Rías Baixas in the Media

August 2, 2019
Circulation 856,680

What We’re Drinking this Weekend

It’s no secret that we spend a lot of time throughout the week thinking, reading, talking and writing about
wine. This means that when Friday finally comes, most of the people here at WEHQ have an extensive
list of bottles they’re excited to taste on their time off.

As the last hours of the workweek go by and we wrap up the finishing touches on our soon-to-be-released
40 Under 40 tastemakers list, discussion has inevitably turned to what pours everyone plans to sip over
next two days. So, in honor of another issue sent off to the printing press and time with family, friends and
imbibing ahead of us, here are the bottles the Wine Enthusiast crew is excited to savor this weekend.

Recommended wines for the weekend
Elena Walch 2017 Vigna Castel Ringberg Pinot Grigio (Alto Adige); $28, 93 points. Structured and
elegant, this Pinot Grigio shows enviable class and pedigree. It opens with delicate scents of white spring
flowers, ripe pears and a whiff of dried Alpine herbs while the round, polished palate delivers creamy
apple, honeydew and white almond. Fresh acidity lifts the rich flavors, while a tangy mineral note
suggesting saline lingers on the close. USA Wine West. Editors’ Choice. —Kerin O’Keefe

Quady North 2018 GSM Rosé (Rogue Valley); $17, 92 points. Herb Quady’s deft touch with rosé is
exquisitely expressed among his three distinct 2018s. This bottling blends 56% Grenache, 39% Syrah
and 5% Mourvèdre, all specifically planted and picked to be made as rosé. Juicy, crisp and complex, this
is a sappy mix of apple, peach and apricot, dusted with cinnamon. Editors’ Choice. —Paul Gregutt

Orsi Family 2015 Barbera (Dry Creek Valley); $28, 91 points. This tiny-production estate wine is bright
and juicy, offering a soft rustic underpinning of layered tannin, rounded richness and high-toned acidity. It
tastes of freshly picked strawberry and cherry, with a lasting tartness that appeals. —Virginie Boone

Palacio de Fefiñanes 2017 Albariño (Rías Baixas); $28, 91 points. Fefiñanes ranks among the best and
most consistent makers of Albariño in Rías Baixas, so no surprise that this comes across clean on the
nose, with lively notes of white fruits and buttercup. A plump but vibrant palate is still in peak condition,
while this tastes of nectarine, apple, honeydew and lime. Drink through 2019. Kysela Père et Fils. —
Michael Schachner

Aphros 2018 Loureiro (Vinho Verde); $17, 90 points. Intense and spicy, this wine with lees aging is rich
and tangy. Made from biodynamically grown grapes, the concentrated texture is dense in baked-apple
ripeness. Drink from late 2019. Skurnik Wines, Inc. Editors’ Choice. —Roger Voss

Callan 2018 Boushey Vineyards Picpoul (Yakima Valley); $25, 90 points. A bright lemon-zest aroma
leads the expressive nose of this white wine. Tart citrus flavors contribute to the puckering mouthfeel on
the palate, brightened even further by a blast of acidity. It screams out for oysters. Editors’ Choice. —
Sean Sullivan

Clos Henri 2018 Petit Clos Pinot Noir (Marlborough); $20, 90 points. Perhaps the quietest expression to
date of this wine, some swirling in glass brings forth delicate aromas like rose petals, strawberries,
cherries, white spice, wild herbs and a warm earth character. The palate is elegant and textured, with

tangy fruit and tannins that feel a little on the astringent side. As usual, the Petit Clos range of wines
offers stellar value from a top biodynamic Marlborough producer. Monsieur Touton Selection Ltd. —
Christina Pickard

Halos de Jupiter 2015 Costières de Nîmes; $16, 90 points. Crisp red-currant and cranberry aromas are
edged by blossoms in this full-bodied, fresh-fruited wine. A blend of Grenache and Carignan, it’s ripe and
supple but not warming or heavy in style. Red-fruit flavors are tinged by a refreshing crush of minerals
and delicate umami notes. It’s a fruit-forward but finessed wine at a bargain price. Saranty Imports. —
Anna Lee C. Iijima

