Grapelive Wine of the Day
By Kerry Winslow
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2010 Monasterio de Corias (100% Albarin Negro) Spanish Red.
This has to be one of the coolest wine discoveries of the year! Monasterio de Corias comes from the Asturias region, in Northwest Spain and the wine is grown in de la Tierra de Congas, close to Galicia.This wine is stunning and flavorful with glorious Rhone-like qualities and a unique flair all its own. This rich and vibrant wine is medium weight and has silky texture, but has good fine tannins and plenty of lifting acidity to give sublime balance, this is a serious wine that is a joy to drink. I found some Syrah like character as well as Pinot Noir like class in this wine that shows perfume, mineral and spice complexities to go with layers of red and black fruits. The nose has violets, roses and white flowers as well as earthy game, mineral and briar leading to a palate of boysenberry, blueberry, cherry and plum fruits with a stony essence and dried flowers. There is a long fruit finish that also brings a pepper note, making for a very interesting wine that I hope to have many times!
($18 Est.) 94 Points, grapelive
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