Presented by Alex Strauss of Skyland Distributing Co
El Bandarra Blanco Vermut (White Vermouth) ~ 1 Liter
El Bandarra was born in the century-old Casa Berger winery, founded in 1878. After decades of producing bulk vermouth for small neighborhood wineries, in 2014 the Virgili brothers decided to improve this classic and bottle it in a reusable bottle. Thus, El Bandarra was born, a cheeky vermouth that pays homage to the sacred hour of vermouth.
Appellation: Penedès, Spain
Grapes: 50% Garnatxa Blanca, 50% Xarel·lo – ABV 15%
Tasting notes: Luscious, refreshing, and with an unmistakable hint of vanilla. Our white wine is made with Garnacha Blanca and Xarel·lo grapes, and its flavor is like finding a banknote in your jacket pocket: unexpected and wonderful at the same time. Enjoy it with plenty of ice and a slice of lemon.
Producer: Casa Berger
Abellio Albariño ~ 2023
Rectoral do Umia, located in Salnés Valley, has been making Albariños with a lot of personality and uniqueness for more than a decade, which translates into more than 20 international gold medals. Our philosophy is to make wine from the vineyard to transfer the terroir and microclimate to the cellar without modifying its own identity. Rías Baixas is the “cradle” of the Albariño variety, since its maximum potential is reached due to the Atlantic climate that is characterized by low, cold and soft temperatures and with sandy-sandy terrain.
Appellation: D.O. Rías Baixas, Spain
Grapes: 100% Albariño – ABV 12.5%
Tasting notes: Clean and bright wine, golden yellow with greenish sparkles. In nose is an intense aroma, perfectly assembling the fruity and floral notes, highlighting the apple and stone fruits. In the mouth, the typical freshness of Albariño stands out, with a very tight acidity and perfectly balanced with the structure and body of the wine.
Pairing: Crab, pasta, breads and chicken
Awards: 91 Points James Suckling
Producer: Rectoral do Umia
El Pacto de Cárdenas Ojo Gallo ~ 2022
Viñedos El Pacto is a tribute to our forefathers, with a generation dedicated to preserving the precious wine history of Alto Najerilla and La Sonsierra, two Rioja regions with strong ties to our roots. Historically, these regions have been almost entirely dedicated to vine cultivation. El Pacto means returning to that throwback viticulture, which takes care of the environment, with the minimum possible intervention, which does not seek the highest production, but allows nature to follow its vital course.
Appellation: D.O.Ca. Rioja, Spain
Grapes: Garnacha Tinta and Viura – ABV 13%
Tasting notes: A red with very little depth of color giving it a great shine. Intensely aromatic, it retains its primary aromas, despite being an aged wine. The influence of Garnacha stands out fundamentally with notes of red fruits, strawberry yogurt and light touches of lollipop. It is a “long drink” wine, with great fluidity throughout its entire journey in the mouth. It is accompanied by a notable acidity, yet this acidity is well incorporated into the smooth sensations and delicate texture that it offers. It for goes the structure of red wines to reveal its entire delicateness, with a pleasant, smooth touch, mirroring a white wine.
Awards: 95 Points Tim Atkins
Producer: Viñedos El Pacto
Rioja Gran Reserva ~ 2016
At Hacienda López de Haro, we believe that life isn’t something to be seized — it’s something to be lived. We believe that stepping away from immediacy allows us to do things right—and things done right bring quality to life.
Appellation: Rioja, Spain
Grapes: Tempranillo and Graciano – ABV 14%
Ageing: 30 months in French and American oak barrels, with 80% used barrels and 20% new. Further bottle ageing for more than 4 years
Tasting notes: Brick red with lively reflections at the rim, showing freshness despite its long ageing. Very complex, with a wide range of spices, a background of stewed ripe fruit and liquorice notes. Persistent and enveloping, with velvety tannins and balanced acidity that provides freshness and harmony on the finish.
Pairings: Perfect with roasted red meats, traditional stews, game and aged cheeses.
Awards:
92 points James Suckling, 2016 Vintage.
92 points Vinum, 2016 Vintage.
90 points Decanter World Wine Awards, 2016 Vintage.
Producer: Hacienda Lopez de Haro
