My wine club did a tasting at Vino Rosina, a fabulous wine bar in the Harbor East neighborhood of Baltimore.
This tasting had a definite Spanish flair. Each wine was paired with a small bite that brought out its best flavor notes.
First up was Xarmant Arabako Txakolina, 2010 paired with Cojonudo — a chorizo and fried quail egg canapé. This bright, citrusy, minerally wine made a perfect foil for the fatty chorizo and buttery quail egg.
Next was Cava Reserva Rose, Covides “Gran Gesta” paired with Croquetas de la Batata — a sweet potato cake spiked with smoked paprika and bacon. This sparkling rosé was dry with notes of pear and strawberries on the nose and palate.
Next was 2008 Bodegas Bilbainas“Vina Zaco” Tempranillo was paired with Banderillas — an olive, cheddar, cornichon, and red pepper skewer. There was a good note of barnyard on the nose, which is something I’ve never smelled in a Tempranillo before. The palate has blackberry, cherry, and plum with earthy notes on the palate. The wine really stood up to the strong flavor of the gherkin.
Not only was the last wine my favorite, it had the coolest label. The 2010 Honoro Vera Granacha (Granache) was paired with Paellitos – a tiny paella. The wine had chocolate covered cherries on the nose. The palate revealed blackberries and cherry-cola with a peppery finish. This wine definitely had some junk in the trunk. I bought a bottle of this at The Perfect Pour for $10.99.
We ordered extra drinks and food. We serenaded Tina the Bar Manager, Devlyn the Executive Chef, and Josh the Sommolier/General Manager with the song “We Love You Conrad “(insert Tina, Devlyn, or Josh instead) from the musical Bye Bye Birdie. As usual, I had a blast.
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