4 and 6 bottle levels   $23 (member price $20)
100% Airén   13.5% ABV

Airén was the most widely planted wine grape in the world until it was recently overtaken by Cabernet Sauvignon, but this is the first time we’ve featured Airén in wine club.  Its main use is for Brandy, but savvy winemakers have identified parcels of Airén suitable for good quality table wine production.  Pie Franco is a reference to the 85 year old ungrafted root stock, planted in sandy soil.  This family winery was established in 2017, but the family has been growing grapes in the region since 1878.  Aged for 12 months in 2^nd use French oak barrels with frequent battonage, then transferred to stainless steel to settle before bottling.  Lemon, yellow peach, guava, vanilla, nutmeg.  The wine is made in a slightly oxidative style, finishing with nutty notes, reminiscent of Sherry.

Food Pairing Suggestions:
Pair this age worthy white with smoked salmon blini topped with capers; grilled octopus with avocado aioli and watercress; Spanish Paella with fresh shellfish and spicy Chorizo; grilled red snapper with Spanish rice, flaky sea bass with garlicky potatoes; fried lobster tail with garlic aioli tartar sauce; swordfish with salsa verde and crisp parsley potatoes; and grilled chicken stuffed with goat cheese and herbs served over vegetable rice. Or simply savor this food friendly white with ripe honeydew melon wrapped with Serrano ham and soft Spanish cheeses like Nata de Cantabria cream, Marjorera goat and Torta de Casar.