June is here, bringing warmth, sunshine, and the perfect excuse to celebrate my birthday month with some fabulous Spanish wines! Whether you're planning an outdoor bash, a laid-back barbecue, or a chic al fresco dinner, Spanish wines are your go-to companions for summer delights.
Let me introduce you to the stellar wines from Rene Barbier, the visionary behind the breathtaking Gratallops Project. This initiative revived ancient vineyards first planted by Carthusian monks in the 12th century. These vines grow in the unique licorella soil—a super porous mix of slate and quartz that makes the vines work extra hard for water. The result? Low yields of grapes bursting with intense flavor.
Thanks to our friends at Wine Access, we can enjoy the exquisite 2020 Clos Mogador Com Tu Montsant for a very limited time This wine boasts a deep ruby-crimson core with garnet edges. As you take a sip, savor the medley of dried strawberry, cracked Tellicherry pepper, fleshy red plum, baking spices, and red flowers, all dancing together with a hint of dusty rock, licorice, dried orange peel, and black raspberry. The palate is lush and expansive, with an elegance that belies its 14.5% ABV.
This summer, we'll be featuring not only Clos Mogador but also a stellar Rioja Grand Reserva, a delightful Cava from Penedès, and a stunning Columna Albariño. The Columna Albariño is grown on the banks of the Miño River, near the border with Portugal, where the extra warmth and 50-year-old vines planted in granite yield rich tropical notes with a touch of salinity.
Raise a glass to summer, sunshine, and sensational Spanish wines! Cheers!
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