2007 El Sierro Macabeo Chardonnay

On December 23, 2009, In White, By dcpatton

Today I am tasting the 2007 El Sierro Macabeo Chardonnay by Vinos de la Vina from the Valencia region of Spain. This blend of 95% Macabeo (Viura) and 5% Chardonnay varietals was acquired for under $7. Macabeo is often used to make Cava, so it will be interesting to try it in a non-sparkling version.

Color

In the glass it is a nice light golden yellow. There is a very slight oily appearance.

Aroma

Citrus notes are showing well on the nose. There is grapefruit and lemon. It also has some key lime pie notes.

Flavor

The attack has some of the lemon from the nose, but it is joined by creamy flavors which do remind me of a Cava. There is great acidity and a heavier mouthfeel to it. It really strikes me as a great food wine for buttery seafood dishes. There is a butterscotch component showing up also. This is definitely a different white wine than the typical Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc varietal offerings which are so common today.

Rating

I recommend trying his wine. It has some similarity to Viognier and Chardonnay. I rate it 89 points.

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Segura Viudas Cava Brut Reserva

On December 5, 2009, In Sparkling, White, By dcpatton

Today we are tasting the Non Vintage Segura Viudas Cava Brut Reserva from the Alt Penedès region of Spain. It is a sparkling wine known as Cava. This blend of 50% Macabeo (Viura), 15% Xarel-lo, and 35% Parellada was available for less than $9.

Color

This wine is a very light golden in the glass with good bubbles.

Aroma

On the nose we get a lot of white grape juice. There is also some subtle notes of oak and lime. One of the most intriguing aromas is a chemically note that is similar to the inside of a balloon.

Flavor

The lime continues on the attack and the mid-palate. This wine has a butter-like creamy mid-palate and grapefruit on the finish. As a Brut it is right in the middle of the spectrum for sparkling wine. It is not too sweet and not too dry. The acidity is above average and it makes for a nice food pairing wine. It pairs well with lighter dishes and desserts.

Rating

Given the low price this is a good value. We recommend you give it a try just to see if you are reminded of a popped balloon on the nose. We rate it 85 points.

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2008 Hermanos del Villar Verdejo Rueda Ipsum

On November 17, 2009, In White, By dcpatton

Today we are tasting the 2008 Ipsum by Hermanos del Villar from Rueda, Spain. This wine wins the award for labeling. There is even a number (1-800-Ole-Vino ext 137) to find out more. This blend of 60% Verdejo and 40% Viura(Macabeo) grapes was found for under $8.

Color

Very light in color which would be typical for a crisp white wine in the glass.

Aroma

Strong passion fruit on the nose, along with floral notes and lime. Very nice aroma.

Flavor

Good lemon on the attack with a creamy smooth mid-palate and finish. There is grapefruit on the finish and the passion fruit is still present in moderation. The smoothness (probably from the Verdejo) has a honey aspect to it which is nice. This pairs great with chicken, fish and salads.

Rating

I like this wine and recommend you find it. I rate this 89 points.

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2008 Pucela Viura Sauvignon Blanc

On October 9, 2009, In White, By dcpatton

Today I am tasting the 2008 Pucela Viura Sauvignon Blanc White Wine by Hijos de Alberto Gutierrez. This wine is made of 50% Viura (Macabeo) and 50% Sauvignon Blanc in the Castilla y Leon region of Spain. Macabeo is often used in sparkling Cava wines. I acquired this bottle for under $8.

Color

In the glass this wine is similar to most Sauvignon Blancs. It is perhaps a bit more oily.

Aroma

On the nose I detect some heavy lemon components. There also is some green apple and pear. It is not particularly aromatic.

Flavor

On the attack there is quite a bit of sweetness. The Viura is present and the citrus and acidity of the Sauvignon Blanc is muted. Flavors range from pear to lemon and it finishes with some grapefruit which I expect is coming from the Sauvignon Blanc. This wine should pair well with light food dishes. I find it satisfactory on its own, but prefer the higher acid and stronger citrus notes of a pure Sauvignon Blanc.

Rating

I recommend trying this wine, especially if the sharpness of Sauvignon Blancs is too much for your palate. I rate it 86 points.

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