Well, nearly, one was white .......
Today, I went to Bodega Enrique Mendoza in Alfaz de Pi, near Benidorm, for a wine tasting experience and it brought back happy memories - not of wine, but of a speed-dating event twelve years ago. That's where I met my future wife (see a previous article "Five Minutes and a Glass of Red Wine").
The entrance fee to the bodega included a wine glass and a ticket with tear-offs for twelve different wines. Although, thankfully, the glass wasn't filled each time, there was ample to taste and to form an opinion. As I sampled the wine, I made a note of what I thought of each, following a tip from speed-dating, so that I didn't confuse my thoughts later; full-bodied, lively, bitter, tasty - yes, it brought back memories of twelve years before!
The first wine I tasted was Santa Rosa. I chose this because I was told it was superb, but it wasn't for me. Then I tried another recommendation, Estrecho; ok but not brilliant. It just shows that wine tasting is subjective and it's down to personal taste, oh, just like with women! At the speed-dating evening, I'd already seen the woman who interested me; it's not the same with wine as they all look similar. I tasted wines from grapes grown in sandy soils, on stony ground, stored in small barrels and in large barrels and all were slightly different. So the maturing process made a difference, and I won't try to make a comparison there!
It was a Pinot Noir 2011 that caught my favour. Described as elegant, it was that and more - full-bodied and with a superb bouquet - yes, just like my wife. The coincidence, that I realised later, was that my wife was dressed in black when I first met her.
For those more interested in wines, the list of those tasted and my personal opinions, without the usual jargon, were:-
Santa Rosa 2010 - pleasant rich taste, but a little acidic for me
Estrecho Monastrell 2010 - pleasant, but not special
Chardonnay Joven 2013 - the only white, smooth and enjoyable
Merlot Monastrell 2010 - enjoyable, the runner-up
Pinot Noir 2011 - the best by far, elegant and wonderful flavour
Cabernet Monastrell 2010 - smooth, grapes grown in sandy soil,
Viñedos Mágicos 2010 – at first, surprisingly light, but improved as it warmed up
Merlot 2012 - one from grapes grown in sandy soil, one on stony land, the latter was smoother.
Merlot 2012 - one stored in 225-litre barrels, one in 500-litre, and size did make a difference
Dulce Pasión - the only sweet wine, full of body and perfect to accompany a dessert.
I watched as people left the bodega in warm sunshine and clutching their dirty wine glasses, and reflected on wonderful memories and a beautiful day.
P.S. to my wife who is on holiday and missed the day – I still think you’re a rich, full-bodied, Gran Reserva!