Wine for food is food for thought: Bodegas Lozano Oristan Gran Reserva, 2007
This Wine Wednesday your friends at Sukasa Style review a Tempranillo (~65%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (~35%) blend from Spain's Bodegas Lozano in La Mancha.
Here is what you should know up front: this is, in our view, a terrific food wine. At first blush, this may be underwhelming news since the palate of many modern drinkers are shaped by exuberant fruit forward tastes that are more conducive to sipping alone, and more importantly for the wine industry, score well on Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, place well during tastings at competitions, and as such sell well at liquor store by virtue of the aforementioned high scores and prizes.
The 2007 vintage may not do that but what it can do is pair superbly with food.
This is not an over-oaked entry despite spending time in French and American oak "barricas" -- no, there is a subtlety to that meritage. To the eye it has a classic claret colour (red-violet on the spectrum), while on the nose it is a reminder of various berries and toffee. However, the palate is where treat lies with a hint of prune, toast, and cigar balanced with tannins and a peppery finish. The winery describes it as "Elegant and well balanced in the mouth" and we could not agree more.
Drink now or be rewarded for your patience by putting a few bottles in the cellar for a few years.
Food pairing (courtesy of a superb dinner at Marben restaurant)
Pedro Ximenez Sherry Glazed Braises Beef (with truffle-pea puree, baby beets, beef bacon)
Radicchio and Serrano Ham Risotto (with scallops, slow roasted park belly, leek, apple)
Charcuterie board
Serving temperature: 17 - 19 oC
Prices: Typically ~ $12 / bottle at US retail | $21.85 / bottle from B&W Wines earlier this year (minimum order 12 bottle) | $60/bottle (Marben restaurant)
Sukasa Stars: 4.5 / 5
QPR (Quality Price Ratio): Very good (based on Ontario price per bottle that is at a 83% premium over typical US retail prices).
Here is what you should know up front: this is, in our view, a terrific food wine. At first blush, this may be underwhelming news since the palate of many modern drinkers are shaped by exuberant fruit forward tastes that are more conducive to sipping alone, and more importantly for the wine industry, score well on Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, place well during tastings at competitions, and as such sell well at liquor store by virtue of the aforementioned high scores and prizes.
The 2007 vintage may not do that but what it can do is pair superbly with food.
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| Gran Oristan 2007 Gran Riserva |
This is not an over-oaked entry despite spending time in French and American oak "barricas" -- no, there is a subtlety to that meritage. To the eye it has a classic claret colour (red-violet on the spectrum), while on the nose it is a reminder of various berries and toffee. However, the palate is where treat lies with a hint of prune, toast, and cigar balanced with tannins and a peppery finish. The winery describes it as "Elegant and well balanced in the mouth" and we could not agree more.
Drink now or be rewarded for your patience by putting a few bottles in the cellar for a few years.
Food pairing (courtesy of a superb dinner at Marben restaurant)
Pedro Ximenez Sherry Glazed Braises Beef (with truffle-pea puree, baby beets, beef bacon)
Radicchio and Serrano Ham Risotto (with scallops, slow roasted park belly, leek, apple)
Charcuterie board
Serving temperature: 17 - 19 oC
Prices: Typically ~ $12 / bottle at US retail | $21.85 / bottle from B&W Wines earlier this year (minimum order 12 bottle) | $60/bottle (Marben restaurant)
Sukasa Stars: 4.5 / 5
QPR (Quality Price Ratio): Very good (based on Ontario price per bottle that is at a 83% premium over typical US retail prices).
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