A Taste of Bodegas El Coto Rioja

These easy drinking wines offer terrific quality for the price, and would be welcome at in my glass and at my table anytime! The Rioja region in Spain was my initial foray beyond the realm of local California wines, and it remains a cherished favorite. I’ve consistently admired the remarkable quality-to-price ratio that Rioja wines…

An Exploration of Sherry; In the Glass And At The Table #WinePW

This month’s Wine Pairing Weekend is about Sherry, one of the world’s most complex, labor intensive, yet misunderstood and under appreciated wines!  I taste and pair the six types of sherry – five dry and a sweet “PX”! I have been a Sherry lover for many years.  My appreciation of sherry was inspired by two books;…

Wine of The Week: 2001 La Rioja Alta “904” Gran Reserva #TempranilloDay

Every Thursday I feature a wine I particularly enjoy, whether it’s something new and different, is a great value, or from a producer worth checking out.  My Wine Of The Week is the 2001 La Rioja Alta “904” Gran Reserva The Winery La Rioja Alta, S.A. was founded in 1890 when five Riojan and Basque families who shared a passion…

A Taste of Bodegas Contino

Last fall, my wife and I spent 17 glorious days in Spain.  It was the trip of a lifetime. Our itinerary included Barcelona, San Sebastian (amazing food), Madrid, Toledo, Sevilla, and Granada (The Alhambra is a must – simply awesome!).  Of course, being the winos, we also squeezed in some time in La Rioja.  Our…

#DrinkPink Rosé of the Week; 2013 Bodegas Ostatu Rosado

Rosé season is in full bloom, although truth be told, it’s Rosé season for me pretty much year-round for me!  With that in mind, I’m cranking up my annual series of weekly “Drink Pink!“ Rosé tastings.  It’s my quest for the best Pink Porch Pounders for $20 or less!  This week’s rosé is the 2013 Bodegas Ostatu Rosado. The…

Wine of the Week; 2001 La Rioja Alta Rioja Viña Ardanza Reserva Especial

Every Thursday I feature a wine I particularly enjoy, whether it’s something new and different, is a great value, or from a producer worth checking out.  For this week, my Wine Of The Week is the 2001 La Rioja Alta Rioja Viña Ardanza Reserva Especial. The Winery La Rioja Alta is one of the most renowned producers of…

Wine of the Week and Great QPR: 2010 Teso La Monja Romanico

Every Thursday I feature a wine I particularly enjoy, whether it’s something new and different, is a great value, or from a producer worth checking out.  For this week, my Wine Of The Week is the 2010 Teso La Monja “Romanico” Winery Bodega Teso La Monja was founded in 2009 by the Eguren family, who sold their very…

Wine of the Week and Amazing Value: 2011 Rio Madre Graciano

Every Thursday I feature a wine I particularly enjoy, whether it’s something new and different, is a great value, or from a producer worth checking out.  For this week, my Wine Of The Week is the 2011 Rio Madre Graciano.  This week’s wine is something different and a great value too! The Winery This wine is produced…