If you were to ask most wine producers about the market in Utah, I’m sure responses would range from  “Where is Utah” to “Drinking is illegal there, isn’t it?” However, more and more importers and distributors are doing a great job of bringing producers and wine makers to Utah for special events, dinners and tastings.

This past Sunday around 40 people had the wonderful opportunity to meet, eat and drink with Senor Joseph Puig from Vinedos de Ithaca in the Priorat region of Spain. I was lucky enough to be able to attend the event held at the always delicious Lugano restaurant here in Salt Lake. As an Italian restaurant, head chef Greg Neville didn’t disappoint with his Spanish themed dinner, which included such classic dishes and ingredients as paella, Jamon Iberico and one of my favorite cheeses, Cabrales.

The wines being produced by Senor Puig and his daughter Sylvia are classic Priorat wines, with all the minerals and ripe fruits you would typically find in wines from the region. Each wine has a very distinct label, and I was quite confused the first time I saw them, as they all have very Greek inspired designs. Playing heavily of the bodegas namesake, the wines we tasted at the dinner were the Akyles Red, as well as the Odysseus Red and White. I found the Odysseus red most intriguing as it had wonderful hints of cola, and absolutely incredible color extraction. Most surprisingly about the wine was its inclusion of 10% Touriga Nacional, a common Portuguese grape variety.

Senor Puig was a wonderfully open and warm person, which I have found all to often in every part of Spain. He was passionate about his work and clearly enjoyed the evening walking around the room speaking with people about his wonderful wines. He is involved in many different ventures in Spain, owning several restaurants, a high end delicatessen and is also the founder and manager of Torres in Chile and the international sales manager for Torres Spain. Being involved in so many different areas of the wine and gastronomic world, his passion clearly shines through in his wines and warm smile and gently manner.

Vinedos de Ithaca wines are available in Utah through the UDABC as well as selected markets throughout the US. If these wines are available in your market, I highly recommend seeking them out and trying them for yourself!

–Michael