GERRY DAWES knows SPANISH WINES by Philip S. Kampe

After wandering in a few minutes late to a Special Tasting and Launch of GERRY DAWES SELECTIONS at DESPANA (410 Broome Street, NYC), I realized that I had entered a new world of wines--maybe those I dream of--but, in this case, all Spanish wines, each unique and full of character.

GERRY DAWES is known to be the LEADING American authority on Spanish cuisine, wines and all that bear the word 'SPAIN' in any given sentence. What makes GERRY DAWES different than most is his PALATE and the way he conducts his sessions with those, like me, on the learning side.

GERRY is black and white--either you get it or something is wrong with you?

Well, in this case, I GOT IT...

The Spanish Artisan Wine Group (www.SpanishArtisanWineGroup.com), known as GERRY DAWES SELECTIONS follows a Wine Philosophy that is the Key to Understanding WHY Gerry
chooses the wines he does. This is what I learned:
+ Gerry prefers Family owned Bodegas with non-irrigated vineyards.
+ Vineyards must reflect the individual palate of the winemaker through soil, climate and grapes.
+ Preferred wines are 13.5% alcohol or less.
+ BATTONAGE and harvesting OVERRIPE grapes is discouraged.
+ Barrel fermentation in new oak that is improperly prepared is discouraged.
+ Hand-harvesting is essential.
+ Wine closures cannot be screw top, plastic corks or composite corks with chemical binders.
+ Every year a producer makes a wine, vintage year or not, Gerry believes the producer must achieve the highest quality of wine possible for that year.

With those spelled out rules, GERRY DAWES SELECTIONS first group of wines have arrived in America and are ready to be sold.

What I missed due to my late arrival:
JOSEPH MASSACHS VINA POLO NV BRUT CAVA (11.5%) $11.99 on the shelf
ALIAGA TEMPRANILLO TINTO 2010 NAVARRA (13.5%) $13.99

What I sampled:
ALIAGA GARNACHA VIEJA 2007 NAVARRA (13.9%) $19.99
ALIAGA RESERVA de la FAMILIA 2005 NAVARRA (13.5%) $24.99
TERRA REMOTO CAMINO TINTO 2009 EMPORDIA-COSTA BRAVA (14%) $28.99
ALIAGA LAGRIMA de GARNACHA 2011 NAVARRA (13.5%) $23.99
HERMANO MERINO CATAJARROS ROSADO 2010 CIGALES (13%) $13.99
BODEGA ADRIA VINA BARROCA MENCIA 2010 (13.5%) $14.99
ADEGAS D. BERNA MENCIA 2010 (13%) $19.99
DECIMA MENCIA TINTO2010 AMANDI, SIL RIVER RIBEIRA SACRA (12.5%) $21.99
DON BERNADINO TINTO JOVEN 2010 AMANDI, SIL RIVER, RIBIERA SACRA (12.5%) $16.99
SABATELIUS TINTO 2010 CHANTADA, MINHO RIVER, RIBIERA SACRA (12.5%) $21.99
TOALDE TINTO 2010 CHANTADA, MINHO RIVER, RIBIERA SACRA (13%) $24.99
VILLA CAZOGA TINTO 2010 AMANDI,SIL RIVER, RIBIERA SACRA (13.5%) $26.99

The wines I sampled were all unique examples of wines that exhibit the talent of each winemaker to get the most out of his vineyard following the Philiosphy of Gerry Dawes. Each wine's unique flavor was a journey into palate pleasure through the correct balance of the terroir ,grapes and micro-climate.

GERRY DAWES SELECTIONS should be NUMBER ONE on your list for 'NEW WINES' to try..

GERRY DAWES SELECTIONS can found at: NANCY'S FINE WINES, 313 COLUMBUS Avenue, NYC (212) 877-4040 and at AOC FINE WINES in New Rochelle, NY. GERRY'S wines can also be ordered Online...

PHILIP S.KAMPE
philip.kampe@thewinehub.com