Had a great trip to Puerto Vallarta last weekend and made it a point to try some Mexican wines while there. Continuing to expand that palate of mine. It’s been a lot of fun to get out of my comfort zone…not always the best wines, but an enjoyable experience for sure.
I was pleasantly surprised at a couple of the wines I tried. When I think of Mexico, wine does not come to mind. When I got home, I even tried to see if my wine/liquor store in Utah carried any Mexican wines and unfortunately, they do not. I’ll keep searching.
My favorite wine from the trip came on the first night of being there. It was a 2013 red blend from Casa Madero. A grand reserve, seleccion de Barricas from Valle de Parras, Mexico. After tasting from another friend’s bottle (a different red wine) and not being impressed, I took a chance on this bottle and so glad I did! This was a big red yet elegant at the same time. Aromas of spice, blackberry, tobacco and vanilla. The spice and dark fruits followed through on the palate with a hint of vanilla. Well-balanced, paired nicely with my Mahi Mahi (yes, I’m not afraid to pair red wine with white fish) and a lovely finish.
The night that dinner was at the restaurant La Palapa, I decided to try a Sauvignon Blanc while we were waiting in the bar. It was a Sauvignon Blanc from Monte Xanic, Vina Kristel, V. de Guadalupe. Let’s just get it out of the way…I was NOT a fan. I could not get over the overpowering aromas and taste of bananas! I’ve never had that in a Sauvignon Blanc. I thought it was very strange. There were also aromas of some type of melon, maybe honeydew?? I did get a little oak on the palate. Overall, I felt this wine was a bit boring, simply bland. It was not crisp, clean, and citrusy like the Sauvignon Blancs I gravitate to.
That night at La Palapa the sommelier recommended a wine that is specifically made for their restaurant. I was a little hesitant, as the first thing to come to mind was a cheap house wine. Let me back up, not all house wines are shitty wines, but many do unfortunately fall in that category. I put my trust in him and I’m glad I did. It was a 2015 Rodelinda Tempranillo/Cabernet blend from the valley of Guadalupe. Medium bodied with rounded tannins. Aromas of cherries, tobacco, black pepper and vanilla. I was a little afraid the cherries and black pepper would be intense on the palate but that wasn’t the case. Again, it was a very easy drinking red wine and paired nicely with everyone’s meal.
Of course, being in Mexico, I had to throw in the occasional mojito, margarita, Pina colada, sparkling wine and vodka club soda. If you need me, I’ll be over here on a diet for the next two months. Lots of delicious food, wine and insane laughing episodes between friends. Nothing better than taking my bloated ass home after a good vacation with memories that will last a lifetime. The few pounds gained in the meantime…they’ll come off. 😉 Cheers!
~B