Beso de Vino Seleccion 2009

Aguarón, Carinena DO, Spain
$13-16 +139618 at BC Liquor Stores and private liquor stores
www.besodevino.com

Ok – so I’m not a fan of the cutesy critter labeled wines. I know, I know – call me a cartoon snob – fine. It’s marketing and I get that and it’s perfectly fine – it’s just not what I’m drawn to. Having said that, I fell off my high horse and in love with this little wine drinking bull upon first sight. He’s so cute! He’s Spanish, and his name is Antonio, and we seem to share the same interests. Plus, he’s only $13 – a huge boon in January. So into my basket goes Antonio. And now that he’s home and I’ve gotten to know him well, we’ve become fast friends.

15 year old Syrah is married to 40 year old Garnacha (Grenache) in this savoury and smooth red. New world meets old Spain – the flavours and terroir of the ancient Carinena clay ring strong through the modern vinification techniques. The dense colour and intensity come from high heat skin maceration and fermentation, tamed by 3 months in French oak. Notes of earthy cherry and currants lead to a robust and juicy palate with flavours of black cherry, pepper, dusty cocoa and savoury spice. Tannins are present, but soft and welcoming – this is the friendly bull you want to meet in the ring, or take with you into the china shop. I enjoyed Antonio’s company alongside slow roasted pork ribs on one night, and prosciutto-mushroom pizza the following evening. And for $13? Steal.

Beso de Vino is made by Grandes Vinos y Viñedos S.A. Founded in 1997, their goal is to create a strong economic driving force for the 1,200 vine growers in the Carinena region. The company bases its strategy on “quality, innovation and commitment to the surroundings and the environment.” In 2009, Grandes Vinos y Viñedos teamed with Kukuxumusu (“The Drawing Factory”) to develop this new premium quality brand of Beso de Vino.

*If this whets your palate for Spanish wines, check out the Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival website. Events for this spring’s festival (one of the top wine festivals in the world!) are being loaded on the site this week. This year Spain is the theme region, and there are some incredible seminars, tastings and dinners in the lineup. DON’T DELAY purchasing your tickets or you’ll miss out on fantastic wine opportunities. March 28-April 3, 2011.

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Beso de Vino Selección 2009

15 year old Syrah is married to 40 year old Garnacha (Grenache) in this savoury and smooth red. New world meets old Spain – the flavours and terroir of the ancient Carinena clay ring strong through the modern vinification techniques. Notes of earthy cherry and currants lead to a robust and juicy palate with flavours of black cherry, pepper, dusty cocoa and savoury spice. Tannins are present, but soft and welcoming – pair with slow roasted pork ribs or prosciutto-mushroom pizza. Fantastic value for the price.