Taste of Spain Event with Marqués de Cáceres of Rioja and VIP Sommelier Patrick Bennett
Spain is on a roll!!! We have been finding such delicious, extraordinary values from both renowned wineries and under-the-radar estates from all over the country. For this event we welcome somm extraordinaire Patrick Bennett, formerly of Avenue, and currently managing the state for Vineyard Brands Imports. We will taste wines with Patrick from the historic Marqués de Cáceres winery in Rioja. In 1970, Frenchman Enrique Forner founded Cáceres, in a historic alliance between two regions: La Rioja Alta and Bordeaux. Today it is the fifth generation of the Forner wine family, with Cristina Forner at the helm, continuing the tradition of producing top wines in La Rioja with its Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reserva wines. Marqués de Cáceres was also one of the first Spanish wine brands to be imported into the USA. We will taste 3 wines: Cava NV Brut, 2014 Reserva and 2011 Gran Reserva and will pair with cheeses from Spain and cured meats.
Made from 25 year old vineyards in Penedès, Márques de Cáceres Cava Brut is a blend of local grapes: Xarello, Macabeo and Parellada. Its fine, elegant bubbles lead to a bouquet of brioche, apples and white flowers. Dry and balanced in the mouth with good length, this is a terrific, drier alternative to Prosecco, with lower sugar content. Founded in 1970, Cáceres is one of Spain’s most respected estates and is still owned and run by the Forner family, 4th and 5th generation Henri Forner and his daughter Christine. Serve this delightful Cava as an aperitif or with white fishes, garlicky shrimp, Spanish tortilla, yellow rice and paella, Manchego cheese and/or cured hams like Serrano, Bayonne or Prosciutto.
RATED 90 WINE ENTHUSIAST : This Reserva is made of 85% Tempranillo, 10% Garnacha tinta and 5% Graciano, de-stemmed grapes, from a selection of parcels from 25-35 year-old vineyards, located in Rioja Alta (85%) and Rioja Alavesa (15%). Low Yielding vineyards are planted on mostly clay and limestone soils with ferrous subsoil. Aged 20 months in French oak barrels, split equally between brand new barrels and two & three-year old barrels, this has a depth of blackcurrants coming through on the nose with toasted notes, refined oak and sweet spices. Rich and luscious in the mouth with delicious fruit and ripened tannins that blend in harmony with a dense structure. This is a Reserva of superb finesse and complexity. Serve with meats, Latin fare, cured meats, cheeses, especially Manchego and Tres Leches, and dark olives.
RATED 92 WINE SPECTATOR : 'This red is lively and expressive, with cherry, tobacco, licorice, vanilla and allspice flavors mingling on a round, gentle texture that practically floats through the spicy, floral finish. Balanced and graceful. Drink now through 2025.' This beautiful Gran Reserva is made of 85% Tempranillo, 8% Garnacha and 7% Graciano
from a special selection of 35-50 year old vineyards including parcels in Rioja Alta of 65-85 years. Aged 24-26 months in oak.
