Torroxal, Rias Baixas - Albariño

Year: 2009
Bodega: Viñas Do Torroxal
Country: Spain
Region: Rias Baixas, Galicia, España
Grapes: 100% Albariño.

About Albariño:
Albariño is my favourite type of white wine. It is the signature grape variety from the region of Rías Baixas. Just like you might say Cabernet Sauvignon is the signature variety from Napa Valley. Rías Baixas is the birthplace of Albariño. Albariño is also grown extensively in neighbouring Portugal, where it produces a lighter style of wine. In warmer regions it produces a riper wine with lower natural acidity.

Description:
- Crisp and refreshing!
- An aromatic and concentrated fruity wine
- Without the heaviness of a chardonnay, without the dryness of a pinot grigio, or the overbearing sweetness of a riesling... this wine is the perfect crisp mix of flavour and substance
- 4 months in stainless steel vats., 1 month in bottle
- In my opinion goes great with Spanish dishes like cooked gambas y langostines, salt fish.
- Albariño from Rías Baixas is said to be an ideal accompaniment to many types of Asian food, including Indian, Chinese, Thai, and Vietnamese.

I had this wine with this a light vegetable pasta and marinated Manchego cheese:


Music Selection:
This is my favourite song right now.

Paulina Rubio - "Ni Rosas Ni Jugetes"

Personal Rating: Since I love Albariños, and this one did not disappoint - 7/10

Torres - Vina Brava

Year: 2006
Bodega: Torres
Country: Spain
Region: Catalunya Denominacio d'Origen
Grapes: 65% Garnacha, 35% Carinena

Description:
- Best suited for roasted and Mediterranean dishes.
- I hear it's best to let this wine "open" for an hour before drinking
- Sweet, flavourful, just the right amount of tannins and acidity
- Since I had visited this vineyard while living in Catalunya, I trust this name...
- A very good wine, not extravagant, but good for everyday Mediterranean cooking. Mixes well with roasted chicken, tomato based sauces, champiniones...

This wine would go well with this roasted lamb with a Spanish/Arabian eggplant, tomato and shallot recipe (I actually used the wine to cook as well):



Music Selection:

OT - David Bisbal & Elena Gadel "Mienteme"

And this was one of my favorite songs to learn Spanish to... I used to listen to it every night. I can still sing it in my sleep. About a love that drains you so much but you cannot leave it...


Personal Rating: 7/10 I am adding this to my staple everyday wine list. So far the only wine I buy with consistency is Jose Maria da Fonseca's Peringuita.