Keuka Spring 2017 Dynamite Vineyards Gewürztraminer (Finger Lakes); $22, 90 points. A perfumed
nose of rose, ginger and melon starts off this powerful single-vineyard Gewürztraminer. The palate is
broad in feel, fleshed out by flavors of creamy melon and potpourri, with gentle pithy tones of lemon rind
providing astringency. A healthy vein of acidity helps carry it along to a lengthy, spicy finish. —Alexander
Peartree

Iby 2018 Blaufränkisch Rosé (Burgenland); $18, 89 points. A certain earthiness on the nose leads onto a
rounded juicy palate that features strawberry, juicy plum and bright citrus. This is a rounded, dry and fresh
rosé. MS Walker. —Anne Krebiehl MW

August 5, 2019
Circulation 613,940

Sauvignon Blanc Lovers TRY Albariño

So you love Sauvignon Blanc. That is the only wine you drink, preferably from New Zealand with its racy
acidity and the grapefruit pith. Yes, I have a friend that only drinks this wine. It’s not that she turns her
head to other white wines that we make her try, this is what her palate likes. She hasn’t tasted Albarino
from Rias Baixas, Spain.

If you are like my friend, you need to try Albarino from Rias Baixas, and here is why:

• Albarino is pale golden yellow in color
• Albarino is a dry white wine
• Albarino should be drunk young
• Albarino is full of mouthwatering racy acidity
• Very aromatic
• Albarino is a nice crisp white wine
• Albarino has mineral overtones
• You can smell the ocean breeze
• You can taste the salinity of the ocean
• Flavors and aromas of apple, citrus, stone fruit, some tropical fruit
• Has a nice crisp finish

This summer the best place to drink your Albarino
• By the pool (with friends of course)
• On the boat
• At the beach
• Order it with your oysters

Albarino week is the first week of August, so get out of your comfort zone, keep your palate open and try
a bottle. I can suggest these two beautiful Albarino’s too get you started on your experience with this
wonderful grape.
Paco & Lola Albarino, Rias Baixas SRP $21.99A fairly new winery founded in 2005 is the initiative of a
group of winemakers in the region of O Salnes. Their cooperative is called “Sociedad Cooperative
Vitivinivola Arousana” and is comprised of over 430 members. They have 220 hectares in the Val do
Salnes area.
The Albarino is produced from free run juice from grapes of their best vineyards. The soil composition the
grapes are grown in are sandy loam, granitic and slightly acidic. The wine is fermented in stainless steel
for 21 days remaining on its lees until bottling.Once you open this wine it will have you wanting more. You
can smell the floral notes and the fresh ocean breeze. Taste the salinity along with citrus and lime, leaves
your mouth bursting with bright acidity and a smile on your face.

Bodegas Eidosela Albarino, Rias Baixas SRP $13This winery also fairly young, founded in 2003 by a
group of viticultural entrepreneurs. The name Eidosela is named after the area the winery is located in,
Eidos and Sela in the County of do Tea.The wine is straw yellow in color with greenish undertones. You
can smell the salinity coming from the glass along with hints of fresh lemon zest. On the palate hints of
stone fruit, peaches and apricot leave you with mouth-ripping acidity. A little hint, once this wine warms up
a tad, the fruit and acidity shine.

August 8, 2019
Circulation 98,100,000

This is the peak age of adventurousness, according to research

Embracing new experiences, being spontaneous and showing curiosity about other cultures number
among the top signs you’re an adventurous person, according to new research.

These signs you’re adventurous come from a survey of 2,000 Americans which found trying new foods
and living in the moment also score high marks on the list.

The new study, conducted by OnePoll on behalf of wine region Rías Baixas Wines (pronounced Ree-as
By-shuss,) also revealed that three in four Americans (76 percent) do consider themselves to be
adventurous.

Enlarge ImageThis is the peak age of adventurousness, according to research
SWNS
For example, 54 percent of respondents actually say they’re open to new experiences, and 46 percent
say they’re actually curious about other cultures.

The study also showed that Americans spend $2,075.28 every year on “adventurous activities” and peak
“adventurousness” occurs at age 34.

