Malbec, Mencia, Tempranillo & Carignan

I think it is time for some lesser drank grape varietals to take the lead at an event, so I'm setting up this 8 person dinner at Akdeniz, a favorite Turkish restaurant in Midtown West. The wines will be a selection of Malbec, Mencia, Tempranillo and Carignan wines. Plus an unusual white wine starter.

Here is a link to Akdeniz' menu

Just a reminder of our usual rules:

The cost of this event is $34 and is for the wines and corkage. You will also have to pay the cost of your food (plus 33% for tax and tip). Please order at least two courses (i.e. a main dish and appetizer ). There are very few restaurants that allow us to bring our own wine for a low corkage.

NOTE: Meetup has started charging a "Partner Fee" that is above and in addition to the listed price of the event. It is annoying and confusing, but there is nothing I can do about it. It comes to approximately $4 more for each RSVP. You will see this charge when you complete your rsvp and pay for the event. MEETUP+ members are exempt from this charge.

Please read and understand the group's cancellation policy. If you take spot, then cancel, and no one else takes the spot, you will not receive a refund or credit. No refunds or credits will be given for no-shows or late cancellations (unless someone else takes your spot). All cancellations are subject to a $6 service fee.

Lastly: NO DRINKING AND DRIVING

The Wines (notes will be distributed at the dinner):
2021 Dirler-Cade Mémoire ($22) - I have no idea WHAT is in this wine from Alsace. Here is what the importer said, "13.11% alcohol, 1.72 g/L RS (dry!), 6.14 g/L acidity, This year's kitchen sink blend known in Alsace as Edelzwicker is exceptional for several reasons. Firstly, the vintage afforded a particularly intense and dynamic peacock's tail of flavors/aromas that is a pure refreshing delight."

92 points Vinous ""The 2021 Memoire is a blend of all the varieties grown at the estate, bar Pinot Noir, created in honor of the 150th anniversary of the Jean Dirler estate. Lemon balm and chervil immediately signal freshness and brightness on the nose. The palate then adds a spectrum of plums, from tart greengage to juicier Mirabelle, on a fluid, smooth, taut, fresh body. Lemon zest marks the finish. (Bone-Dry)"

2020 La Vizcaína Bierzo Lomas de Valtuille La Poulosa ($35) - CT 90, WA 94 points, "The 2020 La Vizcaína La Poulosa reflects the new approach to harvesting the grapes earlier and has a contained 13.5% alcohol. The wine is fresher and more vibrant, with less extraction and softer. This is a very challenging and ripe vineyard, and achieving a wine like this is a real triumph. (drink 2022-2027)"

2018 Tulpen Cellars Tempranillo Yellow Bird Vineyard ($45) - The final vintage of this varietal from this winery/vineyard. I've had it twice before and really enjoyed it. Just 71 cases total production. Listed alcohol is 14.8%, and this is 100% Tempranillo.

2021 Fidelitas Malbec Red Mountain ($40) - From WA State's Red Mountain district. We had it in September and it was very well received. Owen Bargreen (who tends to rate a few points high, in my opinion) 95 points, "2021 Fidelitas Malbec Red Mountain Malbec comes from this famous site that has a small amount of Malbec planted. This wine has been made since the 2013 vintage. Mocha, tar and black licorice all mark the nose alongside exotic spices. Seamless and soft on the mouth, with great elegance and bright acidity, this is already drinking marvelously. (drink 2024-2041)"

2021 Ridge Carignane Sandy Lane Vineyard ($37) - CT 91.1, JD 91 points, "All varietal from the Contra Costa County region of California, the 2021 Carignane Sandy Lane is a rock-solid expression of the variety and has pure, classy notes of red and black berry fruits interwoven with peppery herbs, violets, and candied orange. I love its purity of fruit, it has a supple, elegant mouthfeel, nicely integrated acidity, and the ripe yet always firmer tannins of the variety. You don't see Carignan done on its own in California (or at all, really), and this is one well worth seeking out."