Behind the Cork™ - Pagos del Galir Godello

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2018 Paso del Galir Godello ($ 21)

This Pagos del Galier Godello is making a return to Behind the Cork™ for the 2018 vintage. And, if you’ve never heard of, or never tried Godello, you need to!

Godello is not a varietal that is seen as much in the U.S., but this is one to keep your eyes out for. It’s definitely one that you should experience.

Godello nearly became extinct in the 20th Century, with only a few hundred of its vines remaining by the 1970s. Thanks to a project to rescue this grape variety there are now more than 2000 acres of Godello vines in its native home of Galicia, Spain.

This 100% Godello is cold pressed and then spends four months aging on lees in Stainless Steel tanks.

This Pagos del Galier is lemon-yellow in color. On the nose it has nice tropical fruit, pear, melon and some floral hints. On the pallet it is light-bodied with nice apple and pear flavors and just a bit of honey with a smooth, creamy texture and a long finish that displays its wonderful, fresh acidity (3.2 pH).

Just as a point of reference, I’d say that this Godello isn’t really like a Sauvignon Blanc but it’s also not like a Chardonnay - I’d say it’s somewhere in between.

Serve it chilled to approximately 50° F and enjoy!

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 of Donna White Communications



Behind the Cork™ - CVNE Rioja Monopole

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2019 CVNE Rioja Monopole

Monopole is the oldest white wine brand in Spain and CVNE (Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España) has been producing it since 1915.

Monopole is produced from 100% Viura grapes (as known as Macabeo grapes). The grapes are gently pressed which encourages the release of free run juice. It was then fermented in stainless steel vats at controlled temperature to preserve the primary fruit and floral aromas typical of the variety.

The color of this Monopole wine is pale yellow with hints of green at the rim. On the nose there are floral aromas along with those of white fruits such as pear, apple and white currant. On the palate it is silky and pleasing with a nice balance between structure and acidity. The finish is long and mouthwatering.

This CVNE Monopole is a delicious and refreshing wine that’s perfect for warm evenings and light summer foods. Cheers!

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

Sample Provided by Donna White, Donna White Communications


Behind the Cork™ - Viña Real Rosado

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2019 Viña Real Rosado ($14)

This Viña Real Rosado is from the Rioja region of Spain.

It’s a blend of Garnacha, Tempranillo and Viura grapes. They were placed into stainless steel vats and, following several hours of skin contact, the vats were drained, without pressing the grapes. This was then fermented for 20-25 days. In this way the primary aromas of the grapes were retained. The wine was then bottled and allowed to rest for a short time before its release to market.

This Viña Real Rosado is rosie-red in color with a touch of salmon. On the nose it has floral notes along with strawberry and hints of ripe stone fruits such as peach and apricot. On the palate this rosé is delicate with a long, fruit driven finish.

This Viña Real is a great rosé to enjoy on one of these beautiful Spring or Summer days. Cheers!

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

Sample Provided by Donna White, Donna White Communications


Behind the Cork™ - Derange Red Blend by The Prisoner Wine Company

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2015 Derange ($100)

I was familiar with The Prisoner Wine Company and the amazing works of Dave Phinney but had not heard of the Derange Red Blend. And, maybe that was a good thing. Because when I opened this bottle I had no idea what I was getting into. And, wow, was I in for something very special!

But then I realized that Dave Phinney is no longer involved with the Prisoner that made him famous. The Prisoner is now the property of beverage giant Constellation Brands. Nonetheless, this is an amazing wine.

This Derange Red Blend is composed of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Merlot, Syrah and Zinfandel (proportions are not listed in their on-line tasting notes).

The fruit was pumped over twice per day to extract maximum color with balanced tannins. After 15–25 days on skins, the grapes were pressed off, keeping any hard press separate. The new wines were barreled down into French oak (50% new) where they went through 100% Malolactic conversion and then were aged for 18 months.

This red blend is chock full of black cherry, clove spice, blackberry cobbler, and vanilla toast. The mouthfeel is full-bodied but the ultra-soft tannins and balanced acidity are simply an amazingly delicious combination!

This truly a great one! Cheers!

Behind the Cork™ - Fournier Reserva

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2014 Fournier Reserva ($50)

This Dominio Fournier Reserva is from Ribera del Duero in Spain. It is produced from 100% Tinta del País grapes which are more commonly known as Tempranillo.

The grapes come from the terraced sides of the Duero River which winds through more than two kilometers along the edge of their property.

Their Tempranillo vines average being more than 25 years old with some plots being more than 60 years old.

The “Reserva” designation means that a wine must be aged at least 12 months in oak and spend two years in the bottle before being sold. This Fournier Reserva was aged for 18 months in 100% French oak barrels.

This Fournier Reserva is a big full-bodied wine with strength of flavors rivaling a Cabernet Sauvignon. On the nose it was powerful with aromas of black fruit and spices. On the palate it’s big and tannic. The back- label recommendation is to “Decant and serve at 17 deg C” (63 deg F). I let mine decant for two hours which did help knock down this really big Tempranillo. It paired well with steak.

This Fournier Reserva does not have the delicate red cherry flavors often associated with Tempranillo, it is a big full-bodied wine that works with “roasted meats and casseroles, and strong matured cheese” as suggested in their notes. Cheers!

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

Sample Provided by Rebekah Polster, Donna White Communications