I gave my #wineclub a Rioja Blanco this past month since I think the wines will continue to trend up but also wanted to give them an older school style to try too. CVNE Monopole is blended with 15% dry sherry, so it acted as an intro to dry sherry of sorts. I really like sherry. A lot of #wine folks do too, or at least appreciate it. A lot of folks outside of wine don't really like, despite the industry's repeated efforts.

I knew this wine would be polarizing, and it was! It is not a wine to sip while watching tv...it needs food. Last night, I grilled grouper over a bed of anise fronds and sliced Meyer lemon with a sprinkling of olive oil, dry vermouth and dukkah. Served with an anise, clementine and arugula salad. Lots of complementary flavors with the food and wine. Also had it NYE with a tapas-type menu -- nuts, hard cheeses, charcuterie, conserva, smoked and steamed fish.

#rioja #riojablanco #fishfish