Most of the time, I find myself in agreement with Hugh Johnson. The glaring exception being the highly touted Schramsberg sparklers, which are almost tasteless mouthfulls of Carbon Dioxide ad nauseum. But, I digress.
Last night, I uncorked my last remaining bottle of Panarroz Jumilla
2005 to accompany a pan broiled pork chop avec champignons and cubed pan fried russets plus asparagus. For some time, I have been puzzled by the designation of a name that translates to "Bread and Rice" alongside of a picture of a solitary Bird of Paradise blossom. Perhaps the connotation is that this wine conjures up an image of paradise when accompanying a wide range of food?
Johnson speaks of the Jumilla area of Spain as being in the mountains N of Murcia. "The Monastrell grape can yield dark and fragrant wines to rival those of Ribera Del Duero." "They can be fantastic when young and brambly, but don't last long in bottle."
I first discovered Panarroz perhaps a decade ago, and have found most vintages to have that seductive fruit, well balanced tannins, and lingering deep floral nose. Perhaps it needs food, and would not be so attractive when sipped solo. Come to think of it, the two items that were missing from last night's menu were "Bread" and "Rice." ;-)
Godzilla