But the results showed that there are some “adventurous” traits that Americans admit to lacking.

Four in 10 consider themselves to be spontaneous, while only one in three say they have a life outside of
work.

But it’s not like they don’t have any adventurous tendencies; the average respondent says they seek out
six new experiences every month.

That being said, the survey also found that the average American feels an adventurous person seeks out
seven new experiences every month.

The average respondent also tries six new foods a month, which, again, is just one shy of the
adventurous person (seven), according to the results, and qualifying as an adventurous person also
means having gone on at least six trips abroad.

That doesn’t mean Americans aren’t pushing themselves, as the large majority (68 percent) say they wish
they were more adventurous.

In fact, three in four (77 percent) say that when they push themselves to be more adventurous, it actually
makes them feel happier.

Americans aren’t without their fair share of adventures, however. The survey found that 47 percent of
Americans have gone on a spontaneous domestic trip out of the blue, with another 41 percent saying
they’ve done the same internationally.

Nearly half (42 percent) have up and moved across the country at some point in their lives, and another
36 percent have switched careers.

But, interestingly, 61 percent of Americans surveyed say they’re waiting for retirement before they finally
give adventure a proper go.

“It’s fitting that by and large wine drinkers consider themselves more adventurous than non-wine
drinkers,” said Eva A. Mínguez Lobato, Marketing Director of the Consejo Regulador (or Denomination of
Origin) of Rías Baixas Wines.

“In Rías Baixas, wine is closely tied to living an adventurous life. It’s something to enjoy in moderation
with family and friends for a range of fulfilling experiences, from our coastal Atlantic gastronomy and
culture to cycling, boating and walking the world-famous Camino de Santiago.”

August 12, 2019
Circulation 353.740

A selection of seafood-friendly whites for high summer

By John McDonald

Rías Baixas is a Spanish wine region that has been getting some play lately, and rightfully so! Albarino is
a lovely, dry, refreshing, seafood-friendly white wine which, in most cases, will run you less than $20.
Rías Baixas, which means Lower Rias, is located in the southwest coastal area of Spain, above Portugal,
on the Atlantic Ocean nestled into the confluence of four river valleys. Locals name it the Green Spain.
There are five wine regions encompassed there. Val Do Salnes, the oldest of these, is reputed to be the
birthplace of varietal Albarino. The estuarine mixture of fresh and salt water making up this basin is
somewhat similar to the Chesapeake, and the variety of seafood available is extensive.

In addition to scribbling, I read extensively regarding food. I’ve always found it fascinating how people
have adapted their grapes to the terroir and the indigenous food supply. History suggests that humans
have known about genetic modification since well before Charles Darwin. There is absolute written
cuneiform evidence from the Ashurbanipal library in Nineveh, 650 BCE, that they improved grains and
livestock through selective breeding. I had help translating the tablets (lol!). By the way, cuneiform was
only a written language. Most spoke Chaldean. Sorry, blah blahed too much.

Pazo de Senorans Albarino 2018 can be found under $18, 92 McD. I love its bouquet of apricot and
peach with a hint of honeysuckle. On the smooth, medium-bodied palate look for more peach supported
by mineral acidity. Folks who drink Viognier will definitely enjoy. Senorans is only a 20-year-old winery,
but winemaker Ana Quintela knows her stuff. Natural fermentation in stainless ensures freshness, and
aging sur lie provides body and spice to the clean finish. Those who wish to go upscale can check out
their Seleccion de Anada 2008. Pale green-tinted gold with a huge mixed bouquet of peaches, white
plum, citrus and slightly toasted, it is supported by very mildly salty minerality. Thirty months on lees in
stainless prior to bottling provide body, spice and longevity; 93 McD points under $60, drinking window
thru 2025. The $18 label is always a safe bet. The worst rating I have applied was 89 points for 2009.
More recent vintages of the Anada will run you about $40. Don’t be confused – Albarino, although white,
is made to cellar.

