tasted: Torres (Spain) Gran Viña Sol 2004

Torres (Spain) Gran Viña Sol 2004
I have recently returned from a very lazy week by a pool in Lanzarote, where we enjoyed more than one bottle of Gran Viña Sol. It was interesting to note that in the UK it is bottled in a screwcap, which is perfectly sensible for this aromatic, fresh white wine. Only one third of the Chardonnay was vinified in oak barrels (Hungarian and French), and there is 15% of the crisp native grape Parellada in the blend too. This wine has a beautifully buttery, creamy character on the nose, with melon and ripe pear fruit and a hint of lemon. On the palate it is nicely balanced and structured, with quite a full texture and a combination of nutty sweetness, luscious fruit and a core of crunchy apple acidity. Ł7.09 - Ł7.49 Oddbins, Harrods, H. Nichols, Selfridges, Portland, Noel Young, Gt. Gaddeson.

Torres recommend this wine as a great match for a Catalan tapas dish:

In a frying pan over a medium heat warm a tablespoon of olive oil, and gently fry two crushed cloves of garlic. Add two quartered tomatoes, two teaspoons chopped parsley and a teaspoon of paprika. Moisten with a splash of Gran Viña Sol, or fish stock if you prefer. Reduce to a creamy consistency, strain, and season with salt and pepper before putting aside.

Grill four fish fillets (monkfish, cod or hake are ideal) skin-side down until just golden. To serve, put a ladel of sauce onto each dish, add the fish on top and sprinkle with more chopped herbs: parsley, dill and chives ideally. This makes a great tapas-sized starter, or serve with creamy mashed potato drizzled with olive oil as a main course.