presented by Brad Werner of Ocean South Imports
Today we taste wines from OPS, that is, Oregon, Portugal, and Spain. It is our privilege to share wines from all over the world. We thought it would be fun to take your tastes from our northwest coast across the sea to another northwestern area. This ought to be interesting.
Bryn Mawr Brut Rosé ~ NV
Bryn Mawr, a Welsh name that loosely translates to “big hill” or “high hill,” stands perched atop the Western crest of the breezy Eola-Amity Hills AVA. Our farming is centered on organic and regenerative practices, following LIVE Certified sustainable standards to foster biodiversity and healthy ecosystems amongst the rocky volcanic slopes of our estate vineyard.
Appellation: Willamette Valley, OR
Grapes: 84% Pinot Noir, 9% Pinot Gris, 5% Meunier, 2% Chardonnay – 11.8% ABV
Tasting notes: Dry — Perfumed — Crisp — aromatic and well-balanced
Producer: Bryn Mawr Vineyards (1000 cases)
Bryn Mawr Pinot Noir ~ 2022
Our Pinot Noir marries grapes from our distinctive estate with trusted neighboring vineyards on lower slopes. Though we love our site, its nervy acid and rustic tannin structure render it quite tense in its youth, and it benefits a patient drinker. Working with quality nearby vineyards ensures we can enjoy a generous and appealing expression of recent vintages in our windy section of the valley.
Appellation: Willamette Valley, OR
Grapes: 100% Pinot Noir – 13.5% ABV
Tasting notes: Red Cherry — Baking Spice — Smooth
Aging: 8 months – 25% new French Oak
Producer: Bryn Mawr Vineyards (3500 cases)
Tiroliro Minho Alvarihno ~ 2023
Located in the Vinhos Verdes Region (known as Entre-Douro-e-Minho), which extends to the northwest of Portugal and is the largest Demarcated Region. Its fresh and humid climate as a result of the strong Atlantic influence, and the high precipitation of this region even in the summer, produces wines with strong aromatic intensity, high freshness, minerality, and elegance.
Appellation: Vinho Verde DOC, Portugal
Grapes: 100% Alvarinho, ABV 12.5%
Tasting notes: A citrine color this wine has a fresh and fruity aroma with notes of passion fruit and white flowers. On the palate, it is elegant and harmonious. This wine presents a pleasant aroma with exuberant citric and floral notes such as passion fruit and lychees. A wine with excellent structure and elegance with its acidity well balanced with the fruit.
Pairings: Pair with any type of fish, seafood, and salad.
Producer: Casa de Vila Verde
Galicia Boapeza Mencia ~ 2023 ~ [90 pts JS]
Started by two brothers calling upon a legacy, the Galicia Group was born. We bottle passion and a terroir; we bottle autochthonous Spanish grapes and dreams. We believe in the quality of any of our wines because quality is what steps behind any of our bottles. We are linked to family tradition, wine knowledge, and passion for our business.
Appellation: D.O. Ribeira Sacra, Spain
Grapes: 100% Mencia – ABV 13%
Tasting notes: Velvety cherry red color with medium-high layer and intense purplish rims. Explosive and freshly nose where the red fruits are dominant, mainly blackberries, strawberries, and raspberries with remarkable pleasant mineral hints. Balanced, structured, velvety, and persistent aftertaste.
Pairings: Grilled red meats such as steak, also, with pork or chicken with medium base sauces. Excellent with cheeses (cured ones mainly recommended), oily rice, or Spanish cold meats such as “jamón ibérico” or “chorizo.
Producer: From Galicia Group
