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Vionta Albariño 2008
RECOMMENDED
"Tropical fruits ith hints of oregano and pears."
- "Give Thanks, Drink Spanish", Bon Appetit Magazine, November 2009 Download flyer

Vionta Albariño 2007
90 POINTS & BEST BUY
"A rich, heady white , this win's ull-on apple nd pear-skin flavors turn toward more exotic scents of guava and agave as it takes on air. The mineral intensity builds as well, a saline flavor of chalk and fresh cream that lasts. For roast sea bass."
- Wine & Spirits, July 2009 Download flyer

WHITE WINE OF THE MONTH!
- Wine & Spirits Newsletter, July 2009 Download flyer

86 POINTS
"From the Freixenet group of wineries, Vionta is clean...green apple and lemon flavors, which are wet, fresh and zesty....A good wine..."
- Wine Enthusiast, December 15, 2008 Download flyer

85 POINTS
"This light white is ethereal in texture, whispering notes of pine, citrus and green almond before it vanishes in a light floral finish."
- Wine Spectator, February 28, 2009 Download flyer

Vionta Albariño 2006
"Libations for Grilling"
- Cooking Light Magazine, June, 2008 Download flyer

Vionta recommended as a food pairing
"...look for the citrusy 2006 Vionta."
- Food & Wine, May 2008 Download flyer

89 POINTS
"Light gold. Vibrant citrus fruit and zest aromas are given an added boost by salty mineraltiy. Racy lemon and grapefruit flavors display excellent clarity and punch, with the finish showing a tangy, mineral-dominated quality. This has good freshness and persistence and would be great with Thai fish dishes."
- International Wine Cellar, September/October 2007

"Break out the langostino (or any crab-like crustacean) for this meld of lilac, ripe pear and sassy dry honeysuckle. This has a lanolin-like oiliness that gives this wine extra authority. Thai pork, anyone?"
- Richard Paul Hinkle, "New and Interesting from Spain", Quarterly Review of Wines, Summer 2008

"It's here, in the Rías Baxias DO, that Freixenet makes its engaging, seafood-friendly Vionta Albariño....Although it's classically used to accompany the bounteous fresh fish and shellfish harvests from Spain's Atlantic coast, the Vionta Albariño also makes a delightful aperitif and works beautifully with spicy Asian dishes."
- "Harvest of Heritage - Freixenet's Heredad Collection Assembles The Best From Across Spain", Patterson's The Tasting Panel, September 2008

"The white Spanish wine albariño is perfect with fish (in Spain, the two are considered a classic match.) Albariño's clean, crisp, citrusy, light character is an ideal complement for grilled fish. Try it for yourself, and open a bottle to serve ..."
- "Libations for Grilling", Cooking Light, June 2008

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
"This classy white's golden color offers complex, fruity aromas of citrus, apple and apricots with floral hints. Vibrant acidity and refreshing mineral notes frame rich, lush flavors of grapefruit, apple and apricot through a dry, elegant finish. This is a perfect match with grilled jumbo scallops wrapped in Serrano ham. Highly recommended."
- Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, August 13, 2008

"This is arguably Spain's signature white wine from the northwestern Rias Baixas region, producing a crisp wine reminiscent of Viognier and Sauvignon Blanc."
- Greensboro News Record, July 4, 2007

89 POINTS
"Smooth and fresh; charming, bright and long, totally delicious."
- Anthony Dias Blue, "Blue Reviews", The Patterson's Tasting Panel, March 2008 Download flyer

"Vionta is one of a number of states that comprise the Heredad Collection, a group of small wineries owned by Cava giant Freixenet. Their chalky, citrusy Albarino features Granny Smith apple flavors, lime-accented acidity and touch of herbaceousness."
- Anthony Giglio, "Wine Guide 2009", Food & Wine

Vionta Albarino 2005
90 POINTS
"Full and robust in its approach. The bouquet is fragrant and expansive, with melon and honey aromas pouring forth with gusto. The flavors are quite delicious, a near-perfect blend of apple, melon and citrus."
- Wine Enthusiast, September 2006 Download flyer

