I wouldn't normally go for a Spanish wine with raclette, but I had such a Spanish craving this evening! After all, Rioja is so nice with steak, surely beef grilling on a rock would provide a similar pairing?
Sierra Cantabria is an excellent house, and 2001 was a great year for the region, so I had pretty high expectations for the 2001 Sierra Cantabria Cuvee Especial. The wine did not disappoint. The nose starts very spicy (pepper, cloves), oaky with some vanilla, followed by blackberry, and musky/smokey scents. Very complex, very interesting.
On the palate, it was light to medium bodied with good acidity and firm tannins backed up by nice, but not overpowering, fruit. This wine is ready now, but could definitely be cellared for a few more years. A surprisingly good match for the raclette, and a favourite with steak. While not a steal, it was terrific value for the quality.
cork. 13.5% alcohol
Score: 17.5/20.
Cost: C$29 (SAQ)
Sierra Cantabria is an excellent house, and 2001 was a great year for the region, so I had pretty high expectations for the 2001 Sierra Cantabria Cuvee Especial. The wine did not disappoint. The nose starts very spicy (pepper, cloves), oaky with some vanilla, followed by blackberry, and musky/smokey scents. Very complex, very interesting.
On the palate, it was light to medium bodied with good acidity and firm tannins backed up by nice, but not overpowering, fruit. This wine is ready now, but could definitely be cellared for a few more years. A surprisingly good match for the raclette, and a favourite with steak. While not a steal, it was terrific value for the quality.
cork. 13.5% alcohol
Score: 17.5/20.
Cost: C$29 (SAQ)
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