Iberian Pennisula Reds

Happy Friday woo hoo!  It's been hot in Sacramento, and most of California in fact, but that's good news for the grape vines, they need all the catching up tey can get.  Its perfect timing for some chilled roses and BBQ, right? 
In the last week or so I have had the opportunity to taste a fair amount of Iberian wines and was overall impressed by what I found.  Spain and Portugal have been making famous wines for a long time now, but too many people in the states still have not got on the fanwagon.  It's because they are confusing, like Italian wines.  Obscure regions, unknown varietals, it can all be daunting.  I will admit for a long time I even stayed away from Iberian wines, but now I cannot understand why. 
Here is a quick rundown for Iberian Reds.  Garnacha (aka grenache) is the most planted varietal, Tempranillo (aka Tinta de Roriz, Touriga Nacional, Tinta de Toro, Cencibel, etc... I think you get the point) is probably the most famous varietal, and Monastrell ( aka Mouvedre and Mataro) is also widespread.  Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah are also common to be found.  Also note that irrigation is outlawed on the pennisula, so the vines are stressed out. 

Descendientes de Jose Palacios Petalos Bierzo 2007

Okay to simplify this wine here goes.  Bierzo is the region, located in Northwestern Spain near the border of Portugal.  Descendientes de Jose Palacios is the producer and Petalos is the style name for the wine.  The grape used is not listed, but it is the varietal Mencia, a local specialty.  I enjoyed this wine and here is why:
The wine was starbright, great clarity and bright ruby red with a medium concentration.  The rim did fade a little bit towards a vibrant pink hue.  Medium plus strangth to the viscosity with contrated staining of the legs.  Remember no irrigation means stressed grapes with thicker skins.
Aromatically this wine is rocking.  Very clean with a high concentration of pure black fruits and rocky minerality.  Underlying it all is this smoky quality which drives through the finish.  As it opens in the glass, aromas of leather, game, black pepper, violets, and herb spices unveil. 
A very pleasing palate indeed.  The fruit drives through to a long finish, with a bit of brightening red fruits and fleshy qualities.  The wine is moderate across the board and the warm climate raises the alcohol up to 14%, a little warm on the finish.  Its a great wine at a moderate price, I like the 91 point average rating at about $20 bucks a bottle.
Glazed Ribs and some sweet summer veggies, bada bing bada boom.  Salute!

 http://www.klwines.com/detail.asp?sku=1046276

Another Hot Red: Numanthia Termes 2007

http://www.wine.com/V6/Numanthia-Termes-2007/wine/100377/detail.aspx?s=GoogleBase&cid=GoogleBase

Another hot red I recently had:  Cova del Vins 'Terros' Montsant

http://www.klwines.com/detail.asp?sku=1042227