"The trendy choices are Albarinos from Spain."
- USA TODAY, Auditioning Summer Whites, April 13, 2007

88 POINTS
"Crisp and focused, this white delivers pear, apple, lime and herb flavors with enough body to match richer dishes. A hint of spritz adds to the freshness. Drink now."
- Wine Spectator, November 30, 2006 Download flyer

87 POINTS
"The 2005 Vionta Albarino is a light gold-colored, crisp wine with honeysuckle and peach aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied with very good concentration and balance, it would be a fine accompaniment to fleshy fish courses and Asian cuisine." - Jay Miller
- eRobertparker.com, February 2007

Bottles with the fresh essence of the season: "One to sample is Vionta Albarino 2005 from Rias Baixas, Spain."
- Cooking Light, Sips of spring by Karen MacNeil, March 2007

"The region of Rias Baixas (pronounced ree-AHSH buy-SHUS) lies across the Portuguese border along Spain's lush Atlantic coastline. Most crisp, racy whites from the native variety Albarino are Riesling-like, but this one is ripe with melon notes and a touch of creaminess."
- Epicurious.com, By Leslie Sbrocc, October 2006

Interview with Debie Zachareas, 41, wine director and co-owner of Bacar restaurant and the Ferry Plaza Wine Merchant.
Interviewed by Stacy Finz, Chronicle Staff Writer
Q: What are you drinking most right now?
A: I'm drinking alot of Spanish whites. They're crisp and a good value. I'm also drinking a fair amount of Spanish reds.
Q: What wine did you have last night with dinner?
A: ...2005 Vionta Albarino from the Rias Baixas region of Spain...
- San Francisco Chronicle, August 10, 2006

"This Freixenet-owned brand is one of the easier Albarinos to find in the Bay Area and a good, typical example. It has fresh red grapefruit aromas and hints of apricot and peach flavors that seem comparatively ripe, but still finish crisp."
- San Francisco Chronicle, March 23, 2007

Vionta Albarino 2004
"Citrus and mineral flavors give this wine a firm edge, honed by crisp acidity. It has notes of pear and apple. Drink now."
- Wine Spectator, September 30, 2005

Vionta Albarino 2003
92 POINTS
"Apple aromas with a hint of pencil lead. Zesty citrus and mineral flavors with almost stinging acidity. Lengthy, fresh, youthful finish. A fabulous oyster wine."
- The Wine News, February/March 2005

SMART BUY
- Thomas Matthews' Recommended Spanish Wines, December 15, 2004

89 POINTS
"Firm, even austere, with smoke and hazelnut notes overlaying the pear and coconut flavors. Yet lively acidity makes it a good match for food. Distinctive, typical style, but attractive. Drink now through 2006."
- Wine Spectator, November 15, 2004

"Yellow in color, with a heavy disposition. The nose yields sweet and ripe mango, melon... Additional lemon and tangerine carries the monocline palate. Best as a simple shellfish wine."
- Wine Enthusiast, Best of Year Issue, December 31, 2004

"Albarino is my favorite Spanish white. This light gold offering gives off aromas of green apples, lemons and pears. Tart and creamy, the ripe fruit makes a bold statement. This is the perfect shellfish companion."
- Wine Lover's Page by Randy Buckner, July 2004

Valdubón Cosecha 2006
87 POINTS
" A touch cheesy at first, but with airing this everyday RDD finds its purpose and offers good but regular berry, earth, prune and chocolate flavors. The texture is a little less than refined, but the wine is natural; there's big tannins, acidity and tightness causing a ruckus, but time and/or food will help tame things down."
- Wine Enthusiast, February 2009 Download flyer

Valdubón Cosecha 2005
"Sticking with the picnic mode, this lively little red is infused with blackberry, cherry and rose petal fruitiness that makes me think of a hot pastrami sandwich and potato salad. You? The lighter side of Tempranillo."
- Richard Paul Hinkle, "New and Interesting from Spain", Quarterly Review of Wines, Summer 2008

