Catalonia with Comando G
Earlier this month, I experienced Barcelona for the very first time. We arrived on a beautiful day and after dropping our bags at the hotel, we embarked on a leisurely stroll through the Gothic quarter of old town Barcelona. We meandered through the narrow, cobblestone streets for some time, eventually finding ourselves at Bar Brutal, an eclectic tapas bar specializing in vinos naturales (natural wines).
Evidently, Bar Brutal has become a watering whole of sorts for locals who frequent the shop to fill a jug, pitcher or whatever is available of house wine to enjoy at home...all just for 1 Euro! Seriously, Spain is so cool. The picture above shows the wine cask resting atop the bar which flows into gravity fed taps on an adjacent wall.
2014 Domaine des Miroirs 'Les Saugette'
We enjoyed the 2014 Domaine des Miroirs 'Les Saugette', a "supernatural" Chardonnay from the Jura region in France. Virtually impossible to find on any wine list in the United States. The wine was lean and mineral on the palate showing a slight lactic note on the nose. This wine is produced without sulfur. We decanted the wine prior to drinking and enjoyed it closer to room temperature.
Après-Brutal, we met up with friends for a lovely dinner at GRESCA, a fabulous tapas bar and restaurant run by Rafa Peña. We enjoyed the chef's tasting menu which started out with the best sardines of my entire life! In truth, up until that moment, I have never been a fan of sardines, but this was a game changer. Bathed in local olive oil with a touch of soy sauce, perfecto! Apparently it was so delicious, that I forgot to take a photo of it... Our second course was a squid duo served in a dashi, also exceptional.
To make evening even more memorable, Daniel Landi and Fermando Garcia of Comando G winery gave us a sneak peak of the 2016's which we happily enjoyed with dinner. For those not yet aware, Comando G is producing thought provoking Grenache sourced from a selection of small, biodynamic parcels near Madrid. These wines are very exciting. I highly recommend you try them if you get a chance!
2016 Las Umbrias is a single parcel wine named for the region outside of Madrid from which the grapes are sourced. Granitic and sandy soils lay the foundation for 60+ year old biodynamic grenache vines. In the glass, the wine appears to be a bright candy apple red (sidebar- this is 100% Grenache we are talking about). Subtle aromas of cherry and current. On the palate, this wine has excellent acidity and energy. On a more personal note, this wine expanded the boundaries of what I had previously believed defined grenache. Its always exciting when a wine does that.
2016 Parcela Rumbo Al Norte is a single parcel wine sourced from an organic vineyard in Navarrevisca. 60+ year old Grenache vines on sandy granitic soils. This wine was rich in flavor, showing more ripeness of fruits. It was an enjoyable pairing with the berry sorbet we had for dessert.
Comando G boys enjoying the final drops of the evening's wine gems at GRESCA
It will be exciting to see how the 2016 have progressed upon release. All good things ahead!
Visit the importer's website European Cellars for more information on Comando G and their current releases.