(Bob Gregg, 10:08 pm) (Posted to: Main, Wine)
2007-09-24: Lozano Añoranza Crianza
Opened a bottle of Lozano Añoranza Crianza 2004 tonight, a 100% Tempranillo wine from La Mancha. I don’t know much about Spanish wines yet, so I thought I would give this one a chance. First thoughts: raspberries, both on the nose and the initial taste. Also, pretty young tasting, very fruit forward. The second take after a few minutes included a whiff of violets. I’ve heard before about wines smelling of violets, but this is the first time I’ve ever really encountered it. I’ve also heard that young, fruit-forward wines can be easier to identify for the new (i.e. inexperienced) wine lover - which I certainly am. Still, I picked up the wine and read the label on the back: “Well-coloured wine with violet hues. Intense aromas raspberries and toasted oak.” So, not too far off, I suppose.
What I paid: $12 (I think)
What I would pay next time: $10
A decent wine, no doubt; but not the best match for the barbecued ribs, collards and roasted pumpkin we served it with. It would be very nice to serve as an opening wine with some appetizers when our friends visit. Still, I’ll probably circle around through some other Spanish wines (especially Riojas) before trying this one again. My wife also suggested that it might be good with chocolate (raspberries often are), so we split some dark Scharffen Berger, but… meh. Maybe with a milk chocolate though.