The Drinks Guide: Spanish wines

— 5 April 2012

The Spanish Wine Guide
by Dawn Davies

Spain is undergoing something of a revolution both in wine and food. In London a new tapas bar springs up every week, Iberico ham is all the rage and as for Spanish wine - well where do I start? Besides the Mediterranean climate and the glorious sunshine, a lot of Spain’s wine regions are situated at high altitude, some up to 1000 metres. With innovative wine makers and all its natural advantages, this is a country poised to bring us a new wave of wine.

A few of the grapes

Tempranillo –Spain’s most planted red wine that has over 60 synonyms just to confuse us all. It is the grape responsible for a large proportion of Rioja and Ribera del Duero reds. It produces a range of wines from juicy, crunchy, strawberry flavoured young wines to rich, leathery, dark ones made to age.

Garnacha (Grenache) – Again a grape that makes up part of the blend in Rioja but it really comes into its own in Priorat. Here on the special Llicorella soils it is responsible for wines that are full bodied and packed with figgy, tarry fruit.

Mencia – A variety that is local to the north of Spain that gives light, fresh, crisp red wines with blackcurrant leaf aromas. It is found in Valdeorras, Ribeiro and Bierzo.

Albarino – This white grape comes mainly from the north west of Spain. It has a peachy, floral perfume and is round on the palate. Rias Baixas in the north makes some of the best.

Godello – This rich, aromatic white wine is common in Valdeorras, it has apricot flavoured silky fruits and can be similar in style to Viognier.

Pedro Ximenez – Wow - where to start? This variety is responsible for the amazing sweet sherries also known as PX. Treacle, dried figs, prunes, raisins and so much more; amazing over ice-cream.

Up-and-coming regions

Bierzo – This is a relatively young region and the mild climate and slate soils are perfect for Mencia. The wines here are well balanced with dark chocolate and mocha notes but still retain freshness. For the locals a glass of Bierzo with spicy pork sausages or the local trout is the way to go.

Toro – The vineyards here sit above the Río Duero between 650-850 metres and this is a region that is booming having gone from 8 Bodegas to over 50. Tempranillo, known as Tinta de Toro, is the star here and the wines are inky and intense.

Cataylud – There has been a great deal of foreign and local investment here with both local varieties and international varieties being grown. Norrel Robertson is just one of these investors and he is working with local growers to produce some fantastic wines.

Rueda – This region is in Castilla y León, just north of Madrid. It is an outstanding DO for white wines and Verdejo and Sauvignon Blanc have done well here. Verdejo is a great alternative to Sauvignon as it is crisp, floral, peachy and just too easy to drink.

Shop Spanish wines

My Top 5 Spanish drinks

FEDERICA Arancello 700ml
£24.99

If you like limoncello you will be a fan of this, made from fresh Valencia oranges, this is a great drink with tonic and ice.

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NAIA Naia 750ml
£12.59

This 100% Verdelho is fantastic, a herbaceous note characterizes the nose, on the palate - citrus, green fruits are supported by a creamy texture.

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EL ESCOCES VOLANTE Dos Dedos de Frente 750ml
£25.99

This Syrah, with a dash of Viognier, from Catalyud displays cassis and cigar box aromas that intermingle with lifted floral perfume and spice.

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TRASLANZAS Cigales 2006 700ml
£23.99

The wine has an initial hint of violets followed by the aromas more often associated with “Tempranillo” such as black fruits and liquorice.

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CASTANO Monastrall Rosado
£10.99

This Monastrell is full of creamy ripe fruits and red berries with a hint of strawberry jam. A really well made rose with a nice dry finish.

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Email the sommelier
If you have any queries about gin, contact me at dawn.davies@selfridges.co.uk.

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