Spain is producing
some great wines that offer exceptional value for money.
Rioja is one name that always springs to mind when you think of Spanish wine. According to Simon Field, wine buyer for Berry Bros. & Rudd, this renowned region has been reinventing itself. “We are now seeing a sense of place and terroir with different villages producing different wines,” he says. “There are also some being made with grapes from single vineyards. Each wine has its own personality.”
Rioja is one name that always springs to mind when you think of Spanish wine. According to Simon Field, wine buyer for Berry Bros. & Rudd, this renowned region has been reinventing itself. “We are now seeing a sense of place and terroir with different villages producing different wines,” he says. “There are also some being made with grapes from single vineyards. Each wine has its own personality.”
Simon also points
out that Spanish wines tend to be released when they are ready to drink giving
them depth and a spicy flavour.
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| Laderas de El Seque, Artadi, Alicante, |
When choosing wines,
Simon’s advice is to determine what style you like - French Oak or
American Oak. These are the two most commonly used types of oak in the
maturation of wine.
The wood can
interact with the wine and, therefore, influence the flavours. French oak
barrels are more expensive than American oak and, in general, produce wines
with firmer tannins and tend to be more subtle and spicy than the American ones
which usually have stronger flavours.
Normally, Simon
says, the reds are better than the whites, but there are some interesting white
grapes such as the albariño, native to Galicia. The best way to experience the
wide range of wines that Spain produces is to take a tour of the country by its
wines.
Here are some
Spanish wines that I have tasted and enjoyed.
Viña Real, Reserva, Rioja, 2006, £16.95, bbr.com
(£14.41 per single bottle when bought as an unmixed case of 12 bottles. Case price £172.89)
(£14.41 per single bottle when bought as an unmixed case of 12 bottles. Case price £172.89)
This ruby red wine
is brimming with essences of red berries tinged with smoky and spicy flavours.
A delicious and elegant wine that lingers long on the palette.
 |
| Riu Trio Infernal, Combier-Fischer-Gerin, Priorat |
Riu Trio Infernal, Combier-Fischer-Gerin, Priorat, 2009,
£20.25, bbr.com
(£17.21 per single bottle when bought as an unmixed case of 12 bottles. Case price £206.55)
(£17.21 per single bottle when bought as an unmixed case of 12 bottles. Case price £206.55)
This mainly
grenache-based wine with syrah zings with wonderfully rich aromas. A most
enjoyable and seductive wine.
La Vendimia, Rioja, Palacios, Remondo, 2012, £11.55,
bbr.com
(£9.82 per single bottle when bought as an unmixed case of 12 bottles. Case price £117.71)
(£9.82 per single bottle when bought as an unmixed case of 12 bottles. Case price £117.71)
A young fresh wine
bursting with juicy red fruits with a smattering of spice.
 |
| La Vendimia, Rioja, Palacios, Remondo |
Laderas de El Seque, Artadi, Alicante, 2012, £9.95,
bbr.com
(£8.46 per single bottle when bought as an unmixed case of 12 bottles. Case price £101.49)
(£8.46 per single bottle when bought as an unmixed case of 12 bottles. Case price £101.49)
Dominated by the
monastrell grape with a dash of syrah, this delicious wine is reminiscent of
cherries and plums. It is excellent value for money.
Torre de Barreda, Vino de la Tierra de Castilla, Juan de
la Barreda, 2009, £9.95, bbr.com
(£8.46 per single bottle when bought as an unmixed case of 12 bottles. Case price £101.49)
(£8.46 per single bottle when bought as an unmixed case of 12 bottles. Case price £101.49)
From Castilla, south
east of Madrid comes this elegant and sophisticated wine. This corker overflows
with personality.
Igrexario de Saiar, Albariño, Bodega Sucesores de Benito
Santos, 2012, £11.95, bbr.com
(£10.20 per single bottle when bought as an unmixed case of 12 bottles. Case price £122.40)
(£10.20 per single bottle when bought as an unmixed case of 12 bottles. Case price £122.40)
Think peaches and
green apples. This superb white wine has a crisp acidity. It works well with
fish.
By Daralyn Danns
The special price
for cases of the above wines ends 27 November 2013