Bodega Colomé Estate Torrontes 2018 from the Salta region, under $12, is another Hess family
production. Famous winos are unsure of the origin of the three strains of Torrontes named Sanjuanino,
Mendocino and Riojano. All three do well in the high-altitude vineyards near the Cafayate region of Salta.
Although Spain also produces Torrontes in Galicia, many claim it is uncertain the varietals are related.
Look for peaches, green apples, some floral hints. Fresh acidity supports the bouquet. Very dry with a
clean mineral finish, 90 McD add 2 price points when you buy a case around $120. This will make your
“ahrsters” exceptional next holiday season. Carry a few bottles on down to Georgetown. Be sure to lift a
pinky when sipping from your crystal stemware.

Although the weather outside has been frightful recently, inside it’s been quite delightful with my paw
wrapped around a cold glass of Marco Felluga Molamatta Collio Bianco DOC 2015. This label is nothing
but consistent. I have rated it 88-89 since 2000 with the exception of a 90 in 2006. The 2015 is blended of
Pinot Bianco, Tocai Friulano and Ribolla Gialla. Straw-colored with dried fruit, coconut and chamomile

bouquet that is promoted due to cold maceration and stainless fermentation of 60 percent Tocai and
Gialla, and oaken spice from the fermentation of 40 percent Pinot Bianco in barrels. Allowing the wine to
rest sur lie about 16 months provides creamy body supported by proper acidity. I have a bit of an issue
paying $27, but I find myself going back to it on many occasions. It always gets good reviews when
served with white fish or shellfish. Best bet for the dog days of August in Delaware or Maryland – gather
some locally grown, ripe stone fruit like peaches, nectarines or white plums and toss in some figs or
raspberries or blackberries to make a fruit salad. Choose ripe fruit; hold the dressings and sugar. The
Albarino provides the balancing acidity. Please wear your Sybarite suit to the table.

August 12, 2019
Circulation 5,000

Top of the Hub's Dine Out Boston Menus

By John McDonald

Dine Out Boston returns this month and Top of the Hub is once again delighted to participate with a
delicious summer menu!

Located high above Boston's Back Bay on the 52nd floor of The Prudential Tower, Top of the Hub will
serve its Dine Out Menu in the Main Dining Room from August 18 - 23 and August 25 - 30.

The three course Dine Out Menu will be available for both Lunch ($25.00) and Dinner ($38.00 or $58
paired with wines), on the dates and times detailed below.

For reservations, please call 617-536-1775 or visit www.opentable.com.

NOTE: The Dine Out Menu is not available during Sunday Brunch or Saturday evening Dinner service.
Also, the Dine Out Menu is not available in either the Lounge or Bar areas.

Top of the Hub’s Dine Out Lunch Menu
Served August 19 - 23 and August 26 - 30; 11:30 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.

• Appetizer •

Chilled Pineapple & Coconut Soup
Basil Oil, Tapioca Pearls

Simple Greens
Spring Greens, Rainbow Grape Tomatoes, English Cucumbers,
Watermelon Radish, Goat Cheese, White Balsamic Vinaigrette

• Entrée •

Cowboy Rubbed Pork Tenderloin
Potato, Cauliflower & Sweet Corn Mashed,
Bourbon Brown Sugar Demi-Glace, Crispy Okinawan Sweet Potato Nest

Ricotta Filled Sacchetti Pasta
Sugar Snap Peas, Heirloom Grape Tomatoes, Roasted Mushrooms,
Parmesan Cream Sauce, Fried Basil, White Truffle Oil

Zucchini Wrapped Shrimp & Salmon Roulade
Sweet Potato Mashed, Sautéed Spinach, Lemon Chive Butter, Salmon Roe

• Dessert •

Strawberry No Bake Cheesecake
Basil Strawberry Compote

Crème Brûlée
Whipped Cream, Summer Berries

*************

Top of the Hub’s Dine Out Dinner Menu
Served August 18 - 23 and August 25 - 30; 5:00 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. (Until 10:45 p.m. on Fridays)

• Appetizer •

Chilled Pineapple & Coconut Soup
Basil Oil, Tapioca Pearls

Simple Greens
Rainbow Grape Tomatoes, English Cucumbers, Watermelon Radish,
Goat Cheese, White Balsamic Vinaigrette

