Pazo das Bruxas Albariǹo 2022 – Wonderful drinking!
The first thing you notice is the straw yellow color and the enticing aromas of floral notes, nectarine, and pineapple notes. There is an inviting, crisp clean mouthfeel that gives way to delicate layers of white peach, passionfruit, lime, and nectarine with great balance and refreshing acidity. There is a deceptive richness about this wine that adds to the pleasure of drinking it.
Pairings: I would normally recommend Seafood, Shellfish, Chicken and of course, Tapas but I would be remiss if I did not include the Indian dish Chicken Tikka Masala in the mix.
This will cellar out for 3-4 years but is really meant to be drunk young.
A SECRET REVEALED
Pazo Das Bruxas pays homage to the folklore and landscape of Galicia. It tells the tale of the Galician witches said to have gathered in the woods, which surrounded some pazos or manor houses, to conjure up spirits with their dances and spells. Nourished by their energy, the sap or lifeblood then coursed through the vines, in the same way the Albariño grapes give life to this wine today.
Source: https://www.torres.es/en/wines/torre-penelas/pazo-das-bruxas
Torres Secret del Priorat 2019
The fact this wine came in at #31 in Wine Enthusiast Top 100 in 2022 earning a 93 Pt rating from James Suckling is NO Secret, or at the very least, not unexpected.
This is a blend of Garnacha, Cariñena, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah sourced from several different vineyards within the DOQ of Priorat located in the province of Tarragona at the foot of the Sierra del Montsant. A region long respected as one of the primary growing regions in Spain.
Enticing aromas of blackberries dominate with black raspberries and vanilla playing a supportive role. The palate is impressive from the first sip with a soft approachable mouthfeel and a delicate richness showcasing excellent balance. Almost seamless layers of blackberries, pomegranate, red currant, and black raspberries with secondary notes of vanilla, orange peel, and powdered chocolate all come together with impressive results. One glass and you will want to pour yourself another.
Pairings should include grilled steak, Chorizo Pasta with Spinach, and Manchego, Spicy Veggie Tapas, rich tomato-based Chicken dishes, Pork, and Turkey- think Thanksgiving.
LITTLE SECRETS OF PRIORAT
Secret del Priorat reflects the typicity and diversity of this incredible region, a land of small miracles that happen every day, like the flowers on a lone almond tree in the middle of the vineyard. The magical landscape of Priorat brings us this pleasant, delicate wine in a tribute to the local landscape, with its steep slopes and llicorella slate soils, and its valiant winegrowing, where nature prevails above all else.
Source: https://www.torres.es/en/wines/familia-torres/secret-del-priorat
Vine to Table 