González Byass Family of Wine Altozano Verdejo Sauvignon Blanc 2009 and Altozano Tempranillo 2009

As I sit on my porch on this early foggy morning, I can see the first rays of sunlight filtering through the trees. After two days of rain, I’ll take whatever sunshine I can get. Temps have been wonderful with highs in just the low 70’s. Unfortunately our spring like temps in June can’t last forever, highs for today and tomorrow are soaring to the upper 80’s. Could be worse, we could be sweatin’ in steamy Tampa instead of cool and breezy NE Georgia.

I recently sampled a few wines that will help you get through these warm summer evenings, González Byass Family of Wine Altozano Verdejo Sauvignon Blanc 2009 and  Altozano Tempranillo 2009.

 

Altozano Verdejo Sauvignon Blanc 2009

Tropical mango aromas with a hint of melon. Flavors of white peach, refreshing acidity and chalky mineral finish. Light and refreshing summer wine. We paired with breakfast for dinner, complete with eggs, home fries and home cured bacon.
Varietal – 70% - Verdejo, 30% Sauvignon Blanc
pH – 3.38
TA – 5g/l
TS – 2.3 gr/l
Alcohol – 13%

Altozano Tempranillo 2009
Spicy black pepper aroma. Flavors full of cherry, plum, licorice and cherry cola. Smooth and easy drinking wine. We paired with a Spanish chorizo tortilla.
Varietal – 100% - Tempranillo
pH – 3.73
TA – 5.2g/l
RS – 1.8 gr/l
Alcohol – 13.5%

The González Byass Company began as collaboration between Manual María González Ángel and Robert Blake Byass. Lured to the Jerez region by the thriving Sherry industry, Manual purchased a small winery in 1835. By 1885 Manual joined with Byass, his agent from England thus giving birth to the González Byass Company. Manual was also the first in Jerez to have electricity, running water and worked on the first railway project in Spain.

This forward thinking continues with the family today. The family is committed to protecting the environment and the restoration of the historical town of Jerez. Many family members sit on local boards and many have held consul positions in European countries. This along with keeping up with innovative winemaking technology will ensure the The González Byass Company will continue to stand the test of time. 

As the countdown to the official start of summer ramps up, I look forward to seeking out new ways to stay cool. It may come in the form of a swimmin’ hole, afternoons at Lake Lanier, sipping iced tea (unsweet, please) on the porch or an old summer favorite, the Popsicle. For evenings filled with fireflies and buzzing skeeters you can bet I’ll have some tasty wines by my side.

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