Greetings, Friends of West Seattle Cellars,

If you’re looking for a way to cool off and unwind after yet another 90 degree day this Thursday, why not come by the shop between 5:30 and 8:00 and taste some great Spanish wines with us? It’s always cool inside and we’ll have reds, whites, a Rosé and a Cava—you’re sure to find something for your upcoming picnics, barbecues, or perhaps your next paella party! 

This Week’s Tasting:

Thursday, August 9, 5:30 to 8:00 pm — Spanish Wines
Spain is the third largest country in Europe and it has more land under vine than any other country in the world. That’s a lot of wine to get to know! This week’s tasting will focus on wines from this large, diverse country on the Iberian Peninsula. Joining us will be our friend Basi Rodríguez Grueso, founder of Bellingham-based Casa Ventura Imports. Basi is originally from La Mancha and no one knows these wines better than he does. He’s put together another outstanding line-up to pour for us this week, representing a good cross-section of Spanish regions and including some excellent values. Come by, say hi to Basi, and give them a try!  

Nit del Foc, Cava Brut — This crisp, dry, bubbly blend of 90% Macabeo and 10% Chardonnay comes from Utiel-Requena, a wine region west of Valencia City that is allowed to make sparkling wines labeled as Cava. The wine gets its name, which means “night of fire,” from a huge fireworks display that takes place every year in Valencia (as well as in other parts of Spain).

Finca os Cobatos, Godello — Monterrei is a relatively new D.O. in Galicia, on Spain’s border with northern Portugal. This 100% Godello comes from vines planted in the early 1980s at 1,300 to 1,900 feet. Aged on its lees for several months, the wine has enticing aromas of peach and almonds and a long, fresh finish. 

Finca Torremilanos, Peñalba Lopez Blanco — Torremilanos is one of the oldest wineries in Ribera del Duero, with vines up to 180 years old. This wine is 40% Tempranillo Blanco, a white mutation of the important Spanish red grape, blended with 40% Sauv Blanc and 10% each Chardonnay and Viura. Aged one year in French oak, it is rich and aromatic with notes of ripe white fruit, honeysuckle, and almonds.

Barinas, Rosado Monastrell — This delicious, refreshing Rosé is 100% Monastrell from Spain’s central southern Jumilla region. It is dry and crisp, with fresh flavors of raspberries and red currants and subtle notes of wildflowers and herbs. Great for a barbecue on a hot August day!

Barinas, Roble Monastrell — Also from Jumilla, which many claim is the birthplace of Monastrell (aka Mourvèdre), comes this wine, produced from 25- to 30-year-old vines. It is very elegant, balanced, and polished, with notes of coffee and earth and a long, lingering finish. (And, as always, with great label art by a local Bellingham artist!) 

Finca Torremilanos, Montecastrillo, Tempranillo — This 100% Tempranillo comes from the same Ribera del Duero winery as the blanco, above. It is sourced from 30-year-old vines grown at 2,400 feet on the hill of Montecastrillo and has flavors of red and black fruits, with spicy notes of dried herbs, licorice, and chocolate. Perfect with pasta dishes, pizza, or grilled white meats.

Belezos, Rioja Crianza — This Tempranillo comes from a small winery founded in 1987 in the northern Rioja Alavesa zone of Rioja, one of the most important wine regions in Spain. Their Crianza is aged 14 months in American and French oak and is elegant and aromatic, with a delicious balance of fruit, spice, and earthiness. 

Bodegueros, Quintaesencia Silbon Tinta de Toro — In the Toro region of northwestern Spain, the red grape Tinta de Toro (Tempranillo) rules. This offering is made by “two hard working guys that know and understand the land where they live and try to make amazing terroir-driven wines.” It is powerful and full-bodied, with firm, structured tannins and a long finish.

Upcoming Tastings:

August 9, Thursday, 5:30 to 8:00 — Spanish Wines

August 16, Thursday, 5:30 to 8:00 — French wines, from the Loire Valley

August 18, SATURDAY, 3:00 to 5:00 — Tranche Wines, by Corliss

August 23, Thursday, 5:30 to 8:00 — French Wines

Our tastings are free and take place in the shop every Thursday, between 5:30 and 8:00, except as noted

Tom and Jan

West Seattle Cellars
6026 California Ave SW
Seattle WA  98136
206.937.2868
westseattlewinecellars.com

Hours:
Tuesday through Friday: 11:00 - 7:00 (later on Thursday for our free tastings)
Saturday: 12:00 to 5:00
Closed Sunday and Monday
Contact us at: info@wscellars.com