Idilico
Spanish from Washington
Wine maker Javier Alfonso of Pomum wines, was born and studied in Spain’s wine vineyards, came to Washington to make the best “Spanish” wine he could. He created “Idilico”, the only winery in Washington focusing exclusively on Spanish varietals grown in the unique Washington State vineyards. Spanish varietal wines are the most pleasurable wines around. Who doesn’t love a deep and structured Tempranillo, a juicy and luscious Garnacha or a steely acid driven Albariño? Washington vineyards are ideally suited to grow the finicky Spanish cultivars. Contrary to popular belief, wine regions in are not balmy and endlessly sunny. In fact, most top growing regions in Spain best resemble Washington State. Dry desert conditions, scorching day time temperatures with huge temperature swings at night all wrapped up in a short growing season and frosty winters. As the saying goes: “Nueve meses de invierno tres meses de infierno” (Nine months of Winter three months of Hell). Yep... Sounds like Eastern Washington.
Albariño, Yakima, 2016 $16
From Dutchman vineyard, a new 6-acre planting of Albariño in the cooler area of the Yakima Valley north of Prosser. The wine shows notes of grape-fruity citrus and tropical fruit followed by luscious, crisp and refreshing flavors. Drink anytime the sun shines. Or in the dark. But please don’t drink at dusk.
Roble, Yakima, 2013 $18
Javier of Pomum and Idilico decided to introduce 'Roble', their first Red Blend. This pleasure-driven blend is designed to satisfy the most discerning of palates with juicy fruit and food-friendly refreshment. The blend is a carefully blended cuvee of 40% Tempranillo, 33% Garnacha and 27% Graciano from Boushey, Upland, Artz, DenHoed and Oasis vineyards and is reminiscent of those Rioja blends of days past, with little oak intrusion and refreshing flavors and a hint of spice. Javier continues to impress us with his deft touch of Spanish varietals grown here in our backyard.
Garnache, Yakima, 2013 $21
Warmer sites within the larger Yakima Valley AVA, are where Mediterranean varieties excel. Fermented in small stainless steel tanks and barrel aged in neutral French oak Puncheons for 12 months. The wine exhibits aromas of caramel, juicy red fruit, jam and hints of citrus. In the palate the wine is full bodied with luscious mouthfeel and a lingering finish.
Monastrell, Yakima, 2014 $21
This wine is 100% Monastrell from two vineyards in the Yakima Valley, Upland Vineyard near Sunnyside and Marcela vineyard in Zillah. Originally from growing areas in the south east of Spain this variety is also known as Mourvedre in France and typically showcases tart dark cherry, freshly crushed pepper and some game notes. In Washington the fruit retains great acidity due to our cool harvest time nights giving this wine great freshness and lower alcohol levels
Tempranillo, Columbia Valley, 2013 $21
Our 2013 Tempranillo comes from Upland Vineyard in the Snipes Mountain AVA of Washington State. It was fermented on skins for two weeks and was barrel aged in neutral French oak for 20 months. The wine exhibits pretty aromas of dried herbs, game and tart cherry with hints of moist rock and some citrus notes. In the palate the wine is medium bodied with juicy mouthfeel soft tanning and a lingering finish.
Tempranillo Reserva, Yakimna 2013 $33
Tempranillo Reserva packs considerably tannins that lend the wine tremendous structure and noticeable grip if consumed young. The nose is reminiscent of Duero Tempranillos with dark cherry, blackberry, raw steak wrapped in savory dried thyme and bay leaf. This wine offers aromas of smoke, spice, pencil eraser and cherry. The palate is full flavored, with the tannin bringing some grip.