October 2024 Tinto Club

La Suerte de Arrayán 2018 Garnacha, Sierra de Gredos Regular Price: $34.99 Club Price: $ 29.74 Buy Now

Bodegas Arrayán started back in 1999 as a personal project for José María Entrecanales and María Marsans. In 2009, when Maite Sánchez joined as the oenologist, it kicked off a new chapter for Arrayán. She not only refined the process for their existing wines but also focused on incorporating local grape varieties. Maite’s main goal is to help the vines express the true character of their terroir. They use eco-friendly vine-growing practices, avoiding herbicides and pesticides to support biodiversity and balance. The winemaking process is just as natural: fermentation happens spontaneously with the grapes' natural yeasts, without any additives, aiming for the purest expression of each terroir.

What makes this Garnacha standout? It's 100% Garnacha, planted in the mid-20th century in El Real de San Vicente, on the Toledo side of the Gredos mountains. It’s made from grapes sourced from El Galayo in Cebreros, which is one of the few spots in Gredos with slate-like soils that add a unique minerality. Wines from the Sierra de Gredos are making waves these days, celebrated for their vibrant character and unique terroir. I think this particular wine is a fantastic introduction to the region, easily holding its own alongside the established rock stars of the area, like Jimenez Landi, Comando G, Group Envinate, and Venus La Universal.

Instagram:  @bodegasarrayan

The young, pale 2018 Garnacha de Arrayán has an elegant vibe, with lovely floral notes. Its super tasty—powerful yet refined—with a nice earthy twist. It’s got a ripe 15% alcohol but still feels fresh and balanced. It was aged in a concrete egg for five months and then spent another six months in 300- and 500-liter oak barrels.
It's definitely an exciting time to explore what this area has to offer!

Pinea 2017 Tempranillo Ribera del Duero Regular Price: $52.99 Club Price: $ 45.04 Buy Now

Last month, I had the rare opportunity to visit the remarkable vineyards of Ribera del Duero and Rueda in Spain. Picture this: sitting down—or, in some cases, strolling wine caves—with some of my favorite winemakers, immersing myself in their passion and stories all while tasting extraordinary wines.

From bold Tempranillos to refreshing Verdejos, each day was an amazing exploration of flavors and connection. Energized by these moments I’m super excited to share some selections for our wine club this month and the coming months.

Reflecting on my visit to Pinea, I can't help but think of its elegance. Can you imagine a more unique setting than sitting in a room with floor-to-ceiling windows that offer nearly 360-degree views of the picturesque vineyards? It was the perfect backdrop for enjoying their beautifully structured wines, each glass feeling like a true work of art.

The name is inspired by a stunning Pinus Pinea tree, one of the oldest and tallest in the region, standing proudly among ancient vines that have witnessed centuries of history.

The history of Pinea is driven by a clear purpose: to craft some of the finest wines in the world while authentically expressing the spirit of Ribera del Duero. Pinea was born from the founders’ desire to create a wine that rivals the best. It has been described by wine experts as “the maximum expression of Tempranillo at its very best”

The story of Pinea is truly a love story—one of passion for wine and a deep appreciation for northern Ribera del Duero, where the character of the Tempranillo grape shines like nowhere else.

“17” by Pinea, celebrates the year 2017, an important year in the life of the winery – and, coincidentally, the year that Spain's pro golfer, Sergio Garcia, won the Masters golf tournament and featured “17” at the Champions Dinner, as well as his wedding in July of 2017.

“17” by Pinea is produced with 100% Tempranillo and a selection of the best grapes from different vineyards on the Pinea Estate. I think Pinea 17 shows the full beauty of Tempranillo with a fine, velvety texture that combines a luxurious core of fruit and subtle notes of new and multipurpose wood, giving it freshness as well as body and intensity.

What surprised me was how easy all these wines were to enjoy today. You don’t have to overthink them; they’re just tasty and ready to drink right now. The wine is bright and full of life in the glass. Sweet berries and chocolate with some bark, walnuts and hints of hazelnuts. It’s full-bodied with juicy, polished tannins and a long, flavorful finish. Lots of intense, focused fruit.

This is a wine I will come back to and of course never forget. JL