An Evening With González Byass - Foundation and Future
I was lucky enough to have joined González Byass representatives Toni Batet and Carmen Imbroda Vasquez at Lena restaurant in Toronto for an exceptional wine and food presentation last week thanks to Woodmans Wine & Spirits. I’ve been a long time fan of the Beronia wines available here but learned so much more about the other wineries that González Byass represents.
The González Byass company was established in 1835 to produce wines, brandies, and liquors. Today, Gonzalez Byass is ran by the 5th and 6th family generation and bring us several high-quality brands in the alcohol sector that we know and love. Beronia, Vilarnau, and Tio Pepe to name a few.
“Tradition, research, sustainability, the pursuit of maximum quality and wine tourism are the bedrock upon which González Byass has based its work for almost two centuries now”
Desirable Sherry and Cocktails
I tasted the Tio Pepe Extra Dry Palomino Fino Sherry that comes from the Jerez region of Spain. This bottle was labelled by Drinks International as the Most Desirable Sherry in the World and I can see why. As a Sherry lover, I’m happy to drink a Palomino Fino straight up and chilled paired with olives but I was offered it in a delicious cocktail that I’m already anxious to recreate at home. Sherry based cocktails are a growing trend that I’m on board for!
The Tio Pepe Cocktail - 1.5 oz sherry, 1 oz of lemon juice, 1 oz mojito mix, top with ginger beer, orange garnish.
To pair with desserts the González Byass Nutty Solera and Nectar were served. The Nutty Solera Sherry is 83% Palomino, 17% Pedro Ximénez and undergoes 8 years of oxidative ageing.
The Nectar Pedro Ximénez Dulce Sherry is a dessert on its own. Thick, sweet, brimming with flavour. A tasting experience that shouldn’t be missed by any wine or Sherry lover.
Vilarnau Cava and Beloved Beronia
Located in the Penedes region of Spain, within the Barcelona Wine Valley is where you’ll find the Vilarnau winery. We tasted the Vilarnau 2020 Brut Reserva Cava which you may recognize for it’s colourful and dramatic label. This traditional method sparkling wine offers a wonderful QPR and paired perfectly with our seafood appetizers of the evening.
Beronia is a winery that that was established in 1973 that focuses on the wines in the heart of Rioja, Spain. While this is their flagship location, they also have a second winery based in Rueda that only produces Verdejo. They are headstrong on using sustainable practices and techniques within their vineyards and wineries, and have the accolades to prove it. Beronia was awarded the first winery in Europe to be certified by LEEDS (Leader in Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Design), and they also have been certified by WfCP (Wineries for Climate Protection). The winery in Rioja is remarkable and a sight in itself as it was built halfway underground for geo-thermal temperature control, is covered with a plant rooftop, and even blends in to the hilly landscape that surrounds it.
These delicious reds featured above hold terrific value and start as low as $14.90 at the LCBO.
“The time enjoyed together is the real time lived. Let’s live and enjoy more!”
Single Vineyard, Several Strides
One of the new geographical indications in Spain include Vinedo Singular or single vineyard. Beronia was one of the first to achieve this designation for D.O.C. Rioja with their Vareia Beronia Vinedo Singular 2020 wine. This single varietal Tempranillo comes from old vines and saw 11 months aging in a blend of American and French oak foudres. Such purity of fruit balanced with gentle oak spice - a true show-stopper!
When asked what this new single vineyard designation means specifically to Beronia, Toni explains the winery’s outlook:
“Traditionally, Rioja has been known for blending from different areas, vineyards, and grape varieties. This blending process has ensured that our wines stay true to the distinctive style and brand of Beronia. When we talk about expressing the uniqueness of a single vineyard, it presents a challenge for the winery to embark on a path where the goal is to offer something truly different that reflects a unique terroir. It involves several years of work to identify the right vineyard and manage it in the winery in a minimalist way to avoid interfering with its natural expression.
For Beronia, this new designation means we are focusing on highlighting the unique characteristics of specific vineyards. This approach involves meticulous work to ensure minimal intervention, allowing the distinct terroir to shine through in the wine. Such a method not only showcases our commitment to quality and innovation but also enhances the reputation of our brand by offering a differentiated product…It aligns with the growing interest in terroir-driven wines and allows us to cater to a more discerning audience seeking authenticity and distinctiveness in their wine choices. This strategic move is expected to strengthen our presence and appeal in the Canadian market, attracting wine enthusiasts who appreciate the nuances of single vineyard wines.”
As it’s been proven, time, care, and dedication are key to all strides taken under the González Byass umbrella. After this tasting, and more importantly, with almost two centuries of wine and spirit success accounted for, it seems that the building blocks González Byass is laying for the future are just as sturdy (and exciting!) as its’ infallible foundation.