak, says the oak is more subtle.

3) 2009 Vina Sastre, Ribera del Duero, Crianza ~ $30-35 @ Le Caveau Fine Wines
14.5% Alcohol
dark color, port-like, dark, deep and mysterious, Matt says closely related to the first wine but not as long lasting of a finish, French Oak perhaps?  Harsher nose, easy drinking, dry, olive/bitter end notes, brinier, maybe coastal wine? more rustic, not as complex, has some spice

4) 2009 Clos Pissarra, Monsant & Priorat, $29.99 @ Le Caveau Fine Wines
14% alcohol
a bit of perm solution, ammonia, similar to #2, dry, higher alcohol, hits back of the mouth, cherry mouth water on the tongue, the colors are all so deep, this one lets you down a little, the beginning of the palate is nice, soft on tongue, may need food with it? Rh & Deb says it's not ready, not as as well as the others, Matt says it's a good Football game wine, Abbie loves the nose, not going to dump it, Jaffet says it's a great date wine,
Side note: the winemaker is the first American somm to pass the master sommelier on the first try (he did this 15 yrs ago).

5) 2010 Faustino VII Rioja - $8.98 (on sale) @ Kroger
13% alcohol
smells French, a big stinking pile of barnyard, takes my breath away, I could smell it across the room as he was pouring it, maybe Pyrenees terroir?  stinky fart, what the dickens is this? softer, watery in a good way, could drink too easily, vanishes too fast, geosimin? very tart, puckers, I could drink it (more than #4).

Attendees voted that #1 and #2 were our favorites, but Jaffet liked #4 the best.

TWITs Takeover Southbound - Thursday Sept. 4th, 2014

TWITs Takeover Southbound - hosted by Southbound restaurant in Chamblee

Date:  Thursday, September 4th, 2014 7:30 pm ET

Bring:  TWITs attendees should bring $20/person to cover the cost of the wines.  The Southbound Menu will also be available if you would like to purchase any food.

Theme:  Transition into Autumn

Tasting Notes:

1) 2012 Domaine Mosse 'Magic of Ju Ju' Chenin Blanc

13.5% alcohol

Acidic, hint of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, fruity notes of pear and apple. Hints of live yoghurt. Resembles a Jura wine.  natural wine

2) 2010 Bodegas Gerardo Mendez Albariño Do Ferreiro Rias Biaxis, Galicia Spain

13% alcohol 

Citrus nose, honeydew melon, parm chz, sour cherry, Goes Great w spicy chicken, pickle, Good viscosity,  Matt says Chardonnay from burgundy Sancerre?

Melissa guessed Albariño 

3) 2012 Negretta La Roc Fronton "La Falle Noire d'Ambat" , France near Cahors

13% alcohol 

Funky nose, Maybe a tannat or cab Sauv, stinky oregon pinot? Better on palate than nose, Thick on the mouth, some acidity, spice, Opens up, heat on the nose, Grenache? Syrah? Mourvèdre, Dark syrupy, dirty, earthy, Priorat? From the boot? Cab franc blend, tannat, Hermitage, Sangiovese, Barbera ?

4) 2001 Tempranillo, R Lopez De Heredia, Vina Tondonia Reserva, Rioja Spain 
13%alcohol

Thanksgiving, cinnamon, nutmeg, a sweet potato, nice balance, skins of sweet potato, old cabinet, cigar box,

Roasted just out of the oven, a lot of butter, Italian Nebbiolo, dryer than it smells, fruity, dark, love the nose,

Cherries, leather, fruit forward, heat on the nose, it's got grip on the tongue, dill, black olives,  Sangiovese, Italian, Tempranillo, cab?

