#wine philly

Peluda is a crazy variant of Grenache. The translation is “Hairy Grenache” and that is quite apt: the leaves are a bit hairy on the underside, which is kinda gross when you reach in to pull out a bunch of grapes. This grape is rare, and only shows up in the Catalonia province of Spain, and it makes a very special wine. Lighter in body and more nuanced than Grenache typically is, this wine is a delicious and unique bottling.

Unlike most Grenache, this variant can take oak aging well. The wine is a contrast in styles. There is dense black fruit and a hint of tar, just like a classic Grenache; but the nose also offers up fresh flowers and a hint of earth, which is more in line with a Pinot Noir. The oak brings in a core of baking spices atypical of Spanish Grenache, and its full-bodied presence is contrasted with a fresh jolt of acidity.

Rating: 91 Points | Purchased for $11.99 in Pennsylvania, but a great value up to $20.

The Original Post: Herencia Altes 2016 Garnacha Peluda, Terra Alta

This bottling is a brand new project from CVNE, the legendary Rioja winery. Bela is a single vineyard in the town of Villalba de Duero. While CVNE is known for classical Spanish Tempranill0-based wines, this is very much a departure. The wine is dense with very ripe fruit and new oak, with an aggressive tannin structure that could easily place this on a steakhouse wine list. On the nose, there is lovely violet and allspice notes. The palate is medium to full-bodied with round tannins and medium acidity, while the finish rolls toward mocha and river rocks.

92 Points | Purchased for $11.99 in PA, but a worthwhile purchase up to $20.

The Original Post: CVNE 2019″Bela” Ribera del Duero

If you recognize the name “Bryn Mawr” then you are a very specific type of person. Option number one: from the Philly region and recognize it as (1) a posh mainline suburb or (2) the liberal arts college in said town. Option number two: you are a Quaker and know about the utopian Brynmawr Experiment that happened in 1929. The final option is that you really dig Willamette Valley Pinot Noir.

Or maybe you are all three, which is a cool hat trick. The winery is named “Bryn Mawr” for the Welsh term for “high ground.” Apt for a vineyard located in the Eola Amity Hills outside of Salem, Oregon.

This bottling is a great example of modern Willamette Pinot Noirs. Medium-bodied with a core of warm spices and espresso. On the nose, there is juniper berry and cherry compote, with just a bare hint of fresh roses. The palate is lush and appealing with very ripe red fruit that veers towards strawberry preserves. The oak is balanced but very much present in all aspects of the wine, including the chocolate-and-spiced-pear accented finish.

Wine Rating: 90 Points Pricing: You can pick this up for $20 in Pennsylvania, but prices range up to $30 in other parts of the US.

Bryn Mawr Vineyards 2017 Estate Pinot Noir, Eola Amity Hills

The Original Post: Wine Review: Bryn Mawr Vineyards 2017 Estate Pinot Noir, Eola Amity Hills

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