Onix Classic Blanc a "Best Buy of the Year"

Vinicola del Priorat's Onix Classic Blanc has once again been singled out by Wine & Spirit's Magazine. The wine is one of only 8 Spanish selections included in their "100 Best Buys of the Year" list for 2015.

A blend of hand harvested Macabeo (60%), Garnacha Blanca (35%) and Pedro Ximenez (5%), they describe it as "...nutty and creamy with powerful richness...it ends fresh and crisp, calling you back for another sip." We find this makes it the perfect match for seafood pasta, polenta or vegetable dishes. Cheers!

Learn more about Vinicola del Priorat and their much acclaimed winemaker, Sandra Estevez here.

Brunn’s Riede Stein Gruner Veltliner One of the “Year’s Best Austrian Wines” at 93 points

Wine & Spirits' April 2015 issue hit the stands recently, giving Brunn's Riede Stein Gruner Veltliner a rating of 93 points. They call it "primordial in its rich swirl of peachy flavors, violent scents" with "everything brought together by the wine's umami richness." We couldn't agree more!

They suggest pairing it with tafelspitz (Austria's national dish of boiled beef in broth, served with horseradish). Other options that work well are: grilled veal cutlet, grilled asparagus or spicy Asian food. Read the full review below. To learn more about Brunn, check out their page.

Brunn 2013 Kamptal Riede Stein Gruner Veltliner - 93
"This gruner comes off a plot of loess over primary rock (stein in German). It feels primordial in its rich swirl of peachy flavors, violet scents and a vegetal, mustard-green note, everything brought together by the wine’s umami richness. It has the stuffing to pour with a beef-brothy tafelspitz, or to age for several years.
The Artisan Collection, NY"

Wine & Spirits Review: "Year's Best"

The February 2015 issue of Wine & Spirits features a new review of the “Year’s Best” wines. The Artisan Collection is proud to announce some outstanding ratings for our portfolio. Of the 19 “Best Buys” in the Spain category, The Artisan Collection represents 4.

Please feel free to contact us with any questions regarding the wines listed below. 

Year's Best Catalan Wines

2013 Vinicola del Priorat Onix Classic Blanc (Best Buy) 94 Points

"Grown in licorella soils in the hills of Gratallops, this is a blend of macabeo (60 percent) with garnacha blanca (35 percent) and pedro ximenez. It has a delicate scent that brings to mind flor, the layer of lees that protects sherry as it ages in cask. The flavors are nutty and creamy with powerful richness, then the wine tightens up in the finish, where it ends fresh and crisp, calling you back for another sip."

2012 Vinicola del Priorat Onix Classic (Best Buy) 93 Points

"Half garnacha, half carinena, this is youthfully juicy. Generous in red fruit, rich in spice, what dominates here is the mineral sensation, a tannic edge that brings to mind the licorella soil, roughing up the texture while charming in its nerve. This is particularly well priced, and particularly great with wild boar."

2013 Vinicola del Priorat Clos Gebrat (Best Buy) 92 Points

"A blend of garnacha (40 percent) and carinena (35 percent) with merlot, syrah, and cabernet, this is focused on bright red fruit.  Whatever wood influence is there has lost the battle, taking a second postion to the fruit, which feels a little rustic and wild. Its tannins are set for steak tartare."

 

Read more about Vinicola Del Priorat here!

Year's Best Rhone

2011 Lunar Apoge Lirac 90 Points

“Christian Leperchois started farming organically at Domaine des Carabiniers in 1977 and has moved the vineyards for Lunar Apoge to biodynamics (certified by Demeter). This one comes from his 37 acres in the sandy, pebbly soils of Lirac, the youngest vines 32 years old. In 2011, those vines gave a juicy, generous wine that’s still amazingly fresh, the fruit vibrantly purple and lively. With the air it gains detail-an earthy depth, an herbal scent-yet the vibrancy never fades."

Read more about Lunar Apoge here!

December 2014: Wine Enthusiast visits Gancedo Winery

The December issue of Wine Enthusiast features a story on their journey through the Bierzo region of Spain in May of this past Spring. The region is home to 74 registered wineries, and Gancedo was among the 10 wineries visited. The article discusses the special qualities and characteristics of Bierzo, which are expressed in the wines. Michael Schachner praises the region for wines with "exotic aromas, alluring flavor profiles and undeniable style."
 
We are proud to report that Gancedo has 2 red wines reviewed, earning ratings of 91 points. Please contact us for more information on availability and pricing.
 

Gancedo Mencia 2012: "Initial aromas are oaky and a touch raw, but soon they settle on raspberry and plum. This is a chunky, fruit forward Mencia with dark berry, raspberry, spice, resiny oak and salty flavors. A full lively finish is muscular but also fresh and bright. It has only eight months in oak; drink now through 2015."
91 points

Gancedo Xestal Mencia 2008: "Dry, leathery and earthy up front, this mature Mencia is all about grip and complexity. In the mouth, it's tight and tannic. Flavors of dry cherry and berry are layered and earthy, while hard tannins and additional earth notes steer a long spicy finish. Drink through 2019."
91 points