Spanish & Portuguese Wine News: Back from Spain, Lessons Learned + Wines to Drink Tonight

By: Joe Manekin | K&L Spanish & Portuguese Wine Buyer

Pardon the interruption, folks, but it's been a long time without any email chatter. So here we go.....

We (Keith Mabry and I) just returned from Spain and a very good, productive time was had by all. There were many takeaways on this trip, but here are just a few:

- Prepare for snow storms in Rioja! Pack warm clothes if you go anytime between October and May.

- For an awesome cultural and culinary experience, go to San Sebastian in March and drive to one of the local sagardotegias (cider houses) in the neighboring villages. Eat Bacalao omelette and chuleton (ribeye steak); drink sidra. Try to speak Eusker and you will become an instant hit with the locals.

- Jerez gets lots of rain in winter and spring. Locals willl say it never rains as much as when you are there- just nod your head and smile while sipping some Palo Cortado.

- If you cannot make it down to Jerez but find yourself in or near Logroño craving Sherry, hook up with Miguel Merino who happens to be a big Sherry fan. He'll take care of you.

That was just a taste of many observations and lessons learned. It was a fantastic trip, with plenty of new products to likely look forward to later in the year. New direct import Sherry and perfectly cellared, older Rioja vintages from an amazing restaurant cellar are just a few of these things.

For now, though, let's talk about wine we have in stock, ready to go, for your drinking pleasure.

2008 Luis Pato Vinho Tinto Beiras - $12.99

http://www.klwines.com/detail.asp?sku=1124644

A fun one from Portugal: grippy and slightly rustic, with balanced fruit and alcohol, Pato's everyday red is delicious and we're excited to have it back in stock.

2010 "Rufo" do Vale D. Maria Douro - $12.99

http://www.klwines.com/detail.asp?sku=1125226

And another Portuguese red. I'm usually less of a fan of the big, saturated, polished dark fruit of the Douro, but in typical fashion, in a solid line-up such as that of Mr. Van Zeller, I prefer the cheapest wine!

2011 Primitivo Quiles "Cono 4" Monastrell Alicante - $11.99

http://www.klwines.com/detail.asp?sku=1112484

Last call for this delicious wine as we gear up for another amazing Mourvedre value from the same importer (hint: enter keyword text "escudo de plata")

Un saludo,

Joe

---

Joe Manekin

Spanish, Portuguese, Latin American Wine Buyer

K&L Wine Merchants

Ph: 877.559.4637 ext. 2748

joemanekin@klwines.com

Spanish & Portuguese Wine News: Come Taste this Saturday 9/22 at K&L!

By: Joe Manekin | K&L Spanish & Portuguese Wine Buyer

Greetings all,

It's September, the shelves are full of new arrivals as well as reliable favorites, and of course we are gearing up for a busy Iberian tasting season beginning this Saturday in all of our stores. 

1.) Spanish & Portuguese Tasting this Saturday, September 22nd  in all K&L stores

While the exact selections will vary slightly from store to store, the basic theme this go 'round is northern whites and southern reds.  We'll be highlighting a terrific, biodynamic Portuguese vinho verde producer, not by pouring a typical, lighter fizzy vinho verde but instead opting for their full on bubbly (methode champenoise) and mouth watering, tongue tingling  rosé.  We will also focus on great Galician whites other than albariño.  In SF and Redwood City we'll have one of Spain's great cult whites, the new release of Emilio Rojo Ribeiro.  Worth $60?  You be the judge. Reds will feature some excellent young producers, challenging the popular, yet stupid notion (which admittedly, I have been guilty of from time to time!) that wines above 14% alcohol are never balanced. 

Spread the word, invite your people: http://www.facebook.com/klwines#!/events/244447439011032/ 

View listing on K&L Local Events:  http://www.klwines.com/local_events.asp#5

2.) Vibrant Rioja Fall Tastings

It's going to be a great season for Rioja fans.  In October and November we will be partnering with Vibrant Rioja to pour first Thursdays in SF and LA, first Fridays in RC. Visit K&L Local Events or K&L Events on Facebook for lineups and more details as the dates approach.

For all of you up in San Francisco, I will also be joining a few of our favorite suppliers as well as pouring some of our brand new direct imports with Vibrant Rioja at a special event in November. This will be on Friday November 9th from 6-8pm, at 18 Reasons on 3674 18th St. Mark your calendars, it should be lots of fun.

3.) New wines to stock up on

Valdesil Montenovo Godello Valdeorras - $14.99

http://www.klwines.com/detail.asp?sku=1112601

Bacalhao Azeitao "JP" Vinho Regional Setubal - $8.99

http://www.klwines.com/detail.asp?sku=1112472

Primitivo Quiles "Cono 4" Jumilla - $11.99

http://www.klwines.com/detail.asp?sku=1112484

Saludos,

Joe

---

Joe Manekin

Spanish, Portuguese, Latin American Wine Buyer

K&L Wine Merchants

Ph: 877.559.4637 ext. 2748

joemanekin@klwines.com<mailto:joemanekin@klwines.com>