2011 Equipo Navazos “OVNI”, Vino Blanco Seco (dry) Pedro Ximénez, Montilla-Moriles, Andalucia, Spain.
This is a totally engaging crisp white from just outside the Sherry region in Montilla-Moriles is made from all Pedro Ximenez fermented in concrete amphora and stainless to give both freshness and roundness. This non Sherry, but Fino like wine though not as oxidized or is it fortified, it comes in at about 11.5% alcohol, making for a light to medium wine with lots of zest and character, perfect with seafood, picnics and of course savory tapas. Equipo Navazos is a new project that is exploring small lots of varied Sherry styles of wine, and the results are fascinating and leading the way for more people to become entranced with these exotic and largely undiscovered wines and this mysterious region in the southern most part of Spain. This delightfully expressive white shows lime, green apple, hints of white peach, chalk and mineral along with lemon oil and rind, tangerine, grapefruit and just the right amount of cashew nuttiness to remind you it is inspired by the region and style. The OVNI Vino Blanco Seco Pedro Ximenez is a fun and interesting white that really is a great palate refresher and starter wine at the Tapas Bar, I highly recommend checking what is going on with Sherry, there is some really exciting things coming out and it is a totally new world to enter for most wine lovers. I was wowed by this little gem, thanks to Duende Restaurant and Bar on Telegraph in Oakland for the introduction, this is a cool spot with some amazing food too.
($20 Est.) 90 Points, grapelive
