I had occasion to attend a
little gathering at Conundrum Wine Bistro in Freeport recently and was pleasantly surprised to learn that
they offer 40 wines by the glass.
Wow! (Okay bear with me as many of you may already have
known this!) Vinny, the owner/proprietor
is passionate about his wines and because he wants people to experience them,
offers them at half the cost by the glass than most restaurants. What a treat! 
Some highlights:
La Miranda de Secastilla Garnacha Blanca from the region of Somontano in Spain (northeast of Madrid).
Garnacha
Blanca (white garnacha) is the grape varietal from 100 year old vines. With great body and fruit such as lychee
& citrus notes, it had a distinct “schisty” quality and lively minerality
along with just enough subtle oak to give it the weight. Here is a delicious white and great for
summer! Super food friendly and
quaffable. $6/glass. (SoPo Wine Co.)
Wieninger Gemischter Satz Gewurtztraminer Blend from Austria.
Quite a
mouthful (both in name and
flavors!) This white wine comes from
Fritz Wieninger and his winemaking estate in Austria. This blend
apparently has 13 grape varietals, including Gewurtztraminer. A complex white but beautifully integrated,
with light petrol, minerality and even a hint of forest floor on the nose. I know that sounds strange, but the layers
really work! Subtle floral notes with
white pepper along with pear and orange peel add nuance. This has slight effervescence on the tongue and finishes clean. Exquisite!
$8/glass. (National Distributors)
Tikal Patriota
Bonarda Malbec from Ernesto Catena
Vineyards in Mendoza, Argentina.
First of
all, this red blend had a great package that no one could deny! 60% Malbec.
40% Bonarda. With mixed, ripe,
juicy berries such as blackberry, raspberry, cherry and briar on the nose and
palate, this was a fun mouthful. Notes
of cocoa and charred earth express the arid terroir of Mendoza. Plush &
savory, yet really approachable, this is a real crowd pleaser! $8/glass. (Central Distributors)
Bodega Atteca Old Vines Garnacha from Calatayud, Spain.
This one has
been around for awhile, but I must say this vintage (2009) is drinking
beautifully and showing great! With
intense aromas of deep, dark cherry, raspberry and lots of earth, this red has
spicy notes of cocoa and lush hints of vanilla on the palate along with a silky
mouth feel. Love! Great with charcuterie. $8/glass. (Pine State Beverage Co.)
These were just a few ... head over to CONUNDRUM, 117 US Rt 1, Freeport, near the Big Indiana and try some for yourself.
Tell Vinny I said Hi!
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| Vinny with Chris Plumstead of Central Distributors |
I love Spanish wines in general back from the days when I lived in Madrid (1987). Nice to see such diversity being offered here stateside and the public's growing appreciation for Spanish wines. Great post!
ReplyDeleteHey Dina ... thanks for your comment and appreciation of Spanish wines! There are some fabulous whites out there as well, that I hope to share and speak about for this summer. Stay tuned!
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