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Iberian Peninsula Drinking Dozen - Summer 2023
DOZEN: $2,916.00 or $243.00 each
The Spanish wine scene is now one of the most exciting to explore of all of Europe. The countryside is a multitude of undiscovered and re-discovered varieties as well as home to some of the most comforting and well-known wines of the world.
Weather drinking juicy and soft Tempranillo based wines from Rioja to incredible pinot-like wines of the north-west corner or from crazy old Garnaxa bush vines in Priorat there is so much to like.
In more recent years young and up-and-coming winemakers are re-vitalising ancient varieties and regions breathing new life and vigour into the industry.
They are the turning the old ideas of the past on their head and celebrating a rich and forgotten vinous history.
Include the likes of its closest neighbours Portugal and the rich tapestry of drinking form the region represents some of the most interesting drinking you are likely to see.
Every quarter we will be putting out a seasonal drinking pack which will be updated as we see great new wines, vintages rolls and the latest and greatest to hit our shores. At 15%-20% off or more, this a great way to explore Spain offering exceptional value and delicious drinking.
| Delgado Zuleta La Goya Manzanilla 375ml |  |
| SANLUCAR DE BARRAMEDA (100% Palomino) Manzanilla is the appellation name for a Fino sherry which is raised at Sanlúcar de Barrameda, a relatively cool, humid seaside village. The resultant sherry has a definite tang of the sea, and perhaps a suggestion of camomile flower (manzanilla is Spanish for camomile). Much finer, and more delicate than finos from Jerez, inland, and usually bottled at about 15% alcohol. We bottle and ship fresh every two months, to ensure this definitively crisp, refreshing young white wine is always in spanky form. Camomile and oyster-shell aromatics, Chablis-like mid-palate fruit, long and tangy. SCOTT WASLEY |
| Pequenos Rebentos Alvarinho Trajadura 2021 |  |
| Márcio Lopes is a brilliantyl adventurous winemakers and one of the new guard of the Vinho Verde generation. He has searched out old vines and unloved varieties, managing to uncover their potential and creating beautifully styled wines that effortlessly straddle modern Portugal while staying true to their rich historical roots. This falls under the Pequenos Rebentos range. Here Márcio likes to ferment Loureiro and Alvarinho grapes with the skins and aged in amphorae as well as old French oak barrels for weight and texture. Pineapple and apple-salad fruit with green herbal lashing and a hint of spearmint that cautiously peeks through. A touch of spritz which is very common and classic for the region and just adds an extra dimension to the palate. Pliant, chalky fruits, white pepper that mingle nicely with pink grapefruit pith, citrus zest and again, that herbal hit. We love these wines and if you have not tried this style from Portugal please take a look, they are wonderful and individually styled. |
| Cuatro Rayas Organic Verdejo 2021 |  |
| Quite an intense verdejo with a flinty streak to the lemon curd, oatmeal and pomelo fruit. A hint of fennel, too. Medium-to full-bodied and flavorful with bright acidity cutting it through, followed by a twist of grapefruit-skin bitterness adding phenolic interest at the end. Vegan. Drink or hold. JAMES SUCKLING This is a large but quality co-operative that manages to produce some incredible wines from organic grapes. This is off old-vine fruit and sees some time on lees which adds a wonderful texture and grip to the pure fruits. Cerainly on the more serious side of things here and not your average verdejo. |
| Bodegas Arraez 'Calabuig' Macabeo 2020 |  |
| Bodegas Arraez vineyards are 90 kilometres from the Mediterranean and at an altitude of between 600 and 800 metres, the perfect spot for making fresh and vibrancy, and, energetic wines from a raft of native varietals grown across their many plots. The Calabuig range of wines has been designed in honour of the mother's company owner, María Belén Calabuig. Lovely fresh pear fruit and some quartz mineral notes dance lightly around the glass. It leads crisp and clean on that palate broadening out to allow the rush for sweet, green tree fruits. Full of energy and cut with a swathe of minerality and zesty goodness that keeps it focused and tight. Perfect summer sipper here. |
| Serra da Estrela Albarino 2021 |  |
| A pure nose of limes, green apples, nectarines and tangy minerals, followed by a subtle and textured palate with plenty of white-fruit and mineral allure. Vegan. Drink now. JAMES SUCKLING |
| Mesta Garnacha 2019 |  |