"...is juicy and edgy with keen plum and blackberry flavors."
- "Harvest of Heritage - Freixenet's Heredad Collection Assembles The Best From Across Spain", Patterson's The Tasting Panel, September 2008

Valdubon Cosecha 2004
88 POINTS
"Scents of black cherry and plum carry through this wine, modern and soft as cream. Roast pork in a sweet sauce would match its charm."
- Wine Enthusiast, June 2006

87 POINTS
"Bright red. Laid-back aromas of cherry cola, plum, mocha and rose. A juicy midweight wine with an attractive fruit/acid balance and good purity to its red fruit flavors. Finishes on a tangy note of pomegranate, with bright acids providing lift and precision."
- International Wine Cellar, September/October 2006

Valdubon Cosecha 2003
89 POINTS, EXCEPTIONAL VALUE
"Tempranillo grown in the mineral-rich soils of the Duero often ripens with a floral character, like this wine's violet scent that contrasts all its black velvet warmth. Mineral tannins keep it structured and firm, while the fatness of the fruit is relieved by a lemon-edged acidity. A fine, fresh Ribera del Duero for baby lamb chops off the grill this summer."
- Wine & Spirits, June 2005

86 POINTS
"This basic RdD delivers a smooth, ripe nose with doses of forest, bacon, road tar and violets, and there's some plum and blackberry at the foundation. Juicy and raw on the tongue, with racy, slick blackberry fruit..."
- Wine Enthusiast, June 2005

Valdubon Cosecha 2002
87 POINTS
"Meaty and earthy, with hints of cured Serrano ham spicing up the bold black fruit. The flavor profile veers toward red fruit, with raspberry and strawberry showing most prominently. In the mouth, grippy tannins support a big finish that's wide and open. Some vanilla punctuates the finish."
- Wine Enthusiast, March 2004

"Medium to full bodied with spicy red-berry fruit and firm tannins; balanced finish. Grilled red meats."
- Sante, September 2004

"Aromas of dried cherries with blueberry undertones highlight this tart, medium-bodied wine. The fruit evolves into black cherries and plums in the mouth. It was tasty with blackened fish."
- Randy Buckner, www.wineloverspage.com, July 2004

Valdubon Crianza 2003
86 POINTS
"Early on the wine is dominated by buttery oak, and it's all over the nose, palate and finish. Airing settles it down, and up from the creamy underworld comes raspberry, stewed plums and chocolate. Not the thinking man's Ribera del Duero, but it gets the job done."
-Wine Enthusiast, February 2008 Download flyer

CRITICS PLATINUM MEDAL
"This delicious wine shows fully - but not excessively - ripened fruit that is very nicely matched with spicy, smoky oak. There is a nice meaty, carpaccio character as well, and very fine-grained tannins that lend structure to the finish without drying it. This isn't the biggest, most 'impressive' Ribera you might find, but it is very nicely balanced and quite versatile for food pairing purposes."
- Michael Franz, 2009 Critics Challenge Wine Challenge

Valdubon Crianza 2002
87 POINTS
"Smooth and round, with chunky red-fruit aromas touched up by cinnamon. Tangy on the tongue, with plum and cherry balanced by firm tannins and lively acidity. Not flashy but plenty good enough to enjoy on an everyday basis. Imported by Freixenet USA."
- Wine Enthusiast, November 15, 2005

Valdubon Reserva 2002
Recommended in a round up of Ribera del Duero wines
- San Francisco Chronicle, October 31, 2008 Download article

CRITICS GOLD MEDAL
- Critics Challenge Wine Competition, May 2007 Download flyer

Fra Guerau Rosado 2007
"Fruit-driven with a lovely dark shade of pink, this Merlot-based blend of Garnacha and Syrah possesses big, bold, luscious flavors."
- Anthony Giglio, "Wine Guide 2009", Food & Wine 2009

