Salisbury Wine Shop | 106 South Main Street | Salisbury, NC 28144
704-636-5151


Summer Hours
Tuesday - Thursday: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m., Friday: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m., Saturday: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Closed Sunday & Monday
June 26, 2019
Red Wine in Glass


"A gourmet meal without a glass of wine just seems tragic to me somehow."

― Kathy Mattea
Ondarre Vineyards of Spain Wine Tasting
with
Andrew Alley, 17th Street Distributing

Friday, June 28
5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
$5/Person
About an hour drive southwest of Pamplona, Spain is the small village of Viana, home to Ondarre Winery. Ondarre is located in the Rioja which is the leading wine region of Spain. Rioja is located in the North part of Spain and produces predominantly red wines. Andrew will present some highly rated wines from Ondarre at this tasting that are so good they'll make your toes tingle.

Wine List

  • Ondarre Milenium 100% Viura Brut Cava
  • Ondarre Creator Tempranillo Blend (90 Points Decanter, 91 Points Tim Atkin MW and Best of Rioja)
  • Ondarre "G" 100% Graciano
  • Ondarre Rioja Reserva Tempranillo Blend (95 Points Decanter, Best Red Rioja Reserva)
  • Sinergia Cabernet Sauvignon (92 Points, Wine Enthusiast)
Spain's Rioja Wine Region
The wines for this Friday's wine tasting are from the Rioja region of Spain. Located in the Northern part of the country, Rioja is Spain's largest wine producing region. Rioja has recently undergone changes to the rules wine producers follow. Here are the current guidelines:

  • Rioja has 3 official zones: Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa, and Rioja Oriental
  • Rioja has the following age classifications:
  • Crianza - aged 1 year in oak barrels
  • Reserva - aged 3 years, one of which has to have been in oak barrels and 6 months in bottles
  • Gran Reserva - 5 years aging with 2 years in oak barrels and 2 years in bottles
  • Gran Añada - designation for sparkling aged at least 3 years on lees.
  • Rioja wines can now add the name of the village to the label
  • Rosé wines are now allowed to be made in a lighter color
  • There is a new sparkling designation: Espumosos de Calidad de Rioja
Viura and Graciano Spanish Grape Varietals


Viura is a white grape varietal widely grown in the Rioja region. It is also commonly known as Macabeo and is an important grape in Cava production. The grape is mostly used to make mildly acidic and young white wines mostly suitable for early consumption or blending with other varieties



Graciano is a Spanish red wine grape that is grown primarily in Rioja. The vine produces a low yield that are normally harvested in late October. The wine produced is characterized by its deep red color, strong aroma and ability to age well. Graciano thrives in warm, arid climates.
Upcoming Tastings
Friday, June 28: Ondarre Wines of Spain wine Tasting with Andrew Alley

Wednesday, July 3: Fireworks Wine Tasting with Stephanie

Friday, July 12: Bastille French Wine Tasting with Mark Orsini

Friday, July 19: Hello World! Wine Tasting with Alexis Mutter, Grapevine Distributing

Friday, July 26: Wine Tasting with Andrew Alley