You’ve heard it before, but we are saying it again—Spain is one of the most dynamic and exciting wine countries in the world. With over a million acres under vine and an industry in constant evolution, Spain delivers an extraordinary diversity of wines across every style imaginable. From benchmark classics to the fresh energy of a new wave of winemakers, it remains a treasure trove for curious drinkers.

Portugal, while newer to the spotlight for still wines, has been quick to capture attention thanks to its wealth of native varieties and distinctive regional expressions. Building on the groundwork laid by Spain, Portuguese producers have carved out a place of their own, crafting wines that are unique, vibrant, and increasingly in demand.

This mixed pack is a perfect snapshot of both countries: a blend of classics, fresh discoveries, and a balance of established names and rising stars. Inside you’ll find crisp, crunchy Verdejo, lifted and pretty Mencía, and both red and rosado Rioja to hint at summer. From Portugal, there’s the brilliance of Anselmo Mendes, structured Douro reds from the Symington family, and a vibrant Lisbon white—the kind that’s being poured and loved in the wine bars of the city right now.

It’s a little bit of everything, and a great place to start exploring two of Europe’s most fascinating wine cultures.

Aromas of white peaches, green pears, lemon blossom and gooseberries. Crisp and fruity with a medium body. Excellent freshness. Drink now. JAMES SUCKLING   

Muros Antigos (translating to “Ancient Walls”) is a celebrated Vinho Verde label created by Anselmo Mendes, widely regarded as one of Portugal’s leading white wine producers. This range brings together purity, terroir expression, and elegant craftsmanship—hallmarks of Mendes’s work in the Minho region. This single-varietal wine hails from vineyards along the Lima River, benefitting from a cool Atlantic influence and deliver some lovely testural elemetns against firm and zingy fruits. 

''Best Buy Recommendation.'' Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast Magazine

The Mar de Lisboa range is part of the new breed of modern and fresh wines coming out of the large growing regions west of Lisbon and designated for the many cool bars and funky restaurants in the bustle the coutnries capital.

Quinta de Chocapalha is nestled in the rolling hills of Alenquer, part of Portugal’s Lisboa wine region, just northwest of Lisbon. Its vineyards date back to the 16th century, though the modern revival began in the 1980s when Paulo and Alice Tavares da Silva acquired the nearly abandoned property and began extensive replanting and revitalisation efforts. Their daughter, Sandra Tavares da Silva, took the reins in 2000—not just as a winemaker, but as a passionate steward aiming to produce wines that vividly express the terroir and local character.

Approximately 85% Arinto with 15% Verdelho. Bright, intense hue. The nose shows fresh citrus and tropical fruit aromas—think lemon, passionfruit, and hints of floral notes. Fresh and balanced, with vibrant citrus flavours and a crisp, lingering finish. There's also a subtle textural element—some describe a chalky minerality or a light nutty undertone 

WINE REVIEW / TASTING NOTE

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ounded in the 1980s, Bodegas Granbazán was one of the pioneers in Rías Baixas to elevate Albariño from a local variety into a world-class white wine. Nestled in Galicia’s Val do Salnés, the estate is famed for its meticulous vineyard work and its striking blue-tiled winery. Granbazán’s philosophy blends tradition and modernity, crafting wines that capture the crisp Atlantic influence while showcasing the richness and texture Albariño can achieve. Today, their bottlings stand as benchmarks for the region, embodying precision, freshness, and regional character.

The 2024 Granbazán Verde Albariño is a vibrant, expressive example of what makes this grape so captivating. Aromas of citrus zest, green apple, and white peach leap from the glass, layered with subtle floral notes and a hint of sea spray. On the palate it is crisp yet textural, delivering juicy orchard fruits and a streak of saline minerality that speaks of its Atlantic home. Bright acidity keeps it lively, while a gentle weight on the mid-palate adds balance and complexity. The finish is long, clean, and mouthwatering – a wine that feels tailor-made for seafood but is equally refreshing on its own.

Almodí Petit Blanc is crafted by Altavins Viticultors, a small but passionate winery located in D.O. Terra Alta in Catalonia. Established in 2001, Altavins embraces Mediterranean viticulture with a focus on minimal intervention and environmental respect. Vineyards between 350–550 m elevation with limestone-rich, well-draining soils and low rainfall yield grapes that are expressive of their terroir. The name “Almodí”—Arabic for “market”—nods to the historical cultural exchange that shaped the region.

This wine is a youthful, approachable blend of Garnacha Blanca (~50%), Chardonnay (~30%), and Sauvignon Blanc (~20%), offering a fresh and balanced expression that reflects Terra Alta’s sun-soaked yet mineral backdrop. 