84 POINTS - BEST BUY
"Sweet aromas of ripe strawberries make this a light and refreshing rose for smoked salmon"
- Wine & Spirits, February 2009 Download Flyer

Fra Guerau Rosado 2006
90 POINTS
"A fun and racy rose, the lively and aromatic '06 Fra Guerau Rose smartly combines Syrah, Merlot and Tempranillo into a work of art; fine and crisp finish, a truly fine treat."
- WILFRED WONG Download flyer

"10 Ways to Drink in Summer" - Featuring Fra Guerau Rosado
- San Francisco Chronicle, June 13, 2008 Download flyer

TWO STARS
"Floral aromatics, roasted cauliflower, loam and caramel hints with crushed blueberry and peach skin on finish. A stoic, dark-toned effort with plenty of structure. Montsant is within Spain's larger Tarragona region."
- SFgate.com, May 2008 Download article

"It was a rich rose-cherry color and had a fruity bouquet. Its rich, fruity flavor was quite unusual, with elements of pears, cherries and pomegranates. It had good body and moderate acidity."
- AustinWoman, February 2008

Fra Guerau Rosado 2005
88 POINTS
"More robust than most ross, this is in line with lighter red wines, like cru Beaujolais. The red fruit is saturated and luscious under light, fragrant scents of roses and herbs. It has enough cut for pork with romesco sauce."
- Wine & Spirits, August 2006

92 POINTS
"A jazzy and racy rose, the scintillating and well-directed '05 Fra Guerau Rose deftly combines Syrah, Merlot, and Tempranillo into a work of art; fine crisp finish, outstanding!"
- WILFRED WONG

88 POINTS
"Pale red. Dusty strawberry, raspberry, peach, blood orange and honeysuckle on the nose. Utterly delicious wine, with a palate dominated by peach, and red berry flavors spreading out on the long, juicy finish. A deep and concentrated rose that's also very easy to drink. Finishes with an intriguing mineral component."
- International Wine Cellar, September/October 2006

Fra Guerau 2005

87 POINTS
"Controlled, slightly leather, honest and nice overall. A mix of black cherries and herbal aromas ride the bouquet, while the palate is earthy and shows plum and mild tomato flavors. A good mouthfeel that's more racy than outright heavy allows the wine to cleanse and not overwhelm what you're eating."
- Wine Enthusiast, April 2009 Download flyer

84 POINTS
"This maturing red offers dried cherry, tobacco, menthol and herbal flavors on a firm, medium-bodied frame. A bit lean, but focused."
- Wine Spectator, February 28, 2009 Download flyer

BEST BUY
"The aromas of meat and leather accent flavors of dried cherries, while the gruff tannins need chorizo to soften them up to reveal the wine's fruitier side."
- Wine & Spirits, February 2009 Download flyer

"This classic Mediterranean red blend from Barcelona in Spain's Catalonia region incorporates no fewer than seven grape varieties...Relatively high-altitude vineyards and moderating maritime breezes enable the grapes to ripen evenly and slowly while balancing freshness and flavor."
- Pittsburg Tribune Review, October 15, 2008 Download article

Fra Guerau 2004
"...It had a nice tart cherry finish, and any tannins present were smooth. There was a touch of a woody/spicy flavor, but it was pretty subtle. Overall, it was a wine that could have paired with a number of dishes..."
- Kelly Magyarics Wine Consulting, trywine.blogspot.com,
January 28, 2008, download full review

Fra Guerau 2003
BRONZE MEDAL
- 2009 San Francisco International Wine Competition

Fra Guerau 2002
87 POINTS, BEST BUY
"This well-priced red from Tarragona shows a glimpse of what the Montsant region can produce. The nose is all red fruit, with a splinter of oak. The palate is chunky and easy as it deals blackberry and raspberry in spades. Chocolate and mocha on the thick finish should please the sugar mavens."
- Wine Enthusiast, June 2005

