Who knew that Monastrell could be so elegant?!? And where the hell is Jumilla?!?
I first met the Cerdán brothers of Bodega Cerrón earlier this year at a massive wine fair in Barcelona where prominent wine journalists and sommeliers hovered around their booth like moths to a flame. It was clear that I wasn't about to discover anything under the radar, but I needed to see what the ruckus was all about.
I've been in Priorat for just over 24 hours, and considering the brisk winestyles that I customarily advocate, I'm still not over the irony of going out of my way to be in this wild outpost of Northeastern Spain. But I have to admit something — I love Priorat! The place, that is... but also the wines that I encountered today!
Wine's age of innocence is over. Admittedly, I'm too young to have experienced it, but I caught enough glimpses of it early in my career to recognize its continuing decline. I long for simpler times, and embrace every facet of wine—as a drink and an industry—that reinforces its beauty and integrity.
We are incorrigible. The trip that Richard and I made to Jerez in southern Spain earlier this year was to acquaint ourselves better with our pre-established Sherry producers - not to add anybody to the roster. And yet somewhere in the cellars of Emilio Hidalgo, we realized that we could not live without these subtle, vital and venerable wines.
There are few causes to which the collective minds (and hearts) of Metrovino are so dedicated than to the promulgation of the wines of the Sherry region of Spain. Yes! Sherry, in all of its diversity and glory! And as of Wednesday, August 20, Calgary’s world of Sherry will be as bright as the Andalusian sun!
