Behind the Cork™ - Wine of the Week

2016 Lusco Albariño ($25)

This 100% Albariño by Lusco is from Rias Baixas, in the Galicia region of northwestern Spain, located along the Atlantic coastline.

Imported into the U.S. by González Byass, this wine is fermented with natural yeasts produced by the grape. After its fermentation, the wine remains on lees for six months. This results in a more rounded and balanced wine.

It has great tropical flavors of pineapple and grapefruit with good acidity that is quite refreshing.

This is another nice wine to enjoy on a warm spring day or during the summertime. One sip and it will win you over!  Enjoy this one!

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Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this wine at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Sample Provided by Donna White Communications

Behind the Cork™ - Wine of the Week

2017 Beronia Rioja Rosé ($13)

This wonderfully refreshing Rosé comes from the Rioja region of Spain, is produced by Beronia winery and distributed in the U.S. by González Byass wines.  It's a nice blend of 40% Garnacha, 30% Tempranillo and 30% Viura (a.k.a. Macabeo) which is also used in the production of Cava.  

This is a dry rosé (13% ABV) that is pale pink in color with bright strawberry aroma. It has refreshing acidity that results in a nice fresh finish.

This is a great choice for picnic outdoors or just enjoying its refreshing flavors on a warm day in the backyard. Pair it with Spring!  Look for this delicious rosé. You will enjoy this one!

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Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this wine at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Sample Provided by Donna White Communications

Behind the Cork™ - Wine of the Week

2017 Beronia Verdejo ($13) 

This Beronia Verdejo (Vehr-DAY-hoh) is imported to the USA from Spain's Rueda region by González Byass (www.gonzalezbyassusa.com).

Rueda, located in Spain's northwest, is home to the largest number of plantings of Verdejo grapes in the entire world. And, if you haven't ever tried a Verdejo, you're missing out.

This varietal is medium-bodied, with balanced acidity and stone-fruit characteristics.

The generic Rueda Denominación de Origen (DO) requires their wines to be at least 50% Verdejo, with the remaining blend made up of Sauvignon Blanc or Viura.

This Verdejo is a bright yet subtle white wine with flavors of grapefruit, stone fruit and fresh-cut grass. It’s a lot like Sauvignon Blanc but isn't. While the nose can fool you into believing it's Sauvignon Blanc, it's a lot more subtle on the pallet, and finishes with just a hint of acidity.  It's a welcome alternative to Sauvignon Blanc.

I was very pleasantly surprised by this one. It's a really nice wine and a great value that is very enjoyable with Spring and Summer warm weather fare. Look for Beronia's Verdejo. You won't be disappointed.

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 Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this wine at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Sample Provided by Donna White Communications

Behind the Cork™ - Wine of the Week

2013 Elevation 1250' Paso Robles Red Wine ($7)

This Elevation 1250' is a nice blend of Syrah and Petite Sirah from Paso Robles.  And, as with all Behind the Cork™ - Wine of the Week features, it's a great value.

I must admit this is a unique find at Trader Joe's, and when I went on-line to learn more about the wine I came up empty handed.  It is produced by Riboli Family Wines, a large conglomerate, but even their website does not include this one in their portfolio. So, it's not a mainstream wine and probably will come and go quickly.

Regardless, this is real nice red wine blend at a great price. I'd definitely suggest giving it a try. I went back for more! Cheers!

Behind the Cork™ - Wine of the Week

2016 Daou Chardonnay Paso Robles ($13)

I was well aware of the excellent red wines being produced by Daou in Paso Robles, but was extremely surprised by their Chardonnay. This wine seems to fall somewhere in between a bright, crisp, fruity Chardonnay that would come from stainless steel tanks and one with oak aging. While this one sees seven months in neutral French oak, it retains flavors of pear and white peach, but adds on some vanilla notes from the oak. Another really nice wine from Daou. And, a great value. Pick this one up. I'm going back for more!