As I am sitting here in my room in Salamanca, Spain, I realized that I had not written up my pick of the month for September. Having discovered this gem from Spain before coming to this great country, I feel impelled to write about it now.
2011 Cellars Unio Dairo Crianza (Montsant, Spain)… $9.
This blend of 40% Grenache, 40% Carignan and 20% Syrah is one of those rare wines that delivers a crap-load of juice for the money. I will tell you right now, that it never ceases to amaze me what Spanish wines can deliver for next to nothing. A wine of this level from the states would go for close to twice as much (I am reasonably sure of that). This is also one of those wines that sits on the fence between old world and new in style, actually leaning towards the old world style. Grant it, I always give it a lot of thought before I go old world as my pick choice, but it wasn’t as tough with this one since it delivers so much.
Aromas of black currants, blackberries and crushed rock with a healthy dose of red flowers and herbs thrown in. Red flower notes are prominent on the palate backed by notes of currants, black olives and tobacco. Crushed rock, iron and stewed meat notes join on the mid-palate (old world baby), leading into a cranberry, blackberry and currant driven finish with mineral notes and red flowers lingering. This red has good structure, nice balance, approachable tannins and amazing complexity for the money. (B)
I have a lot to write about after I get back from my trip to Portugal and Spain. I hope you take the time to check out my stories in the days to come. In the mean time, give the Dairo a try, I believe you will be impressed.
Cheers!
Stan The Wine Man
