I was recently afforded the opportunity to attend the 17th Annual Great Match featuring “vivacious varietals and tantalizing tastes from Spain”. The first of the three events scheduled for 2010 was held in Los Angeles on May 12 at the SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills (home to Bazaar, José Andrés’ first West Coast restaurant). The remaining two events will be held in New York City (I will be reporting on that one as well) on October 7 and Miami on October 14. These events feature wines (more than 130) from a variety of Spanish wine regions as well as showcase delicacies prepared by renowned local restaurants. They are held around the country in an attempt to introduce more people to Spanish food and wine. All of them include both media and consumer events so a wider audience can partake in the festivities – and that they are!
As is normally true for me as I anticipate the amazing jewels I will surely discover at these events I woke early and decided to head to Los Angeles early (one never can anticipate the traffic heading to LA from San Diego). Arriving about an hour early to the SLS Hotel and eagerly awaited my opportunity to partake of the plethora of amazing wines and tapas. Wines from Spain always hosts a tremendous event, and I had no reason to expect that this would be any different (and I attend as many as I can).
The first order of the business for the day was a pre-event seminar (with speaker Bruce Schoenfeld) featuring wines from Ribera del Duero. The past couple of years have seen an incredible U.S. campaign from this Denominación de Origen (D.O.), one of Spain’s most popular and highly respected. The following eight wines were tasted:
1. 2005 Viña Pedrosa Reserva
2. 2005 Montecastro
3. 2004 Lynus Pago de Infante Crianza
4. 2007 Viña Gormaz Tempranillo
5. 2006 Pago de los Capellanes Crianza
6. 2007 Emilio Moro Malleolus Sanchomartin
7. 2006 Aalto PS
8. 1991 Vega Sicilia Único
As I reviewed my notes to comment on the wines I enjoyed most I found that I had almost every one of them “starred.” Well, that does not help any, does it? It does go to show you that the wines produced in this region are of exceptional quality and worth seeking out. The prices on these wines ranged from $11 to $350. The great thing about Ribera del Duero? You do not need to spend $350 to get a quality wine – unless, of course, you want to! To learn more about the region of Ribera del Duero and it’s wines visit Drink Ribera. Drink Spain.
I was now primed and ready to go for the signature event. Entering the main ballroom at the SLS Hotel I knew that I was in my own private heaven, as I always am at these events. Various tapas adorned decorated tables around the perimeter of the roo
m while 23 tables of almost every kind of Spanish wine awaited my arrival. Of the approximately 130 wines available I found my way to 55 of them. Two wineries represented here (many of the tables were hosted by importers and/or distributors featuring a variety of bodegas) were: 1) Granbazán/Mas de Bazán from Rias Baixas and Utiel-Requena (excellent Albariños and red wines); and 2) Bodegas Fariña with wines primarily from Toro (my favorite taste here was the Val de Reyes, a non-vintage late harvest Tempranillo).
This event saw a particularly robust representation of white and rosé wines from various parts of Spain. This is refreshing for me to see as there are so many great wines in Spain that remain undiscovered because the public is unfamiliar with varietals such as Godello, Verdejo, Treixadura, or Xarel-lo. Things are changing. Additionally, unknown red varietals are finding their way to discerning palates as well. Mencía (predominantly from Bierzo) and Bobal (from the Communidad Valencia) are taking their rightful space on store shelves. Events such as these help to broaden our oenological horizons. If you happen notice one taking place near you find a way to get there. I can guarantee that you will not regret it!
Life is short. Drink Spanish wine!
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