Free Shipping on Cases!

The big news this month is that we have decided to offer free shipping on cases to eight of the states we ship to, and reduced shipping to the other seven. This is our way of giving a case discount. Here are the states where we offer free shipping on cases: California, Oregon, Nevada, New Mexico, Idaho, Nebraska, and North Dakota. See our Shipping Info page for the reduced rates on cases shipped to other states.

The free and reduced shipping applies to all cases, including mixed cases, our sample case (already discounted 10%), and cases that include our discounted sample packs. If you are a wine club member, you receive your standard 10% discount plus free shipping on cases.

If a case seems like more wine than you need, consider going in with friends to split a case so you can all take advantage of the free shipping.

Wine of the Month: Urbezo Old Vines Garnacha

Last month we reported that the 2006 Urbezo Garnacha had received a score of 91 points in Robert Parker's Wine Advocate. Response to this wine has been so enthusiastic that we have decided to feature it as our Wine of the Month for May and offer it at $14 instead of the standard retail price of $16.

The Urbezo Garnacha shows off the luscious complexity that a pure, unblended Garnacha can attain when made with grapes harvested from old vines growing in austere conditions. Known in France as Grenache and often blended with Syrah in the Southern Rhone, the Garnacha grape is native to Spain and has a long tradition there of being made into a single varietal. When well made with outstanding fruit, the wine develops bright notes of cherry and currants and delightful overtones of spices and herbs. In the case of the Urbezo Garnacha, the roots of old vines reaching deep into the rocky soil of the Cariñena plain give the wine an extra dimension, a subtle minerality that adds to its appeal.

The Solar de Urbezo winery  was founded in 1995 by Santiago Gracia amidst vineyards planted by his grandparents. It is named after the artist Antonio Urbezo, who was born in the region and was a friend of the family. His art graces the labels of the wines, and many of his works are on display in a gallery at the winery.

Flor Flurry

Our 2006 Flor del Montgó, an old vines Monastrell from Yecla, has also been selling briskly. We recently noticed that this wine was for sale in a market in Oregon for $14. We sell it for $10.50. This is a lovely wine and a great value. Ruby red, with dark berry flavors and a spicy finish, it goes well with a wide variety of foods, including Latin and Asian dishes. The Monestrell grape, called Mourvedre in France, is native to Spain and thrives on the high, dry plains of Yecla.

Host a Tasting

To introduce people to our site and to our wines, we are offering to hold tastings in people's homes. The host invites a group of friends (preferably wine lovers), and we provide the wine and the stories. We have held several tastings so far, and each was a great success. If you are interested in hosting a tasting, let us know by e-mail (cory@spanishwinesdiscovered.com). Oregon and Northern California are easily within our range. With plenty of advance notice and the promise of a good crowd, we could venture farther afield.

If you would like to make your tasting event into a Spanish-themed party, we can supply ideas and recipes for Spanish foods that go wonderfully with the wines.

Recipe of the Month: Mussels with Chorizo

Try the Flor del Montgó Old Vines Monastrell with this month's featured recipe, Mussels with Chorizo.