{Wine Wednesday} El Cortijillo Tempanillo

Happy Wine Wednesday!

Sometimes, Wine Wednesday feels like a long awaited holiday and that's exactly how it went this week.  In fact, I rushed to my computer late last night frantic about forgetting to post on Wine Wednesday.  Then I realized it was ONLY Tuesday.  Pour me a glass anyway, please!

This week I'm enjoying a favorite varietal, Tempranillo by El Cortijillio.  I've enjoyed Tempranillo by the bottle before, as Spanish wines are a go-to for me, but this time I noticed the "Denominación de Origen" (DO) was La Mancha.  I've never noticed this on a bottle before, but now I'll pay attention, as I've come to find out that La Mancha is the LARGEST designated wine region in Europe and home to some of my favorite wines!  Sounds like paradise. 

Here is what I taste in a sip of this wine: tannins, bitterness, heat, spice, earthiness.  It is a plump wine, and ruby in color.  I enjoyed a glass with beef empanadas and frijoles negros (black beans), because hey, when in Rome La Mancha, right?  

Photos: my own

Cheers!

Ana

{Wine Wednesday} Beso de Vino

Today has been a heck of day! It started at 3:50 a.m. for me when I woke up to be at the ABC studios for a 5:00 a.m. live interview and has just gotten crazier by the minute. I can't wait to head home and unwind after a crazy hectic day. And what better way to unwind than with a glass of vino? Tonight I'll be curling up with a glass of this 2009 Beso de Vino Seleccion. I found this gem on well, where else but my beloved wine.com for a bargain and can't wait to try it! Apparently it's a steal for the great taste!

The 2009 Beso de Vino Seleccion is a blend of 85% Syrah and 15% Garnacha aged for 3 months in French oak. Black cherry and blueberry aromas lead to a dense, plush, savory wine which finishes with no hard edges.

Cheers!
Cristi