Attributes:

Joan Raventós Rosell

Penedès, Spain

Cabernet Sauvignon

750 ML

1997: WineSpectator Rating: 85

bright

supple

distinctive

cherry, cola, tobacco

juicy

1997: Tastings Rating: 86

bright, crisp

medium-bodied

cedar, oak, vanilla

fruity

Food Matches:

(cab er nay saw vee nyon)—This highly adaptable grape grows almost anywhere it is relatively warm, but the best wines come from the Burgundy region of France (where it is a noble variety), California, and Australia. It became famous through the red wines of the Médoc district of Bordeaux and is now grown in Washington, southern France, Italy, Australia, South Africa, Chile, and Argentina. Cabernet Sauvignon grapes make wines that are high in tannin and medium- to full-bodied. Usually identified as having black currant or cassis flavors, the grape can also possess vegetal tones when the grapes are less than ideally ripe. The best wines are rich and firm with great depth, and are often aged for fifteen years or more. Because it is highly tannic, Cabernet Sauvignon is often blended with other less-tannic grapes such as Merlot.

Penedès is a wine-making region of Catalonia in Northeast Spain. The area is surrounded by coastal hills and mountains from inland. Considered one of the country's best wine-producing regions, it is also one of the most ancient in Europe dating back to the 6th century. Known for its production of sparkling wine (Cava), the region also produces some highly-regarded red wines. On the hot humid coastal plains red varieties such as Grenache, Tempranillo, and Cabernet Sauvignon are grown. Meanwhile on higher inland terrain Macebo, Xarel Lo and the white grape varieties dominate. (Muscat, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Riesling)

Attributes:

Rojo

Valdepeñas, Spain

Tempranillo

750 ML

Food Matches:

This Spanish grape gives wines deep color, low acidity and only moderate alcohol content. In recent years the Ribera del Duero region has been producing wonderful wines featuring this grape; in older, more traditional regions such as Rioja, the grape is blended with others.

Attributes:

Bodegas Muga

Rioja, Spain

Tempranillo

750 ML

2004: WineAdvocate Rating: 93

elegant

2004: WineSpectator Rating: 91

fresh

floral

focused

blackberry, stone

2003: WineAndSpirits Rating: 88

beef, fig, smoky

2003: WineSpectator Rating: 85

solid

rich, straightforward

black cherry, coffee, tobacco

2003: Tanzer Rating: 90

berry aromas

solid

bitter, cherry, leather, mineral, red berry, tobacco, vanilla

2003: WineAdvocate Rating: 93

2002: WineAdvocate Rating: 89

cedar, cherry, currant, earth, herb, spice

2002: Tanzer Rating: 87

bright, fresh, tangy

floral

light

minerals, redcurrant, rose, spicy, strawberry

sweet

Food Matches:

(ree OH hah)—This region in north-central Spain makes the country’s most popular red wine from Tempranillo, Garnacha (Grenache), Graciano and Mazuelo grapes. Rosado (rose) and white wines are also produced here. Traditionally red Rioja was aged for many years in small barrels made from American oak; this produced wines that were pale, gentle, and lacking in fruitiness. Current trends have been away from only oak aging and the wines are now much fresher tasting. In addition, the introduction of French oak barrels has contributed to its distinctive vanilla quality. The Rioja region is divided into three zones, the most well known being Rioja Alta. Alta-based wines tend to be firmer and leaner in style. Rioja Alavesa produces delicate, perfumed reds. Both Alavesa- and Alta-based wines are blended with wines from the third region, Rioja Baja, a somewhat warmer area that produces heavier grapes. The label of a Rioja will reveal much about the characteristics of its contents. Sin crianza Riojas receive no oak aging and are released young; they are Beaujolais-like, fruity and fresh. Some wines are aged for two years in oak or bottles; these are labeled crianza and, while still fresh and fruity, begin take on the famous oakiness. Wines aged for three years, at least one year in a barrel, are labeled reserva. These are often the most enjoyable of all Riojas. The most expensive wines are aged for five years or more, earning the status of gran reserva. The youngest Riojas pair well with seafood, spicy sausages, and Spanish-style bean dishes. The mature reds should be eaten with game, stews, and cheese.

This Spanish grape gives wines deep color, low acidity and only moderate alcohol content. In recent years the Ribera del Duero region has been producing wonderful wines featuring this grape; in older, more traditional regions such as Rioja, the grape is blended with others.