88 POINTS, EXCEPTIONAL VALUE
"You can taste the schist in this Montsant, the minerals of the soil in which the vines grew now underlying the peppery, vinous flavors of the wine. It's a bistro-weight red lightened by the scent of white flowers, to order with tripe or morcilla."
- Wine & Spirits, June 2005

87 POINTS
"The warmth of alcohol frames scents of spicy strawberry and cedar. Lean, tart, bright flavors of raspberry and earth."
- The Wine News, February/March 2005

EXCEPTIONAL
"Fascinating rich fruit based Syrah-Garnacha blend with cooked raspberry, black pepper an a muted dried-herb spice. Slightly rustic, but with lots going on. From a region that rings Priorat in Spain and has only just been discovered."
- Dan Berger's Vintage Experience, May 19, 2005

Morlanda 2004
90 POINTS
"Alluring morello cherry, wild herb and mineral notes mingle in this rich, firm red. Not showy, but harmonious, delivering balance and freshness. Drink now through 2012. 105 cases imported."
- Wine Spectator Online, March 2009 Download flyer

CRITICS GOLD MEDAL
"Concentrated, but not overdone. Spiced red fruit with leathery notes. Lovely savory elements add complexity. Nicely done!"
- Michael Apstein, 2009 San Francisco International Wine Competition

87 POINTS Aromas of rubber, leafy red fruit and herbal raspberry are solid. It's crisp in the mouth with raspy tannins supporting tight cherry and raspberry flavors. Finishes like it flows, with firm acidity and zest more than richness, leaving a hint of creamy vanilla and heat as it fades away."
- Wine Enthusiast, December 15, 2008 Download flyer

Morlanda 2003
90 POINTS
"The 2003 Morlanda is a blend of 60% Grenache, 30% Carignan, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon aged in American oak. Purple-colored, it offers an attractive nose of pain grille, smoke, black cherry and black currant jam. Full-bodied with a supple palate-feel, its ripe fruit is already exhibiting some complexity as well as excellent depth and concentration. The wine is quite approachable now and should continue to drink well for another 6-8 years."
- Jay Miller, eRobertParker.com, February 2007 Download flyer

CRITICS GOLD MEDAL
-Critics Challenge Wine Competition, May, 2007 Download flyer

Morlanda 2002

88 POINTS
"Coffee and chocolate oak notes frame subtle but fresh plum and blackberry flavors in this balanced red. It has a refreshing texture and a sweet finish. Drink now through 2009."
- Wine Spectator, September 30, 2005

88 POINTS
"Deep ruby. Intense vanilla, chocolate and oak spice notes lift ripe aromas of kirsch, blackberry and roasted coffee. Lush but not heavy, with sweet, oak-laced berry flavors perked up by a mineral streak. Finished with impressive length and a lingering sweetness. Fans of American oak-dominated wines may rate this even higher."
- International Wine Cellar, September/October 2006

THE ESSENTIALS
"In addition to minerals and black fruit flavors, a haunting bacon-fat character that's often associated with Cote Rotie (but there's no Syrah in this blend) adds an intriguing note. The supple tannins complete the picture and allow it to be enjoyed now."
- Michael Apstein, "Spain's Priorat region flexes its muscles", San Francisco Chronicle, January 12, 2007

"Not far from Barcelona lies Priorat where vineyards are planted on steep, granite-laden mountainsides. This spicy red expresses the earthy elegance and complexity of the region beautifully."
- Leslie Sbrocco, Epicurious.com, October 2006

Morlanda 2001
90 POINTS
"Nice mix of cherry, chalk, pencil, coffee and glove leather aromas. Lively, clean flavors of raspberry, licorice, minerals and brown spice."
- Wine News, February/March 2005

89 POINTS
"This red shows supple black cherry and light herbal flavors, with notes of coffee and anise. It's surprisingly delicate, but shows firm grip on the finish. Drink now through 2010. 300 cases imported."
- Wine Spectator, August 31, 2004

88 POINTS
"On the lighter side...this offers lightly peppery scents and dried red cherry flavors, tinged by herbal hints. The richness instead lies in the velevety texture; pour it with long-braised lamb shoulder, accented with juniper berries."
- Wine & Spirits, June 2004

