Wow what a way to embrace the warmer weather! You won't want to miss this line-up as we welcome David Bowler Wines into the shop on May 5th with three amazing wines from their impressive portfolio. We begin with a fun, fresh, refreshing white (that has a lovely dash of effervescence) from France before moving to a truly impressive pair of bottles from Spain: a unique, fuller bodied white blend from Anna Espelt, and an iconic Rioja from none other than Lopez de Heredia. Oh, and it's also pretty cool that each of these amazing bottles comes from a female winemaker, which we support in the shop at all times. Mark the calendar and pop in between 6pm and 8pm (although we usually keep the tastings going a little later if there is any wine left), we would love to see you!
Mary Taylor - Gaillac Perle (Nathalie Larroque) 2019
Gaillac is the 2nd oldest known vineyard area in France. Natalie Larroque and her family live at the farm known as Mas d’Oustry built in 1498. This blanc Perlé is made from 80% Mauzac and 20% Muscadelle – 2 grapes typical to the Southwest of France. The word “Perlé” indicates a slight prickle or effervescence – tiny bubbles in the wine. Aromatic and floral. Light and refreshing, notes of tropical fruit and green apple. Drink as an aperitif – beautiful before dinner to open your senses. Also pairs well with spicy foods.
Certified sustainable - practicing Biodynamic
Anna Espelt - Emporda "Pla De Gates" Blanc 2020
Full and weight palate with the lower acidity but remains fresh.
from David Bowler Wines:
• Having gained experience with these varieties further inland where the climate is warmer, Anna has discovered that they really shine closer to the Mediterranean, where nearly constant winds result in smaller clusters, berries, thicker skins, and fresher acidity.
• 80% Lledoner Blanc 20% Roig (Grenache Blanc and Gris).
• 17 year old vines.
• 25 meters elevation.
• Hand harvested, 24 hour cooling, partially destemmed and macerated, gentle pressing, natural yeast fermentation in tank.
• 6 months in cement eggs
• Certified Organic.
R. Lopez de Heredia - Cubillo Rioja Crianza 2013
R. Lopez de Heredia is the oldest and one of the classic "Rioja Alta" producers, Haro Espana founded in mid 19th century and still making wine exactly the same. In modern days, we call these guys "natural winemakers". Current generation is run by Mercedes and Maria Jose. Huge old presses, foot stomping, scarce use of chemicals. This bottling was aged two years in new oak and then moved to big cans where the wine sits until it gets bottled a couple years later. Tempranillo (65%), Garnacho (25%), 5 % Mazuelo and 5% Graciano all together show a bright ruby red color with great depth and nuance. Super fresh, red cherry, and blood orange, nutmeg and other baking spices. Soft and harmonious with great balance.
Viña Cubillo wines come from the vineyard called Viña Cubillas, some 4 km away from the bodega, which as with all of the other vineyards, was bought by our founder. Historically these wines were called "Special Harvest". Vina Cubillas has an altitude of 410 m, and the vines have an average age of 40 years. The soil is from the terciary age and is a mixture of clay and limestone. Viña Cubillas covers 24 ha, of which 16 ha are under Tempranillo, 4 ha Garnacha, 2 ha Mazuelo and 2 ha Graciano.
With parcels called "La Encina" and "La Monja", Viña Cubillas is a vineyard that produces exceptional wines sold as Crianza. These wines could be easily be marketed as Gran Reservas due to the exceptional combination of soil, aspect and vines.
Definitely a "Thinkers" wine.
It all started in the middle of the nineteenth century when French negociants visited the Rioja region to find alternative sources of quality grapes to transform into wine, since the phylloxera epidemic had decimated their vineyards. Our founder, Don Rafael López de Heredia y Landeta, a knowledgeable and enthusiastic student in the art of wine making, followed closely in their footsteps.
Don Rafael fell in love with the region and especially the area around Haro, the mythical capital of the Rioja Alta region. He observed that there was a magical combination of soil and climate that would offer the perfect environment for producing wine that would eventually become world famous. Around 1877 he began the design and construction of the complex that is today known as the López de Heredia bodega (winery), the oldest in Haro and one of the first three bodegas in the Rioja region.
