E-3 NV; Locations Wine; Spain

This Spanish style blend of Grenache, Tempranillo, Monastrell, and Carignan exemplifies the quality fruit that comes from España.  Though the percentages aren’t revealed, the Carignan does tend to stand out a bit, yet doesn’t overpower the other fruit flavors.  This medium bodied red wine has a silky feel to it at first along with elegant flavors of raspberries and plum.  There is a bit of licorice notes along with some pepper and a hint of tobacco.  This is an evenly balanced red blend that will pair nicely with many dishes, yet is entirely wonderful and worthy of drinking on its own.  Enjoy well!

www.locationswine.com

Apple Mead - NV; Maydelle Country Wines; Rusk, Texas

This is a very good combination of mead and apples. To use the classic wine terminology, it is well balanced!  You can discern that this is a honey wine yet that flavor does not overpower the apples.  The wine has a pleasant sweetness to it that’s not too syrupy sweet, so it is very easy to drink and enjoy.   Try pairing this with some homemade apple pie or various cheeses!  It’s also quite nice to sip and enjoy on its own.

www.maydellewines.com

El Gaucho Winery – Spicewood, Texas

Argentina has come to Texas!  Did someone say Malbec, Malbec, and more Malbec?  This place is ground zero for the Malbec lovers.  Owners Bennett Sewell and Eugenia planted their winery roots on this property back in 2014 and opened their winery in 2015.  Bennett spent several years in the Mendoza region of Argentina and absorbed all things that made wine great there.  Eugenia is an established sommelier from Argentina and she knows her stuff!  The couple has two vineyards in the Mendoza region on the east side of the Andes.  The dry climate plus the meticulous viticulture practices only leads to some great tasting red wines from the region.  There are three tasting flights to choose from.  The first one, which are the lightest wine options available, includes whites with a Torrontes!  The second fight is the Estado Natura Malbecs and the third flight are the Reserve wines.  The Grand Reserva is also available and represent the quality work being done by this winery.  The 2010 Malbec Reserva has a nice smokiness that you like to savor in a rich red wine.  The 2013 Malbec Reserva has a good nuttiness.  Their 2014 Cabernet Reserva is not for the light hearted.  It’s a well-rounded mouth feel with great lasting finish that makes you realize why this varietal has a second home in Argentina.  Do try the 50/50 Malbec/Cab blend and be enticed by its spices and clove notes.  If you really want to taste the lands of the Andes, try the Estado Natura 2013 Malbec.  It’s has a pleasant earthiness that you expect and desire from these vineyards.  If available, ask to sample the 2009 Grand Reserva Malbec!  This wine has been aged for about two years, with some barrels set aside for an extra year.  The quality and texture of this wine is unbelievable! Everything that is in a good quality Malbec is exemplified in this wine.  They have not made this one since 2009, simply because the fruit has yet to meet their high standards for this wine.  Several bottles of these are worth your cellar space!  All throughout the tastings, don’t be surprised if visions of meat pairings start coming to mind. Do take the winding road off HWY 71 on your next wine trek and drive up the hill to this destination.  The surrounding views are spectacular, there is a lovely outdoor courtyard to enjoy, and the tasting room is very cozy and swanky with beautiful wooden tables and Argentinian décor, making you feel very comfortable as you enjoy the wine and great hospitality!

www.elgauchowinery.com

“Denomina” Red Blend – 2012; Vinovium Winery; Johnson City, Texas

This red wine is why Montsant, Spain highlights the rich and deep textures of bold red wine.  Former Becker winemaker, Russel Smith, mastered this delicious blend of 50% Grenache and 50% Carignan.  It’s deep berry red color entices curiosity and interest. Breath in those intense floral aromas to help warm up your wine senses.  Next, savor the delicious flavors of raspberry and cherries.  It is quite nice on the palate with medium tannins and a light finish.  Repeat again, with a nice slow cooked ribeye for pairing and you’ll enjoy the wine even more!  We’ll definitely be bringing back our growler for more refills of this one!

www.vinoviumpartners.com

AR-3 – NV; Locations Wines; Argentina

This location series wines gives you a selection of some varietals that do well in Argentina.   This very opaque red blend is a mix of Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Tannat.  It is quite hot at first, but after letting it sit for an hour, it begins to open up a bit. You’ll pick up some aromas of chocolate at first.  Take another swirl and a sip or two and let the taste buds soak up some of that dark berry flavor.  There is some licorice intertwine in there along with a touch of vanilla.  End off with some sage aftertaste and you will have had the nice experience that has been waiting to escape the bottle just for you.  Pour another glass and let it sit longer for another comparison.  Being from Argentina, you’ll definitely want to find your mass stash of protein to pair with this one.  This wine will only get better with added bottle aging. We recommend you store and enjoy in 6 months to a year later. Cheers!

www.locationswine.com