Spanish New Guard David Jones

There is some pretty exciting stuff going on in Spain and we have been keeping a very keen and very close eye on the goings on. It's driven by a "New Guard" of winemakers who are reinvigorating the scene with a fresh perspective and oodles of talent. This dynamic and innovative movement is pushing boundaries, experimenting with new techniques, and revitalizing traditional practices as well as rediscovering some of the country's prime but long-abandoned locales to create unique and high-quality wines that reflect Spain's diverse terroir.
 
They are dedicated to showcasing the distinctiveness of Spain's diverse wine regions, from the cooler climates of Galicia to the arid landscapes of Priorat, Ribera del Duero, Rioja and beyond while promoting indigenous grape varieties that have been overlooked or forgotten.

'Local' grape varieties virtually died out in Spain in the abandonment era from 1940. Cheap easy kilos, and plenty of them was the only way for regional grape farmers to survive for more than half a century, and your fickle local varieties which need high care, low crop, old vine regimes to make interesting wine, did not give these kinds of kilos. So, Spain planted Chardonnay, Palomino, Tempranillo and Syrah everywhere. But the locals didn't die out and in the last 20 years, the best small producers in various regions have been bringing back their old locals.

This tendency started with the recovery of Mencia in the 2000s, and here we showcase later recoveries: the delicate Callet of Mallorca and Valencia's Mandó. Not just great recovery stories, they fit today's drinking zeitgeist perfectly: mid-bodied at most, less fructose, less glycerol, less alcohol, but utterly complete and satisfying wines with great natural acidity, herbs, bitters and spice. Welcome Back!

Rioja has perhaps seen some of the greatest change. While the dominant face of Rioja remains the 'shit fruit abused for too long in bad oak' regime of "Reservas-etcetera", there's a growing cadre of younger grower-makers who are 'growing and making' pure village wines redolent of site with no place for oakiness.

Here is The Real Rioja, and it's one of the wine world's great styles and offers extraordinary value wines.

With a willingness to experiment with new winemaking techniques and styles and a redicsovery of a rich vinous heritage almost lost the new guard are putting out some incredible wines into the market. Most operate as small, family-owned wineries with a focus on quality over quantity. Their artisanal approach allows for meticulous attention to detail in every aspect of the winemaking process and we are reaping the benefits.