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Michael Apstein

Have you heard of Manchuela? It is a very small, rather new D.O. in Spain that makes quality white, rose, and red wine. Recently, winemakers from the region presented their wines to journalists at a lunch in New York with commentary from wine educator Michael Apstein.

The native grape of the region is Bobal, which is a refreshing, red wine with good tannin and acidity, and I liked it even better as a rose (Realce Bobal Rosado 2009) with its pretty candy-colored rose hue, refreshing acidiy, and very pleasant slightly bitter finish. I also liked the Macabeo, which is a popular white grape in Spain. I found the Antares Macabeo 2009 especially pleasant with its gorgeous near-gold color, aromatic lemon verbana aroma, and balanced acidity.

To properly show off the wines, the luncheon had many courses ... with the first course of shrimp, we enjoyed the Macabeo described above and Realce Crianza 2005, 100% Tempranillo with spice and concentrated red fruit. The second course of fish was paired with Azua Bobal Roble 2007 (sweet floral nose, fruit and spice on the palate that does not weigh one down) and Quantum 2008 blend of Merlot, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon. The third course of venison was paired with Villavid Crianza 2004 (floral nose with blackberry jam) and balanced, concentrated palate, as well as Senorio del Jucar Reserva 2003 (very complex, incredible concentration of flavor) and nuances of vanilla and sweet oak.

The cheese course was served with Azua Bobal Crianza 2008, a delicious and well concentrated wine with a nose revealing vanilla, cinammon, clove, and violets and a long finish of ripe blackberry and toasted oak.

These wines are a welcome addition to the American wine scene.

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