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Tuesday, April 3, 2012

WINES AT CONUNDRUM BISTRO


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!
Vinny with Chris Plumstead of Central Distributors

































2 comments:

  1. 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!

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  2. Hey 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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