2006 Alvear Palacio Quemado Crianza - Ribera del Guadiana

Alvear is the oldest winery in Andalucia.  They're well known for their incredible wines based on the Pedro Ximenez grape.  They've recently branched out into the Ribera del Guadiana region, located in Extremadura, with some really terrific results as well.  We tried the 2006 Crianza for the first time recently and it was love at first sip.  It's made from 100% Termpranillo and aged for 6 months in American Oak.  The fruit is ripe, but with tart flavors, along with hints of oak (but nothing that would make one consider it 'oaky."). Try it with some of Extremadura's most famed export, Jamon!