Our Selection for Wine of the Week October 11, 2010
Spanish Selection Bodegas Santa Eulalia
2005 Pavo Real Spain
Xavier Flouret is a French-born wine lover with a passion for the underdog. Instead of making a career for himself exporting French wines to the rest of the world, Flouret chose to make his name in wine by representing lesser-known bottlings from around the world. Flouret maintains a close relationship with every grower and winemaker represented by the line in order to maintain quality and value for money. His namesake company currently offers wines from France, Spain, Australia, Argentina and Germany, although Flouret's line is continually growing. The 2005 Pavo Real is made from Tempranillo grapes grown on sunny, steep hillsides in limestone and chalk soils. The wine exhibits classic black cherry, coffee and vanilla aromas and flavors. Bone dry, with dusty tannins and tart cherry acidity, the wine offers medium length and a hint of licorice and spice on the finish. With its faintly bitter, coffee notes, the '05 Pavo Real would make a nice partner for char-grilled meats and poultry. Serve it after dinner with a plate of aged, hard cheeses or a dark chocolate bar with dried cherries.