Quick-Sip: Navarran Red Blend

Magaña Calchetas (2006)
Bodegas Viña Magaña
Merlot | Cabernet Sauvignon | Malbec
D.O. Navarra

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Travelling to Spain without leaving NE Ohio

Last weekend I had the opportunity to explore the many diverse regions of Spain and learn about the wines that each produce. Hosted by the Wine Academy of Spain our class was treated to three intense days of learning and tasting over seventy wines.

The Wine Academy of Spain was started by Pancho Campo, Spain's first recipient of the Master of Wine (MW) title. The Academy was founded to teach and train wine professionals, help promote Spain's wine and tourism industries, and through a special forum bring to light the effects of climate change on wine.

As part of the Academy's 2009-2010 tour, Cleveland and eleven other U.S. Cities were scheduled to host the Spanish Wine Education program. Ryan and Gabriella Opaz of Catavino , an educational website that promotes Iberian wine, food, and culture, offered the chance for an interested blogger in each city to take part in the course. Having traveled to and fallen in love with all Spain has to offer, I jumped at this exciting opportunity. To my delight, I was able to attend the three day class at The Cleveland Wine School, owned by Marianne Frantz, Certified Wine Educator.

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Quick-Sip: Napa Turnbull Red Blend

Old Bull Red (2005)
Turnbull Wine Cellars
70% Merlot | 11% Tempranillo | 7% Petite Sirah | 5% Syrah | 4% Sangiovese | 3% Barbera
Napa Valley, California

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Quick-Sip: Red Duero Blend

Rívola (2006)
Abadía Retuerta
Tempranillo | Cabernet Sauvignon
Duero Valley, Spain

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WBW #60 - I have Zinned... and it felt so good

Old Vine Zinfandel (2006)
Sineann
Zinfandel
Columbia Valley

This month for Wine Blogging Wednesday, the fifth anniversary of the project, we've been "burdened" with the task of drinking Zinfandel. Seeing as this is one of my favorite varieties, I really didn't anticipate any issue. The only problem was choosing what bottle yummy California Zin to choose - then the clouds opened, and it all became clear. Not California... but Oregon Zin!

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Quick-Sip: Lake Erie Gewurztraminer

Estate Bottled Gewürztraminer (2007)
Hermes Vineards
Gewürztraminer
Lake Erie

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Quick-Sip: Value California SB

Rootstock Sauvignon Blanc (2007)
DnA Vineyards
Sauvignon Blanc
Lake County, California

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A modern romance of the white grape variety

Con Class Rueda (2007)
Sitios de Bodega
60% Verdejo | 15% SB | 25% Viura
Rueda, Spain

Verdejo - a bold, acidic grape reared on the arid plateaus of Spain. Sauvignon Blanc - a flirtatious, aromatic white French variety cultivated in the classiest neighborhoods of Bordeaux. Two star-crossed lovers separated by the Pyrenees and kept apart speaking two different languages of love... that was until "Rueda." Imagine that in big, bright, flashing, neon lights. It would definitely sell. Despite the lack of singing, choreography, and melodrama I'd say we've got the vinous version of West Side Story on our hands here.

While I wait for Broadway and Hollywood to flock to my door to get the exclusive rights, I'll focus more on a yummy new Spanish wine I had the other day - Con Class Rueda produced by Sitios de Bodega.

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