Bodegas Shaya Arindo Verdejo (2013) Wine Review

It was in August that my husband treated me to a birthday dinner at VB Lounge, a place in Chandler, AZ, I had been wanting to check out.  As per usual, I had perused the menu prior to our arrival, and my taste buds were set.  The server handed me the wine list, I ordered, only to have her come back and say that they were out of what I’d requested – gasp! She then suggested a Verdejo, pronounced Vare – DAY – oh, which wasn’t on the wine list, but she highly recommended. It turned out to be a wonderful suggestion, and I was reminded of a varietal that I enjoy and don’t often purchase because there isn’t usually a broad selection and you have to ask or search it out at the wine shop.

My next trip, I was sure to bring home a Verdejo - this week’s Wine Wednesday feature, the 2013 Shaya Arindo.  The grapes for this wine are sourced from a vineyard in Segovia in the Rueda region of Spain where the primary varietal is Verdejo. Wine labeled as Rueda Verdejo must be at least 85% Verdejo. This wine is 100% Verdejo.

The wine exhibited a beautiful golden color. On the nose, tropical fruit, honey and a noticeable minerality. The wine though fermented in stainless, still possessed a creamy, silky mouthfeel that I found surprising while still providing a familiar well-balanced acidic finish.  I liked the body of this dry white wine, making it more versatile for pairing.

We enjoyed this with steamed mussels and I used the wine in the mussels as well. Try also with Prosciutto Pasta Roulade.  Click the links below to print or save the recipe pairing suggestions.

Steamed Mussels

Prosciutto Pasta Roulade

Marqués de Cáceres Rioja Crianza (2011) Wine Review

Tempranillo. It’s a varietal I’m growing increasingly fond of. Since moving to AZ  I’ve sampled Tempranillo from the Sonoita wine trail and have been delightfully impressed – more on that later. This week however, for our Wine Wednesday feature, we go to the native land of Tempranillo – Spain! The 2011 Marqués de Cáceres Rioja Crianza is from the Rioja region.  Crianza on the label is an indication of how long the wine has been aged. Spanish wines can be labeled Crianza, Reserva and Grand Reserva, Crianza being the youngest of them in terms of aging. Crianza red wines must be aged for a minimum of two years with at least one year in Oak and one year in the bottle.  

This wine is a blend of predominantly Tempranillo (85%) along with 10% Garnacha Tinta (Grenache) and 5% Graciano. On the nose -  notes of raspberry, strawberry and licorice and after a few sips - on your palate (roof of the mouth) – hints of chocolate and subtle coffee.  I found it to be a full bodied sturdy wine with ample fruit and acidity with moderate tannins - great for food pairing. We enjoyed it one night with a grilled ribeye and even more the next night with pizza.  Even better, priced as a “weekday wine”, it took the doctored up frozen pizza to another level. It seemed to love the tomato sauce on the pizza. Try also with my New Orleans style “red” Jambalaya or my Homemade Marinara. Be sure to open the wine 30 minutes prior to serving for the best experience. Click the links below to print or save the recipes. 

Jambalaya

Homemade Marinara