Something I’ve come to understand in the wine business is that people have their go-to’s and certain wines from certain areas that they are willing to try out. Personally? I have no barriers when it comes to wine. Most of the time when I try new things I like, it’s because I wasn’t shopping for a Paso Robles red or a French white. All I had in my mind was the flavor and style I was craving at the time.
Being that wine drinker that rarely buys the same wine twice, I’m exposed to so much. As Anthony Bourdain has said a million time “Explore, explore” and “Be open to happy accidents.” That mindset has found me some beautiful juice I would have never thought twice about. And that’s how I got to love Spanish wines. One of the best and best bang for your buck is Can Blau.
The 2013 Can Blau is part of the Juan Gil Winery(gangster Spanish makers) and is 40% Cariñena, 40% Syrah and 20% Garnacha. Cariñena is basically Mazuelo(a distant cousin to Carignan) which a widely planted grape in Spain and is used for it’s deep color as well as it’s acidity and tannins to help balance blends.
With 12 months in French oak, a mere 7 more months than its younger counter part Blau, it hits like a velvet hammer. Rich red and blue fruit explode the minute you uncork the bottle. Vanilla and incense from the oak will start wafting around your glass as you taste every flavor you smelled with pristine balance of fruit, acidity and dryness.
Grab a bottle of this if your into Sonoma Cabs, Paso Robles or Washington red blends under $20. Throw a steak on the grill with this or drink it because you want to dammit.
Beard & Barrel 