| Fontana Bodegas & Viñedos is a leading producer of Estate wines, owning over 600 hectares, and managing a further 400 hectares of sustainably farmed, high-altitude vineyards in Castile, Central Spain. Jesús Cantarero, the current owner, has now brought together a highly experienced, eclectic, multi-national team of wine professionals, including Sam Harrop MW, who produce authentic, contemporary wines of great purity and freshness. |
| Cepa X Cepa Garnacha 2021 |  |
| This is a real treasure in the Nekeas Valley. Dwarf oak trees in the upper regions of the valley concealed small areas of Garnacha vineyards over 60 years old. The age of the vines are a result of years and years of selection based on the experience of wine growers who knew nothing about DNA, but knew what type of grape that ripened well in this extreme climate of the region, sometimes very harsh, so they decided to do the same thing that they had done before. They selected the vines that faired best of the years - "Cepa por Cepa" literally means "Vine by vine" and this is they worked. They have essentially rescued an invaluable genetic gem that could otherwise have been lost forever and the result is a succulent and vibrant wine. We are thoroughly impressed! Another great renditions here with wild strawberry, cherry and spice aromas that meet-and-greet with a welcoming smile. Its sits a nice middel-ground of serious looking grenache with some tight savoury tannins, finely sprinkled throught that lead into smoked herb-like savory finish. Freshness and vitality but with that staturated core of sweet red fruits that is ever appealing. Looking good. |
| Sierra de Tolono Rioja Tempranillo 2019 |  |
| Winemaker of the Year 2019 - Tim Aitkin MW, The Rioja Report Sandra Bravo started her Sierra de Toloño project in the Rioja Alavesa zone in 2012 and has grown to nine different wines. She works with small plots of old vines in the villages of Rivas de Tereso and Villabuena de Álava, trying to capture the essence of each village or plot. She now produces 50,000 bottles. LUIS GUTIERREZ, Robert Parker Sandra makes some of the most captivating wines out of Rioja from here numerous, old vine plots. This is off a single site at high altitude so comes at you with an ethereal and delicately perfumed nose. That telltale hint of cola and warm, baking spice greets you first while small red and blackberry fruit unfurl in the glass. Mid-weight styling and gently plush fruits are shaped by fine tannins and peppery spice. It finishes with a lovely hit of red fruits and rose petal florals that gently fade away as you finish each mouthful. |
| Avaniel Tinto Ribera del Duero 2019 |  |
| Bodegas Monteabellón is located in the heart of the Ribera del Duero with 52 hectares of vineyards (mainly Tempranillo) around the township of Nava de Roa. Isaac Fernandez, nephew of the legendary Vega Sicilia ex- winemaker, Marino Garcia, is the inspiration behind this relatively new venture. The production at the winery is a thoroughly modern affair that draws on nearly 140 hectares of vineyards. The plots are spread over the Ribera, Rioja and Rueda with the mainstay wines those from their excellent Ribera holdings. Avaniel is made from grapes from one or the freshest young plots called "Los Miles". It is also one of the youngest vineyard with vines within 6 and 10 years. Violet and damson with wild forest fruits and plum pudding, spice cake character. There are intriguing mountain herbs and salt bush flavours supporting plump cool blue fruits and black raspberry cool-aid. The tannins are fine grained and feel off in the distance providing gentle structure to the easy drinking fruit. PWS |
| Parajes del Valle Jumilla Monastrell 2020 |  |
| 100% Monastrell. Vineyards at between 600 and 700 m on sandy-loamy calcareous soils. Organic viticulture. Alcoholic fermentation in stainless-steel vats, then in concrete vats. Whatever it is they are doing they are doing it right. This is consistently one of our favourite Spanish drops. Often a little on the dark and broody side this always presents with the hallmarks of great monastrell but it a wonderfully fresh style. |
| Altano Tinto DOC Duero 2019 | .png) |
| The oldest British-owned Port house, Warre's was founded by two young entrepreneurs Clarke and Thornton, in 1670 and is considered one of the pioneering houses of the Port trade, today owned by the famous Symington family. While more famous for its fortified wines this new addition to the portfolio is a cracking example of the new-wave of still Portuguese wines coming out of the country and bang-on perfect fair for winter. Ah touriga, so pretty with violets, roses, blue fruits, and whole peppercorns swirling around. Wild strawberry and black currants flit around in the background too. A touch of balsamic with cocoa and dark chocolate notes in their too with the touriga franca addina a little summery red fruit hit. It's taught with finely focused tannin and a core of pristine, ripe fruit. Nicely balanced capturing the warmth of the Douro in a tight little package. |