Wine of the Moment!
This Reserva was #1 with my diners & has critical acclaim to back it up. Not a Parker-ized Tempranillo...
Izadi Reserva 2006, Rioja $19.99
This Reserva was #1 with my diners & has critical acclaim to back it up. Not a Parker-ized Tempranillo (which have a worthy place in the New World of palates, don't get me wrong) -- when The International Wine Cellar lauds a Rioja I take note as my taste buds grew up on the traditional first. The Z in the name lets you know this is from the Basque zone of the Rioja, & the winery is owned by Grupo Artevino, a family business whose motto is "One passion, the wine. One value, the soil." Artevino also includes the esteemed Ribera del Duero estate Finca Villacreces & rubs shoulders with Ferran Adria, Juan Mari Arzak, Joel Robuchon, & Alain Ducasse at their gastronomy events. The people's favorite at Gaudi, here's what the critics say:
"Ruby-red. Highly fragrant, displaying scents of blackberry, incense and dark chocolate, with a spicy overtone. Creamy in texture and deep in black and blue fruit flavors, with supple tannins adding shape and gentle grip on the back. Becomes smoky and more floral with air and finishes on a sweet candied violet note. Drinking very well right now; this would be great with braised lamb or a dish containing mushrooms." 90 points, Josh Raynolds, Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar
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ABOUT QUESO Y VINO!
Who is Catherine Reynolds?
A passionate foodie, poet, traveler, & professional wine maven. And...Owner of Queso y Vino, a mobile wine "shop" with a roving supper club.
Subscribe to my newsletter, join the party, & fill your cup! Hand-selecting wines that inspire the imagination & enhance the pleasures of life.
I send out a newsletter once a week featuring wines that I believe represent great value, craft, & heart. I like wine that tastes of the soil & the sun where the vines grow. Some have points, many do not.
Many of my selections retail for $25 or under, but I do report on exceptionally classic & extraordinary bottles I search out. 99% of the wines I write about have been tasted & evaluated before it ever makes my weekly newsletter. Occasionally, I pass on another critic's review that may pique your interest.
Life led me to Queso y Vino in a twist of fate. It all began when I was a recently unemployed poetry editor, who was most passionate & happy around the world of food & wine. I then served as Wine Manager at Pike Place Market's Spanish Table for 6 years before launching my own business. I wanted to not only use my expertise in the wines of Spain & Portugal, but also expand to flavors from throughout the globe that represent great value, craft, & heart. My borders are open--my entrance exam is tough.
As for cheese or queso, it is a true passion. After 12 days of honeymooning in France, my dear husband looked at me & said, "Honey, is this about us? Or is this about cheese?" Since I do not have a traditional shop, the cheese I offer my customers is sold by the each & to make up for that, I generally offer exceptional prices with wine purchases. I also select cheeses for social events & tastings. If you have a party, wedding, or wine tasting I will build you a cheese plate that will knock your socks off at a budget you can afford.
• 206-518-1166 • quesoyvino@gmail.com