Gran Feudo (2002)

December 13, 2008 — Tom & Melody

gran-feudo-navarra-2002I don’t think I have ever seen my refrigerator as empty as it was today. I just never had time to get to the grocery store in about the last 10 days. So, today, Tom volunteered to go with me and we each took a cart and had little organizational meetings in the aisles. It feels good to be stocked up with nutritious food, once again.

As we shopped, Tom, of course, perused the wine selection and purchased this Spanish Gran Feudo, which we opened tonight. This is a blend of 70% Tempranillo, 25% Garnacha, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. It’s nice!  The wine is medium-bodied and well-balanced. On the palate it is fruity and spicy with firm tannins. The finish is long with oak and vanilla notes.

For dinner, I am roasting a whole, stuffed chicken. I started the chicken in a 425 oven for about 40 minutes, then I flipped the chicken (it was getting nice and crispy), seasoned the flip side, drizzled with olive oil, turned the oven down to finish cooking slowly. I have some leftover mashed potatoes and gravy, which will go well with this dinner. I am either going to make a salad or a vegetable.

Stay warm and enjoy the weekend; cheers!

Posted in Blends, Cabernet Sauvignon, Garnacha, Spanish wines, Tempranillo, Under $10. Tags: , , , , , . Leave a Comment »

Rojo GranRojo (2005)

October 4, 2007 — Tom & Melody

Rojo GranRojo 2005Tom purchased this Rojo GranRojo 2005 from Spain at Busch’s grocery store in Ann Arbor. I can’t tell you exactly what he paid, but he told me it was under $10. This is a blend of Tempranillo and Garnacha (known as Grenache in France). When Tom first opened the bottle he was concerned I would not like it because the nose was light and he could tell it was not a big wine. Well, he is right — it is not a big red — but I do like it.

This Rojo GranRojo 2005 is pleasant and drinkable. It is just lighter than what we generally enjoy. The body is light and the nose is subtle, with a touch of licorice and red berries. It has the bluish appearance of crushed blueberries. With well-rounded tannins, it is refined and fresh with hints of minerals. There is a bit of thyme and minerals on the finish. We will have this wine with boneless, skinless chicken breasts that are simmering in a cast-iron skillet, with mashed potatoes and gravy, fresh-picked tomatoes (from my garden), and steamed green beans. Oh, and some whole-grain bread that Tom brought home from Busch’s.

Tom: We’re focusing on Spanish wines this week and they’ve been excellent. This Rojo GranRojo 2005 is a quite light red, a combination of the rosé-like garnacha and the medium-body tempranillo. It’s dry with pleasant berry fruit and should go very well with our chicken tonight.

Posted in Blends, Garnacha, Spanish wines, Tempranillo, Under $10. Leave a Comment »