(NYC) Finding my perfect match with "Wines from Spain"
*This post was written by Vanessa Shoman-Duell and edited/formatted by The Lunch Belle. Unless otherwise noted, all photographs were captured by Vanessa Shoman-Duell.**
Wines from Spain recently celebrated its 22nd annual "Spain's Great Match" event which was held at the Frank Gehry-designed IAC Building in NYC's tony Chelsea neighborhood.
With a showcase of over 300 Spanish wines, there was no shortage of both tried-and-true and brand new sips to be had. Not to mention an array of specialty food distributors and nibbles from some of NYC's top Spanish restaurants!
As I strolled through the maze of vendor tables, it came as no surprise that the wineries I frequented the most were those who were pouring Rioja. My favorite glass was the Marques de Riscal Reserva 2009 DOCA. Produced from the Tempranillo grape (whose vines are at least 15 years old), the wine is matured in American oak casks for 24 months prior to bottling. I would describe this particular Rioja as a full body red with a lingering, dry fruit finish. I loved its intensity, melange of notes (vanilla, toasted oak and plum fruit), and hints of spice and licorice.
Photo found on wine-searcher.com: Rioja
As I continued my tour of Spanish wines, I sampled some amazing goat cheese-stuffed olives and, one of my absolute favorite items on the planet, ribbons of salty Jamón Iberico (cured ham from the Iberico black pig, which happens to be one of the last grazing species in Europe).
Cheese-stuffed olives
Jamon!
Of course, I saved the best for last! My favorite tasting of the event was the Anna de Codorniu Brut Rose, NV. Hailing from the Penedes (DO) region of Spain, this rose is composed of 70% Pinot noir and 30% Chardonnay grapes. With its incredibly fragrant aromas of red fruit (strawberry and cherry) and green apple, I absolutely fell in love with this wine and its elegant, refreshing finish. And how about that fabulous pink bottle?
Brut rose
If all of that wasn't enough, the event was attended by super famous Wine Bible author, Karen MacNeil!
...
Until we eat again,
Vanessa Shoman-Duell for The Lunch Belle