Candidate for Wine of the Year

Yes, you've all seen the reports of Bordeaux for 2005 and the mega prices that vintage is commanding in the futures. With the best of California matching those prices, it's harder to find world class wines. You want the complexity of Bordeaux and the big flavours of California and other New World regions, but the prices are getting you down. Well it's time people look towards emerging Old World areas such as Spain.

Spain has more land dedicated to the vine than anywhere else in the world. And for the terrorist, the land of Spain strongly dictates the taste of the grapes. Very cool nights with hot days lends great complexity and taste to the grapes.

Tierras de Luna is a carefully styled Bordeaux styled blend comprising of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon , 20% Tempranillo, 15% Merlot and 15% Mencia.

I could write long scripts about how fabulous it is, but with so many reviewers loving it and giving glowing reviews, I'll let you tell them how great it is.

"Even though this takes a generic appellation, Bierzo’s spirit is evident in this blend of 15% Mencia plus three grapes unauthorized in the Bierzo D.O.—Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo and Merlot. Tense and full of dark black cherry and black pepper flavors, it feels elegant and cool, the mineral tones as fresh as an Atlantic breeze."
Wine & Spirits, 91 points, June 2006

“This is a deeply serious wine. Comprised of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Tempranillo, 15% Merlot and 15% Mencia, all grown in a marvelous vintage, this is very powerful and intense. The fruit notes are all black, with currants leading the way. Tarry, roasted meat notes and lots of fine-grained tannin make this a formidable partner for the most robust foods, so think lamb shanks and hearty stews.”
Wine Review Online – Michael Franz, 91 points

“This could almost be a Howell Mountain cabernet, with carbon on the nose, purple
fruit, and an earthy, murky finish. A powerful and engaging wine.”
Savuer Magazine, “Bierzo Rising—Meet some of Spain’s best new red wines”

2001 Tierras de Luna - The 26-year-old Perez is one of Spain's young stars, thanks to the wines he's making at Bodegas Luna Beberide in Bierzo. This lush, silky Cabernet blend is full of opulent dark fruit.
Food and Wine, May 2006 - On the winemaker Gregory Perez

Check this link from the website Wines from Spain!
http://www.winesfromspain.com/icex/cda/controller/pageGen/0,3346,1549487_23417381_23330381_422049_0,00.html

Check these international sites for our Spanish readers - It's an international star!
http://www.ebierzo.com/post/1/398
http://canales.elcomerciodigital.com/gastronomia/vinos/tinto/tierrasdeluna2001.htm

And there are so many more out there! It's a real star of the year and the amazing thing, it's not a $200 wine as you would think, but the retail price averages $25! You just can't get wines of this caliber for this price. It's one of those wines, difficult to find but a joy when you do. If you are in Houston, send me a note and I'll tell you where to find it! Be good all! And DRINK MORE WINE!

Donna

Start then stop

Okay, I'm definately going to blog now. I will thank Malan Breton from Project Runway as I gave him a supporting email after his greatly underserved removal from the show and realised I started this blog and I need to keep with it.

I have documented about 100 wines since I started the blog in December, and I have a lot of things to talk about. #1 I got a sales job with New Age Wines (www.newagewines.com) a boutique wine seller in Houston, Texas after finishing my ISG levels one and two (first in class, I'm so proud of myself). I am now doing the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (http://www.wset.co.uk/) Levels two and three, hope to enter the diploma level sometime in the fall which is the avenue towards a Master of Wine.

The wine world I liken to the fashion and art world, it's full of creative, artistic and completely eccentric individuals. Besides my love of wine in general, it's one of the best careers to be involved in. Everyone is happy (living life lightly tipsy is excellent!), we love to talk about our opinions on wine and we love to continually learn about wine. I haven't seen the movie Devil Wears Prada, but the creatures can be similar.

Most people, like fashion, think it's a group of snobs alienating people by their superior knowledge of wine. There are those that are like that in any industry, but mostly it's people who love the stuff so much they want to share it with everyone.

I think that's why beer is so much more popular than wine for the general public (even though they said this year was the first per capita was more wine consumption than beer) because beer is approachable, it's like your buddy. Whereas wine can be perceived as that gorgeous man/woman you are intimidated to ask out on a date for fear of instant rejection, which the case is normally no one asks them out and would jump at the chance for a date with you!

I've learned a lot from my friends here in Houston in the industry. I can't say enough about Peter Garcia of El Meson Restaurant in Houston, Texas (www.elmeson.com). Besides being an competely off the hook chef is an extraordinary human being. Anyone who wants to learn wine, he goes out of his way to extend himself to help. He has the best cuban food in the south I think and one of the top 5 Spanish Wine cellars in the United States. He creates beautiful food from the best ingredients and keeps it simple to allow the freshest in season produce to be the star of the dish.

I met Peter during my International Sommelier Guild course and over the time of the course grew to be fast friends. His charisma and energy are unlimited and I wish I had a quarter of it.

Take care, and I'll be back tomorrow

Donna