Paired Wine: Pinot Blanc, Trimbach, Alsace, France

• Entrée •

Cowboy Rubbed Pork Tenderloin
Potato, Cauliflower & Sweet Corn Mashed,
Bourbon Brown Sugar Demi-Glace, Crispy Okinawan Sweet Potato Nest

Paired Wine: Malbec, Nieto Senetiner, Argentina

Ricotta Filled Sacchetti Pasta
Sugar Snap Peas, Heirloom Grape Tomatoes,
Roasted Mushrooms, Parmesan Cream Sauce,
Fried Basil, White Truffle Oil

Paired Wine: Albariño, Martín Códax, Rías Baixas

Pan Seared Salmon
Summer Vegetable Risotto, Roasted Grape Tomatoes,
Saffron Chive Sauce

Paired Wine: Chardonnay, Butter, California

• Dessert •

Strawberry No Bake Cheesecake
Basil Strawberry Compote

Crème Brûleé
Whipped Cream & Seasonal Berries

Paired Wine: Cava, Brut Rose, Poema, Spain

Serving Boston's discerning dining community for more than 50 years, Top of the Hub welcomes
residents and visitors alike with outstanding cuisine, impeccable service and sophisticated ambiance.

A destination for all seasons, Top of the Hub is open seven days a week, serving lunch, dinner and
Sunday Brunch in addition to offering a late night dining menu and live entertainment seven nights a
week.

Named one of the world's most romantic dining destinations by The Travel Channel, the restaurant is also
proud to have received continued industry recognition from Distinguished Restaurants of North America
as well as multiple Awards of Excellence from Wine Spectator magazine.

Top of the Hub
800 Boylston Street
52nd floor of The Prudential Tower
Boston, MA 02199

www.topofthehub.net

Reservations: 6 1 7 - 5 3 6 - 1 7 7 5

Convenient discounted parking is available in The Prudential Center Garage.







August 16, 2019
Circulation 4,320,000

This is the surprising age when you are most adventurous

Want to know what makes someone an adventurous person?

A new study powered by OnePoll asked 2,000 Americans what where signs of an adventurer person
were, which found that embracing new experiences, being spontaneous, and demonstrating curiosity on
others around were the top indictors.

Three in four Americans (76%) said they considered themselves to be adventurous, according to
research. At the top of the list, 73% of respondents said being open to new experiences makes someone
adventurous, followed by spontaneity (63%), and always being open to trying new things (62%.)

Others said being open and excited about a new opportunity and being curious about other cultures were
also signs of an adventurous person.

The top signs of an adventurous person
1. Being open to new experiences 73%
2. Being spontaneous 63%
3. Always down to try new things 62%
4. Excited about new opportunity 62%
5. Being curious about other cultures 61%
6. Trying new food 61%
7. They follow their dreams 60%
8. Being sociable 58%
9. Always planning their next trip 57%
10. They live in the moment 57%
11. The survey found that the average American feels adventurous if they seek out seven new
experiences per month. However, not all Americans have the adventurous drive as Americans
average six new things every month, according to the study.

While most said they consider themselves adventurous, a large majority said they wish they expanded
their horizons a bit more. Sixty-eight percent wished they were more adventurous while three in four said
pushing themselves to be more adventurers had a beneficial effect: it made them feel happier.

Some examples of being spontaneous included taking a domestic trip out of nowhere (47%) and another
41% saying they’ve done the same, just abroad.



But there’s also a price for being adventurous. Americans spend more than $2,000 every year on
adventurous actives and peak “adventurousness” occurs at age 34, according to the survey.

So what are the most adventurous things Americans have done? Try going snorkeling in the Florida Keys
with sharks and barracuda swarming are you, or maybe a visit Chernobyl.

10 of the most adventurous things Americans say they’ve done

1. Going snorkeling in the Florida Keys with sharks and barracuda around.
2. Came to this country without knowing anyone or knowing the language.
3. Climbed a mountain.
4. Going to the thick forest all by themselves.
5. Hitchhiked from N.Y. to California.
6. Visited Chernobyl.
7. I moved across the country with less than 24 hours notice to pursue a business opportunity.
8. Left my job to follow my dreams.
9. Went to live in the Hague to do an internship abroad.
10. Taken a 137-night around-the-world voyage by cruise ship.

