ABOUT: Bodegas Forlong Petit Forlong Tinto 2019 is created by El Puerto de Santa Maria locals Alejandro Navaerez and Rocio Aspera. In 2007 Rocio’s father bought a run down plot of land in El Puerto, a small, historic town on the banks of the Guadalete River in the province of Cadiz, Andalusia. The kids were set on making some wine, so they went to school, learned about winemaking and viticulture in hot climates and got to work. They released their first wines in 2012, reds made from Merlot and Syrah and whites made from Palomino and Pedro Ximenez. In 2014 they completed the construction on their bodega and brought in some large clay amphora. Serious business. All wines are hand-harvested and certified organic, with biodynamic methods going down in the vineyard. Yet another terrific example of an outstanding Spanish wine available at a great price. Keep them coming. TASTE: The Petit Forlong Tinto 2019 is a blend of 60% Merlot, 30% Syrah, 10% Tintilla de Rota. Had to look up Tintilla de Rota, it’s an indigenous red grape variety in Cadiz, Spain. It’s grown in Sherry growing regions but isn’t part of the Sherry DO, so it’s not part of the production. Genetically it’s identical to Graciano found in Rioja. Concentrated and earthy with stewed, ripe aromas and flavors of strawberries, raspberries and plums. Black pepper and licorice make an appearance as well as some campfire and a salty, stony edge. This is a dense beauty, savory and spicy with a long finish. Loving this with our roasted mushroom pasta dinner. PAIR: Cornbread-chili casserole, roasted cranberry almond rice, fig pizza with goat cheese, braised mushroom tacos, and vegetable fajitas.
