Behind the Cork™ - Ace Kicker Big Bet Blend

2016 Ace Kicker Big Bet Blend ($15)

This Ace Kicker wine originates from Spain’s Castilla-La Mancha region which is located about 40 miles south of Madrid.

This Big Bet Blend is indeed a big blend that’s produced from 34% Cabernet Franc, 27% Syrah, 15% Petite Verdot, 12% Tempranillo, 7% Graciano and 5% Garnacha with the latter three varieties being classic Spanish grapes.

After the grapes are hand-harvested they undergo fermentation and malolactic conversion in stainless steel tanks. The wine is then aged in French and American oak for eight months.

This Ace Kicker Big Bet Blend is deep ruby in color and has aromas of black cherry, black berry, with some spice and hints of oak. On the palate it has lighter fruit flavors, definite cherry flavor, medium tannin and an easy finish.

This 2016 Ace Kicker Big Bet Blend is imported to the U.S. by González Byass.

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Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this sample at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Sample Provided by Donna White, Donna White Communications

Behind the Cork™ - Vilarnau Brut Reserva & Brut Reserva Rosé Cava

Vilarnau Brut Reserva & Brut Reserva Rosé Cava ($14.99 each)

Cava is the sparkling wine of Spain and perfect for the holidays!

The Vilarnau Brut Reserva is made from the three base wines used to make Cava - Macabeo, Xarel-lo and Parellada. These wines are always made separately. The first fermentation takes place over 30 days followed by the blending. It then undergoes its second fermentation in the bottle.

The vilarnau Brut Reserva Rosé is made from Garnacha and Pinot Noir. These are also fermented separately, blended and undergo a second fermentation in the bottle.

Both of these delicious Cavas should be well chilled and go with most any foods. Cheers!

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Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this wine at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Sample Provided by Rebekah Polster, Donna White Communications

Behind the Cork™ - Pagos de Galir Mencía

2016 Pagos de Galir Mencía ($17)

This 100% Mencía (men-thee-uh) is from the Valdeorras region which is located on the eastern-most fringes of Galicia, in North-Western Spain.

It was cold macerated, went through malolactic conversion and aged in French and American oak barrels for six months.

This Mencía exhibits some herbal notes of mint along with the dark fruit aromas. On the palette its got black cherry and plum, some moderate acidity and tannin yet finishes with light notes.

This medium-bodied Mencía from Pagos de Galir is a wine that would pair as well with turkey or pork as it would with beef or lamb.

Cheers!

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Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this wine at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Sample Provided by Donna White Communications

Behind the Cork™ - Inurrieta Orchidea Sauvignon Blanc

2018 Inurrieta Orchídea Sauvignon Blanc ($12)

Here’s nice refreshing Sauvignon Blanc that will compliment any spring or summer meal.

This 100% Sauvignon Blanc is from Bodega Inurrieta and comes from the Navarra region of northern Spain.

It’s got wonderful bright tropical fruit flavors of pineapple and lime and just the right amount of acidity.

It was tank aged over fine lees for four months so its also got a bit if a creamy smoothness to its mouthfeel.

If you are a Sauvignon Blanc lover, or even if you aren’t, give this one a try. I believe you’ll like it!

Cheers!

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Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this wine at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Sample Provided by Rebekah Polster, Navarra Media Consultant, 401 West Communications

Behind the Cork™ - Wine of the Week

2013 Beronia Rioja Reserva ($20)

This Rioja from Beronia is produced with 95% Tempranillo, 4% Graciano (known as Morrastel in Languedoc) and 1% Mazuelo (a.k.a. Carignan).

Being a ‘Reserva’ in Rioja means that this wine is required to be aged for at least one year in oak and then spend two years in the bottle before being sold. This Beronia Rioja Reserva spent 20 months in oak barrels with American staves and French caps.

In the Rioja region, the Consejo Regulador DOCa Rioja, ensures that these quality requirements are met.

While the nice fruit flavors of black cherry and blackberry are notable from the Tempranillo, the oak aging adds nuances of smokiness and vanilla. The Graciano adds tannin and colored, while the tiny splash of Mazuelo also adds tannin and a hint of acidity.

This is a really nice Rioja from Beronia that pairs well with red meats, game and roasts. When looking for a Rioja, keep your eyes out for a ‘Reserva.’ It’s well worth it! And, this Beronia Rioja Reserva is another fine example of a Behind the Cork™ - Wine of the Week that’s attainable and affordable. Cheers and Salud!

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Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this wine at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Sample Provided by Rebekah Polster of Donna White Communications

This wine is imported by Gonzalez Byass.