Aug 29, 2019
Circulation 92,620

Pazo Torrado Albariño Rias Baixas, Galicia

By Jim van Bergen
Pazo Torrado Albariño 2017, D.O. Rías Baixas, Galicia, Spain. 12.5%ABV, SRP around $11/bottle.

Color is a translucent medium straw. The nose offers a luxurious floral aroma, hyacinth, orchid and
pineapple. On the palate: tart green apple, lime zest, and lemon pith with a long, citrus finish. I am
savoring this wine so wonderfully on a couple of summer days that range from hot afternoon to cool
evenings, and the Albariño is so flexible it seems it could work with six feet of snow on the ground and
subzero temps.

Last night I tasted this while prepping dinner, and slowly sipped a portion while grilling broccoli, squash,
and red meat. It was so tasty I kept enjoying it throughout dinner. Yes, this paired nicely with grilled red

meat, with grilled vegetables, and then on yet another evening, with fresh red fruit and soft French
cheese. The acidity and fruit are light, crisp, and cheery enough to cleanse the palate of strong flavors in
a delightful arc. It is bright and fun, delightful and easy-going. With a high quality-to-price ratio, what’s not
to love about Spanish Albariño from Rías Baixas?

Aug 29, 2019
Circulation 2.160.000

Adegas Valminor Albarino 2018

PERFECT FOR
Asian Food, Date Night, Dinner Parties

DRINK IF YOU LIKE
Albariño, Sauvignon Blanc, Verdejo

THE FULL REVIEW
Mineral driven with notes of ripe pear and wet stone. The palate is tart, and the acidity is high. It is a
balanced wine, but sharp, calling for a food pairing along the lines of a lobster roll, or maybe a filet of fish
with a cream sauce.

OnePoll Survey

August 5, 2019
Circulation 3,740,000

Americans love adventure

According to a new study by Onepoll on behalf of Rias Biaxas, Americans love adventure! Buzz60’s Keri
Lumm reports.

One oll Survey

August 5, 2019
Circulation 1,960,000

Americans love adventure

According to a new study by Onepoll on behalf of Rias Biaxas, Americans love adventure! Buzz60’s Keri
Lumm reports.

One oll Survey

August 5, 2019
Circulation 438,680

Americans love adventure

According to a new study by Onepoll on behalf of Rias Biaxas, Americans love adventure! Buzz60’s Keri
Lumm reports.

One oll Survey

August 5, 2019
Circulation 958,250

Americans love adventure

According to a new study by Onepoll on behalf of Rias Biaxas, Americans love adventure! Buzz60’s Keri
Lumm reports.

One oll Survey

August 5, 2019
Circulation 1,060,000

Americans love adventure

According to a new study by Onepoll on behalf of Rias Biaxas, Americans love adventure! Buzz60’s Keri
Lumm reports.

One oll Survey

August 5, 2019
Circulation 1,740,000

Americans love adventure

According to a new study by Onepoll on behalf of Rias Biaxas, Americans love adventure! Buzz60’s Keri
Lumm reports.

One oll Survey

August 5, 2019
Circulation 67,450

Americans love adventure

According to a new study by Onepoll on behalf of Rias Biaxas, Americans love adventure! Buzz60’s Keri
Lumm reports.

One oll Survey

August 5, 2019
Circulation 708,290

Americans love adventure

According to a new study by Onepoll on behalf of Rias Biaxas, Americans love adventure! Buzz60’s Keri
Lumm reports.

One oll Survey

August 5, 2019
Circulation 225,780,000

Americans love adventure

According to a new study by Onepoll on behalf of Rias Biaxas, Americans love adventure! Buzz60’s Keri
Lumm reports.

One oll Survey

August 5, 2019
Circulation 296,740

Americans love adventure

According to a new study by Onepoll on behalf of Rias Biaxas, Americans love adventure! Buzz60’s Keri
Lumm reports.

One oll Survey

August 5, 2019
Circulation 1,030,000

Americans love adventure

According to a new study by Onepoll on behalf of Rias Biaxas, Americans love adventure! Buzz60’s Keri
Lumm reports.

One oll Survey