It has become quite a common proverb that in wine there is truth. - Pliny the Elder (A.D. c. 23–A.D. 79)

Of Tapas and Wines – The Grand Tasting Notes

By Devin Moore
Tempranillo Advocates Producers and Amigos Society (TAPAS) Grand Tasting  - June 5, 2011 - Fort Mason, San Francisco

Spanish and Portuguese wine traditions are right here in the United States!  The 2011 TAPAS Grand Wine Tasting event hosted forty-five vintners showcasing the wonderful wine grapes and flavors of Spain and Portugal.  The big star of the show was the Tempranillo grape.  However, some real wine gems were found in some of the lesser known varietals such as the white grapes Verdelho and Albarino and the red grapes Garnache (better known by its French name Grenache) and Mourvedre.

Tempranillo is the main grape varietal found in the Spanish Rioja region, and is known to make medium-bodied refined wines that have characteristics of bright cherries when young.  In a contradiction of styles, the majority of North American Tempranillo wines exhibited a more full-bodied wine similar to cabernet sauvignon with lingering tannins and a voluptuous mouth feel.  It seemed apparent that many wineries were honing in on how to treat this unique grape and the wines typically improved with each year of experience. 

Some standouts from the event were:
Bray Vineyards 2007 Tempranillo/$16.00 (304 cases produced)
Pomum Cellars  2008 Tinto, Columbia Valley, WA/$25.00 (77% Tempranillo, 9% Garnacha, 9% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon), (243 cases produced).

Fans of French Rhone wines will recognize the garnache (grenache) and mourvedre grapes and the two varietals turn out to be favorites of Spanish winemakers as well.  The Callaghan Vineyards 2009 Wayne’s Sonoita (grenache and mourvedre blend) was one of our favorite red wines we tasted at the entire event and showcased bright cherry and spicy jam flavors with medium body and a smooth lingering finish.  This wine was a real superstar and a surprise because it comes from Southeast Arizona!

Albarino and Verdelho were the primary white wines at the event, and both are light bodied wines with delicate flavors.  Albarino makes wines that range from crisp and acidic with citrus undertones to a slightly creamier wine with honey-suckle flavors.  Verdelho brought floral characteristics to the glass and danced in the mouth with bright flavors.

The TAPAS event would not be complete without having some luscious port wines to taste.  Tesouro Port Cellars  had great traditionally styled port wines to taste and they did not disappoint.  St. Amant Winery also offered a 2007 Bootleg Port from Amador County that contained all five traditional port varietals.
The catering at the event is worth mentioning, especially Marco Paella  that was served the traditional way on a giant saucer with all the fresh seafood you can imagine.  Blue Sage Catering Company also had some amazing taste samplers including toasted bread with blue cheese mousse and apple butter topped with a toasted almond.

For a complete list of participating wineries go to http://www.tapasociety.org/2011-Participants.  This will be an event to continue to follow as American winemakers continue to sculpt wines with Spanish grape varietals. Be sure to put the TAPAS Grand Tasting on your calendar for June 9, 2012 at the Fort Mason Grand Pavilion. You won't want to miss it.