Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/343109
D AGE OF RIBERA Rick Garced, President of the United States Sommelier Association, is a consultant who works with distributors and marine hotel operations. "We have so much going on in South Florida, and there is a lot of opportunity here," he says. "Spanish wines have evolved so much—they've modernized but still hold tradition very dear, so those wines are expressive of the area." Garced also points to the evolution of Spanish wines—white wines in particular. "You look at the elevation of cava and various experiments, new styles that are emerging," he says. "Our climate here in Florida lends itself to Spanish wines and light styles." —K. M. Tracy Syngh, Educator, United States Sommelier Association; Rick Garced President & CEO, United States Sommelier Association; Kirsta Grauberger, owner and Sommelier, Market 17. SOMMS & BUYERS Wine #9: Bodegas Hnos. Perez Pascuas 2010 Viña Pedrosa Crianza ($34) Jonathan Cristaldi's tasting notes: Sweet cherry, vanilla and savory spice; woody, light- to medium-bodied and a pleasant finish. Perfectly paired: "The wine stands up to the strong flavors of the sausage (chis- torra) in a complementary way." —Hubert Harriman, Consultant and Educator Wine #11: Bodegas Traslascuestas 2009 Valcavado de Traslascuestas ($79) Krista Grauberger's tasting notes: A medium- bodied wine; cranberry and rhubarb with hints of violets and herbs. Round and juicy, strawberry notes on the finish. Perfectly paired: "Actually a great wine across the board with all the food for my pal- ate. The acid and fruit worked for me through each bite." —K. B. Wine #10: Finca Villacreces 2009 ($40) Jonathan Cristaldi's tasting notes: A powerful wine of intense dark fruit balanced by gamey and leathery notes, as well as smoked meats; the finish is lacking, but augmented by a curious hint of dried raisins. Perfectly paired: "The fruit and earthy components held up nicely to the escalivada." —Eric Larkee, The Genuine Hospitality Group Wine #12: Cruz de Alba 2008 Crianza ($26) Seth Witte's tasting notes: A rich wine of dried fruits and raisins, balanced acidic backbone underscored by leathery notes. Perfectly paired: "The onion soup was a brilliant match for this as the richness of the wine matched the richness of the soup." —S. W. :: the wines ::