Top 6 Wines of 2021: El Año de Los Blancos!

2021 was a year of rejuvenation. We got to reconnect with friends and family, neighbors, work colleagues and our community. At Shaw, we brought back many of our core experiences, such as #dailycata, Sit, Sip, Learn, Wine Classes on Demand, and Masterclasses for Wine Club members. Meanwhile, our location at La Cosecha continues to grow and expand its offerings. We even recently received our license to serve wine by the glass! 

Internally, a very exciting rejuvenation has been our return to tasting many new wines. For most of the pandemic, this part of what we do - our second favorite part after interacting with our lovely customers - was put on hold. Very little new wine was coming in! Starting in late Spring, however, that all changed! Hundreds of new wines came through, and from those we picked the 6 that we loved the most, were new to Grand Cata, were never part of Wine Club, are available at both locations, and reflected the trends we discovered throughout the year.

Los Vinos:

Argentina:

Riccitelli Torrontes en Tinaja 2019 - Patagonia, Argentina: Matias Riccitelli continues to push the wine frontier in Argentina with a tinaja "clay" aged Torrontes from colder climate Rio Negro, Patagonia. The result is one of the most elegant and delicate Torrontes we've ever tasted! The vines were planted in the 1960's on limestone soils, which leads to delicate aromas of dry white flowers, citrus peel, and green melon, all underpinned by notes of papaya and mango..The wine pairs well with scallop crudo with crushed pine nuts and pulps of a ruby red grapefruit. *Limited quantities.

Traslapiedra Malbec 2018 - Mendoza, Argentina: This terroir driven, unoaked Malbec is unfiltered and unfined, and all the fruit comes from a single vineyard estate from Paraje de Altamira in high-altitude Mendoza. Argentina's signature variety showcases dark cassis, ripe blueberries, dark cherries with a stunning mineral concentration, welcoming fine tannins with hints of spicy cacao and fresh herbs. The four "After the Rock" winemakers select the grapes slightly unripe in order to keep the acidity and freshness higher in this surprisingly easy to drink Malbec. Let breath for at least 30 minutes. Pairs well with a traditional choripan.

Chile:

El Impostor Cinsault de Aguja "PetNat" 2019 - Chile: This is the first time we tasted a Pet-Nat Cinsault, and we truly loved it! Unfiltered, unfined, this 500mL packaged in a beer bottle has expressive notes of green strawberries, fresh red cherries with undertones of herbs and spices and delightful minerality on the dry finish. Drink cold, but not too cold, and plan ahead to enjoy a few glasses of this Petillant Naturel Chileno! Pairs well with corn and cheese "humita" empanadas. 

La Ronciere "Piedras Magicas" Carignan 2018 - Licanten, Chile: A staff favorite throughout 2021, this 100% Carignan from Chile evokes quality for the price point. This lush, inky, silky full body red will have you reaching for many sips. From black slate soils, this Carignan has layers of dark fruits, minerals and herbs with hints of tobacco, cedar and leather. Let breath for at least 30 minutes. If you are a Priorat fan like us this is a must try. Pairs well with braised short-ribs served with grilled rapini. *Limited quantities.

Spain:

Clos Corriol Garnacha Blanca 2016 - Priorat, Spain: Another stunning blanco we enjoyed throughout 2021. This 100% Garnacha Blanca from the lovely Priorat region in southern Catalonia is the perfect example of a well rested white that is still fresh, complex and ready to drink now! Waxy minerals jump out of the glass, with developed, yet fresh green melon, papaya, quince and green apples. Drink chilled, not too cold. Pairs well with poached asparagus served with fresh tomato based pesto with an over easy fried egg on top. 

Supernova Moll 2019 - Benissalem, Mallorca, Spain: A delightful blanco from the Balear Islands in Spain. Specifically from the island of Mallorca, this 100% Moll is an indegenous variety that was a BIG 2021 revelation from the Mediterranean Sea-influenced island. On the nose, expect delicate aromas of fresh cut flowers, citrus, chamomile, and fennel, with fresh layers of green apple skin, pears and minerals. This wine comes from vineyards planted in the 1950's sitting in clay-limestone soils. Drink chilled, not too cold. Pairs well with Pulpo a la Gallega with poached potatoes and plenty of smoky pimenton.