Issue link: http://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/874703
f a l l 2 0 1 7 | 3 7 In order to explore the gastronomic propensities of the deli- cious, up-and-coming wines from the Spanish region of Cariñena, an intimate group of wine buyers and importers gathered in Austin, Texas, to enjoy a three-course meal prepared by the stellar Chef Rene De Leon. The lunch was held at the SWOOP House, a cozy 1930s bungalow that now serves as an entertain- ment venue at the end of a lane in a quaint neighborhood. As we discussed the unusual yet charming setting, as well as the current dining scene in the city, SWOOP House Wine Director Greg Randle said, "It's sort of the best of old Austin and new Austin right now." Justin Watson, Wholesale Account Manager of Twin Liquors added, "Austin is sort of like Silicon Val- ley meets Nashville." After enjoying a glass of Bodegas Paniza 2015 Garnacha Rosé on the patio, we moved into the dining room, entirely unaware of the elevated nature of the beautiful wines and stunning menu we were about to experi- ence. Nieves Beamonte, Export Manager for Grandes Vinos y Viñedos; Paco Pulido, Export Manager for Bodegas San Valero; Javier Sierra, Commercial Manager for Bodegas San Valero; and Diego Pinedo, Export Manager for Bodegas Paniza, hosted the ravenous group and introduced the region of Cariñena as a whole. Cariñena lies in northeast Spain at an elevation ranging from 1,300–2,800 feet above sea level. The long daylight hours combined with the large diurnal shift results in wines of exquisite ripeness with a salivating acidity. The wines are primarily produced at larger co-ops, but the quality level is high. "These wines are actually very artisanal," stated Pulido. Pinedo affirmed, "When you are producing as much wine as we are, people tend to think of factories, but the truth is that each grower treats the grapes with care—it's their backyard." As the Bodegas San Valero 2016 Particular Chardonnay was poured, the kitchen staff gathered next to us to assemble our first dish. At the SWOOP House, the plating takes place right in front of the diners, adding to its by Allyson Gorsuch / photos by Kirk Weddle Paco Pulido, Export Manager for Bodegas San Valero; Diego Pinedo, Export Manager for Bodegas Paniza; Justin Watson, Wholesale Account Manager at Twin Liquors; Greg Randle, SWOOP House Wine Director; Javier Sierra, Commercial Manager for Bodegas San Valero; Chef Rene De Leon; Allyson Gorsuch, Deputy Editor for The Somm Journal; Nieves Beamonte, Export Manager for Grandes Vinos y Viñedos; Mark Anthony and Parker Gregory of Fresh Plus; Ron Flecha of Avery Ranch Wine & Spirits. Our wines from the Cariñena lineup included a Garnacha rosé, a Chardonnay and four Garnacha- based reds. Garnacha is the varietal focus of this rising region in northeast Spain.