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Affordable Reds from the North of Spain

The northern Spanish regions of Rioja and Priorat are the most prestigious of the country. But quality doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg. Click the link to purchase Cellar Notes recommendations at Kenilworth Wine & Spirits.

 

 

The Wines

Price key:  $=less than $20  $$= $20-40   $$$=$40-60  $$$$=above $60

Quality key:  * = decent wine   ** = very good wine   *** = superb wine   ****= elite

VALUE = exceptional quality for the money

Pagos del Rey Arnegui Crianza Rioja '12  **1/2  $

A big, soft Rioja with good tannins and fruit, lovely soft texture

La Maldita Garnacha Rioja '17 ***  $  SUPER VALUE

100% granacha Rioja is extremely rare, and this one delivers!

Les Mines Priorat '12 *** $  GREAT VALUE FOR PRIORAT 

Impressive for the price, wild herbs, bittersweet chocolate dominate

 

All of these wines can be purchased at Kenilworth Wine and Spirits.

Click on the bottle for direct ordering and home delivery.

 

Al Spoler, well known to WYPR listeners as the wine-loving co-host of "Cellar Notes" has had a long-standing parallel interest in cooking as well. Al has said, the moment he started getting serious about Sunday night dinners was the same moment he started getting serious about wine. Over the years, he has benefited greatly from being a member of the Cork and Fork Society of Baltimore, a gentlemen's dining club that serves black tie meals cooked by the members themselves who are some of Baltimore's most accomplished amateur cooks.
As General Partner of Clipper City Brewing Company, L.P., Hugh J. Sisson is among Baltimore's premier authorities on craft brewing and a former manager of the state's first pub brewery, Sissons, located in Federal Hill. A fifth generation Baltimorean, Hugh has been involved in all aspects of craft brewing.