Spanish Wines - August 31st - Ms Abbie

Spanish Wines - August 31st, 2011 - Ms Abbie
"Salud!" Lets toast to the end of summer with Spanish Wines. If attending, please bring 1 bottle of Spanish wine, it can be white, red, sparkling, etc, but try to ensure the bottle is of a single varietal (or grape) and not a blend.
Wikipedia: Spanish Wines - the country has an abundance of native grape varieties, with over 400 varieties planted throughout Spain (though 80% of the country's wine production is from 20 grapes, including: Tempranillo, Albarino, Garnacha, Palomino, Airen, Macabeo, Parellada, Xarel-lo, Carinena, and Monastrell.)
Pairings: tba

Tasting Notes:
Welcome wine (prior to the tasting): 2001 Anciano Tempranillo Gran Reserva Valdepenas DOC - $7.99 at CostCo 13% alcohol
Tasting Notes were compiled from ALL members, we also used a "fun" tasting sheet this time, that had humorous options on it, so read and enjoy!

1) 2009 Unis Old Vine Macabeo Viura Calatayud DOC - $10.99 at Hop City 13.5% alcohol
White Wine - some subtle legs, goldish straw color, translucent, lightly oaky, some pear on the nose,
comment: "smells like an office cubical" and "alcohol" not as crisp as some white wines, pineapple, granny smith apple on palate
Color: Looks like wine
Clarity: can shine light through it
Nose: Simple but inoffensive
Body: both skinny and flabby
Flavor: Oenophilic Ick
Finish: Premature gustation
Impression: Very light up front, no distinct flavors, bitter shallow, unbalanced, thin
--
Color: Looks like wine
Clarity: satisfyingly translucent
Nose: simple but inoffensive
Body: Lean and sinewy
Flavor: excessively sweet
Finish: Premature gustation
Impression: Meh - would pay nine bucks
Tasting Companions: Freaks!
Food Pairing: Orts!

2) 2009 Martin Codax Albarino, Rias Biaxas DOC - $10.99 CostCo - 12.5% alcohol
White Wine - lemongrass color, clearer, more clear than the first wine. "smells like a perm", "funky fresh", peach , "fermented veggies" or "cigar box" on the nose. "oaky cabbage or sauerkraut", light, refreshing, off dry, apples and young strawberry (not ripe) on the palate
Color: faded and jaded
Clarity: can shine light through it
Nose: Medley of vinegar
Body: Both skinny and flabby
Flavor: excessively sweet
Finish: Premature gustation
smells like perm, funky, ends suddenly
--
Color: faded and jaded
clarity: murky as a polluted lake
Nose: medley of vinegar
Body: Both skinny and flabby
Flavor: amply acidic
finish: Premature gustation
Impression: not my thing, maybe too old.

3) 2009 Montebuena Rioja (blend) Cosecha Burgo Viejo - $10.99 at Total Wine - 13.5% alcohol - 90 pts, purpley-red color, berries, chocolate, raisin on the nose, chocolate, cherries, hint of peat on the palate,
tart, lingering finish. deep raisins
Label: true piece of art
color: brilliantly hued
Clarity: murky as a polluted lake
Nose: simple but inoffensive
Body: height-weight proportionate
Flavor: Amply acidic
Impression: Tasty, would drink again.

4) 2004 Anzil Toro DOC Finca - $15.00 from www.winestillsoldout.com
dark garnet color, scents of toasted coconut, figs, would pair well with a cigar, pairs with chocolate, complex, interesting, love the finish FAVE so far, dry, dark, complex, yummy, long finish,
Color: looks like wine
clarity: can shine light through it
nose: impressively powerful
body: lean and sinewy
flavor: precariously balanced
finish: stamina to spare
impressions: delicious

5) 2009 El Pensador (The Thinker) Tempranillo Campo de Borja DOC - $11 or $12.99 at Kroger (regularly $14.99 without Kroger Plus card) - 13.5% alcohol
grapey scent, purply dark color (reminds me of a MollyDooker), lingering legs, dark fruit, raspberry, tastes of higher alcohol content, spice, plum, notes of strawberry and red cherry. more bitter.
color: looks like wine
clarity: satisfyingly translucent
nose: impressively powerful
flavor: amply acidic
body: both skinny and flabby
finish: premature gustation
impression: pretty good, maybe a little young

Food we enjoyed:

• 3 varieties of olives
• Manchego
• Goat Cheese & Crackers
• Soy Chorizo
• Chips and homemade Salsa
• Hummus
• Variety of Chocolate bites (some with toffee some without)
• Almonds
• Fresh Cherries