Condado de Haza Crianza – Meat Lovers Delight!

Includes an explanation of Brettanomyces (Brett).

100% Tempranillo from Ribera del Duero, Spain.

SRP of $30, purchased for $13.99 but more widely available for just under $20. Imported by Classical Wines From Spain.

From the bottle:

“Alejandro Fernandez of Pesquera de Duero initiated the replanting of Spain’s Ribera del Duero region in the 1970’s, where his red wines made from Tempranillo grapes are internationally famous.

Condado de Haza is a southfacing slope along one kilometer of the Duero River, where planting began in 1989. Superior exposure and soils, artisanal winemaking and fifteen months in oak yield a noble wine of which Alejandro is justifiably proud.

14% Alcohol”

Brett isn’t a term we use often here at The Reverse Wine Snob but today’s wine gives us a nice opportunity to delve into it. Brettanomyces (aka Brett) is a yeast that produces phenols responsible for a wide range of aromas: some positive and some negative (depending on who you ask). Long thought to be a fault, many are now embracing that brett isn’t necessarily bad. Many French wineries have long held this opinion which is the reason we have occasionally refered to the “French funk” aromas on their wines (usually best described as barnyard). The bottom-line is simply that brett is only bad if you think so, another reason you should drink what you like.

The 2008 Condado de Haza Crianza begins with loads of meaty, bretty aromas along with blackberry, dried herbs and a hint of menthol. When tasting those smoky, bacony flavors continue along with lots of vanilla, rich tart dark fruit, and more nice dried herbal notes. Like most wines the more time it has in the glass the more it develops. The wine is smooth, dry and medium-bodied with a long finish. It may not be quite as big as some others from Ribera del Duero but pretty nice nonetheless and if you enjoy those meat and bacon aromas than this is definitely your wine.

See a listing of local retailers selling this wine here.

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