"Light ruby in color, the aromas reflect bright red cherries, cranberries, cinnamon, and American oak. Flavors are a repeat of the nose, however the oak influence is pretty heavy handed."
- Wine Lover's Page by Randy Buckner, July 2004

Segura Viudas Reserva Heredad NV
"Your man will love pouring bubbly from this regal-looking vessel, hand-blown glass set in a pewter base. The lemon and apple scented cava is so tasty, he'll never know you paid a fraction of the price of his usual champagne."
- Everyday with Rachel Ray, February 2008, Download full review

Segura Viudas Brut Reserva NV
"Our top choice, this reserve bubbly is full-bodied and rich-tasting, yet still crisp and clean. Like all Spanish cavas, it's aged in the bottle for maximum flavor."
- Good Housekeeping, January 2008, Download full review

Segura Viudas Creu de Lavit 2005
RECOMMENDED WINE PAIRING
- Everyday with Rachel Ray, October 2008 Download Flyer

CRITICS GOLD MEDAL
-Critics Challenge Wine Competition, May, 2007 Download flyer

"This is a feathery picnic basket wine, with airy fresh hay and lemon grass up front, followed by ripe, sappy, resinous, oily, fusel-oil-textured Fuji apple. There's just a hint of nuttiness in there from the light hand with French and American oak that gives this wine a hint of complexity that you might not expect."
- Richard Paul Hinkle, "New and Interesting from Spain", Quarterly Review of Wines, Summer 2008

"...is a charmer with vibrant acidity and apple fruit."
- "Harvest of Heritage - Freixenet's Heredad Collection Assembles The Best From Across Spain", Patterson's The Tasting Panel, September 2008

Segura Viudas Creu de Lavit 2004
88 POINTS
" Smooth and silky with lovely ripe apple fruit and racy acidity."
- The Tasting Panel Magazine, April 2008 Download flyer

86 POINTS
"This one takes some getting used to. The nose begins in crystallized, granular fashion, much like a powdered drink mix. The palate offers citrus, apple and some oak, because it was barrel fermented. Medium in depth, with tang across the tongue. Good for Penedes white table wine."
- Wine Enthusiast, October 2005

"Medium bodied with apple, quince, and melon; medium finish somewhat dominated by oak. Grilled chicken."
- Sante, November 2006

87 POINTS
"Medium straw color. Ripe pear, apple, and white peach aromas, with hints of vanilla and cinnamon. Round, juicy and medium-bodied, with a chewy texture and good heft to its orchard fruit flavors. I'd have guessed this to be a good-quality Maconnais wine from its body, texture and ripe apple and pear flavors. Finishes with good length. Xarello is the variety that gives body and oomph to most Cavas."
- International Wine Cellar, September/October 2006

GREAT GOLD MEDAL
- Grand Vinitaly, 2006

Segura Viudas Creu de Lavit 2003
"Another table wine made from Xarel-lo, the prime white grape for sparkling cava. This one is barrel-aged, so there's a full whiff of resiny wood prior to flavors of spiced cider and smoked ham. Some cinnamon and raisin notes add character..."
- Wine Enthusiast, Best of Year Issue, December 31, 2004

87 POINTS
"Love what Spain is putting out these days. The color is straw and light golden yellow, the aroma a little beeswax and faint melon. The taste is bold and flavorful and really comes alive in the mouth. It's balanced and crisp."
- Arizona Republic, Samplings from the office odd bin, Tastes of this and that from all over, March 14, 2007

Segura Viudas Brut Rose
"Cavas tend to be excellent value despite the labor involved in making them. The Segura Viudas Brut Rose Cava was no exception. It was a delightful dark pink color and had a tart, yeasty bouquet that introduced a crisp flavor loaded with cherries and cranberries. Its hearty bubbles tickled our noses and inflamed our fancies as we sipped it contentedly."
- AustinWoman, February 2008