6FEB04 Familia Torres “Celeste Sur Lie” VERDEJO, Rueda, Castilla y Leon, Spain 2023 (F, O)
4 and 6 bottle levels $24 (member price $21)
90% Verdejo, 10% Sauvignon Blanc 13.5% ABV
Drinks International has named Familia Torres “The World’s Most Admired Wine Brand” for seven years (out of 14 years of awards). Founded in 1870, Familia Torres is still family owned and operated, and has expanded from its base in Penèdes to around Spain, Chile and California, including Castilla y Leon, where their Pagos del Cielo winery produces Ribera del Duero and this white from the worldwide home of Verdejo, Rueda. Villafranca del Duero is the subappellation, on the bank of the Duero river with calcareous soil and river rocks. Aged sur lie in a combination of stainless steel, concrete vats and concrete eggs. Lemon, peach, tangerine, fennel, creamy finish.
Food Pairing Suggestions:
Pair this tangy 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.