Beef & Horseradish Sauce
… aligned with a Spanish red …
Once in a while, you open a bottle from a winery you have not tasted before, and you think Christmas has arrived early.
Last weekend was such a moment. I had been researching the Justerini site, wearing another hat, and this property - Aalto - from Spain’s Ribera del Duero popped up.
There were two recent vintages that were available in magnums - 2020 and 2021. We had some friends for lunch, dinner and early evening drinks across the weekend, so I thought pulling the corks on Saturday lunch and extending the wine’s life over 30 hours would put these magnums to the test.
Wines were ordered, and arrived within three days.
Opened and wines poured. The results were very straightforward. Over the three occasions, everyone thought they were stunning. Drinking impressively well today, and will certainly age for another 5 years. Even after pulling the cork on the 2021 for 30 hours, the wine was still gorgeous. However, why wait that long?
Serving roast beef, a robust beef stew, sirloin with a béarnaise, or cold beef sandwiches, would be a flawless marriage. Obviously, with a dollop of horseradish on the side or spread into the whole grain.
The is a strong commonality between the two wines. The deliciously integrated new oak springs forth as a blossoming vanilla pod and then you hit the enticing red and black fruit on the nose. The first sip grips you and your taste buds are overwhelmed by the glorious flavours that come to grab the palate. They are rich, enticing and just a delight. The 2021 needs a small amount of additional time, probably 2028 onwards, but the 2020 is stunning today. It deserves red meat. Any cut, recipe or even salad with a beef base will work. Surprise and astonish your guests, convince them that you serve wine of a calibre unknown by your coterie of those closest to you and who enjoy chatting, nattering and munching on great produce and, very importantly, recognising a vinous delight. Need I push these wines any further?
£93.18 / £99.18 per magnum for 2020 / 2021 - Justerinis - merchant link
Read Justerini’s summary of the team behind this vineyard - link
