Ares wines and the Spanish conquest.

This past week I had the pleasure of hosting Lorena Parra, winemaker at Ares.  Bodegas Ares is located in Laguardia, Spain.  One of my most favorite places to visit and sample fine wines of Rioja.  Spanish wines are coming in to their own and are quickly moving up the food chain into highly rated and sought after wines.  Ares wines are among the leaders of this pack.  Wonderful representations.  I first met Lorena this past May.  Her passion for her wines and for Rioja itself shine through in her work.

Today we sampled Ares Chrianza 2009, and Ares Reserva 2008.

The Chrianza

Tapas in Logrono, where the action doesn's start until 11 p

Lorena Corbacho Parra; 

winemaker for Ares. 

is 100% tempranillo, aged for 12 months in french oak and then 12 more months in the bottle.  This luscious fruity wine is spectacular.  A great pairing for any meal.  The color reminds you of  the purple distincts of a ravens wing.  The nose has a bright floral fragrance, deep rich, with hints of very ripe fruit, fig, and plum.  The wine palate is full and smooth.  It builds in the mouth and explodes through the senses.  Fruity and succulent.  A long finish with hints of pepper and cinnamon at the end.  A forever favorite.
The Reserva, also 100% tempranillo.  Aged in French oak for 26 months.  Can you say spectacular.
What an intense but elegant wine.  The nose hits you full blast with ripe dark fruits and dark floral notes, inviting you to partake of the wonders waiting in the bottle. This 750ml bottle is packed with so much flavor who could resist the temptation.  Full, rich and aromatic.  The complex wine coats your mouth with so many flavors, giving to the depth and structure.  I cannot wait to buy another bottle.  The long finish shows off the deep  ripe fruit flavors, then gives you a little punch of wood and spice.  Wow.  A perfect pairing for roasted meat, and great Spanish Tapas.  EXCELLENT.

During my trip to Spain one of my favorite memories has to be a night in Logrono, sampling tapas and drinking gin and tonic until 3 at a sidewalk cafe with Lorena and several other winemakers we met up with.
See I don't just drink wine.
Enjoy.