Daily Dish the Sonoma Market blog
Gil Family Estates Spanish Wines & Tapas Pairings
Please note that this is an older article. Any products or services pictured or described may have changed or may no longer be available. Thank you for visiting!
Grown on old growth vineyards across Spain, Gil Family Estates wines are diverse, complex and delicious varietals that boast impeccable quality for the price. Here are a few of our favorite hidden gems from the Spanish wine scene, along with delicious tapas recipes to match.
Grown on old growth vineyards across Spain, Gil Family Estates wines are diverse, complex and delicious varietals that boast impeccable quality for the price. Here are a few of our favorite hidden gems from the Spanish wine scene, along with delicious tapas recipes to match.
Bodegas Atalya Laya (2016 90pts., James Suckling): Spain is offering up some of the best wine values in the world right now, and this is a great example. Made with Garnacha and Monastrell grapes grown at an elevation of 3,200 feet, the wine’s fresh acidity accentuates the pure, dark berry fruit flavors. One of the best under-$10 wines in our selection.
Pairs well with… Herb Grilled Skirt Steak.
Kentia Albarino: This is the perfect wine to welcome in spring. The Albarino grapes used to make this wine are grown in close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean in Spain and you can almost smell the sea breezes in the wine. Aromas of orange blossom, ginger and zesty lime are followed up by a nicely concentrated wine with a long floral-tinged finish.
Pairs well with… Patatas Bravas.
Juan Gil Blanco (2016 90 pts., James Suckling): This wine is made from the Muscat grape, which usually means a sweet wine, but this is a beautiful dry version. While mango and papaya tropical flavors dominate the wine, there is a clean, refreshing mineral aftertaste to that leaves you wanting another sip.
Pairs well with… Garlic Shrimp.
Can Blau Cellars Blau: This wine comes from the under-the-radar Montsant region in Spain, where very old grapevines grow in slate and limestone soils. Aromas of violets and smoke are backed by dark blue and black fruit tones in this medium-bodied wine with gentle tannins and a seamless finish.
Pairs well with… Crispy Cauliflower.
Bonus wine!
Honoro Vera Organic Monastrell: This wine is made with organic, dry farmed vines that have very low yields. The resulting wine is dark purple in color with red and black cherry fruit flavors. This lushly textured wine is always one of our favorites and a perfect everyday wine.
Visit our adult beverage department to find these and other fine wines from Spain and across the globe, and talk to our friendly and talented wine stewards for more pairing inspiration!