Casa Lluch Rosado hails from Bodegas Enguera, situated in the Valencia region of Spain. Established in 1999, the winery exclusively sources organic and biodynamic Tempranillo grapes from its own high-altitude vineyards in the Alhorines Valley, surrounded by sandstone hills, mountains, and aromatic Mediterranean scrub—conditions ideal for expressive, site-driven wines. The estate maintains full control over grape quality, reflecting a hands-on, terroir-focused approach.

This is not the first time we have featured the wines of Casa Lluch and doubt it will be the last given the consistency and brilliant value they represent.

Gently floral, with enticing notes of strawberry, candy-like sweetness, and subtle red berry depth. Fresh and lively, it balances juicy red fruit flavours with a delicate structure and refreshing acidity. The texture is smooth, with a touch of sweetness and a medium-plus finish—bright, easy to drink, and beautifully balanced.Youthful and vibrant, it carries just enough body to feel satisfying while remaining light and engaging—a classic Mediterranean rosado with structure and charm

El Galayo is part of the new wave of producers shining a light on the rugged Gredos mountains, west of Madrid. This dramatic landscape, with its granitic soils, high altitudes and old-vine vineyards, has become one of Spain’s most exciting sources of Garnacha. The philosophy here is simple: let the ancient vines and their unique terroir speak for themselves. Farming is done with care and minimal intervention, while winemaking focuses on purity, freshness, and finesse rather than power. The result is Garnacha that is lifted, aromatic, and full of energy — a far cry from the heavy styles of the past.

The 2023 El Galayo Garnacha Tinto captures the essence of Gredos Garnacha in a wonderfully vibrant way. Bright red fruits — think wild strawberry, raspberry, and cherry — lead the nose, lifted by hints of dried herbs, white pepper, and a gentle floral perfume. The palate is silky and refined, showing juicy fruit framed by a fine mineral edge from the granite soils. Medium-bodied and beautifully balanced, it offers freshness and length with just enough savoury grip on the finish to keep things interesting. A wine that is as easy to enjoy now as it is thought-provoking, showing why Gredos Garnacha has become one of Spain’s most exciting stories.

Awarded 2014 Winemaker of the Year by Der Feinschmecker (Germany)

Awarded 2015 Best Winemaker in the World by Bettane+Desseauve (France)

'This is primary, fruit-driven and ripe, but fresh, juicy and approachable. It has a lot of finesse and is highly drinkable. It is the finest vintage of recent times. This transcends its price category. LUIS GUTIEREZZ, Wine Advocate Magazine 

Bodegas y Viñedos Castro Ventosa (often referred to as Castro Valtuille) is one of the benchmark producers of Spain’s Bierzo region, with deep family roots in the village of Valtuille de Abajo. Founded in 1752, the estate is still run by the Pérez family, most notably Raúl Pérez—widely regarded as one of Spain’s most visionary winemakers. The focus here is on old-vine Mencía, drawn from the slate- and clay-rich slopes of Bierzo, producing wines that combine freshness, perfume, and structure. 

Castro Ventosa’s work has been instrumental in putting Bierzo on the international fine wine map, showcasing the region’s unique terroir through honest, expressive, and terroir-driven wines.

Here 'Principio' means 'origin' or 'source', and here, it denotes a return to ones' roots by working with the local cultivar. 5000 bottles are produced from vines around 20yo grown in sandy loam, with sandstone and marl at 400-600m altitude. Rainful is 400m or less. High diurnal temperature range promotes polyphenol maturity while protecting natural acidity. 4 components commenced fermentation in stainless. Unwooded, unfined, unfiltered, minimal sulphur, 'just the naturally fermented grape, bottled'. This was fermented with natural yeast.

Smokey-woodsy red fruits, light charred chestnut leaves and fine sour cherry/dried cranberry... you can't help but think of tracking a rabbit with a shotgun in your crook, hunching under encinas, swooshing/crunching through dried grasses, smelling dust and feeling the fresh chill of the Pyrenees creeping in...2017 is less sour than 2016, more generous with a touch of roundness, essentially in the same style, but better. Non-frutale, non-glyceric still, just a bit more-better mouthfeel. Lovely leafy-vegetal-light spice perfume finish has excellent linger.

This wine has dropped the Bozeto styling and is now simply called Exopto. New name, same vibrant, great-value Rioja. This pan-regional expression of Rioja’s three principal grape varieties is conceived as a lively, easy-drinking introduction to the range. Most entry-level wines from this region are based on Tempranillo (a variety easier and more profitable to grow), yet here Garnacha represents 65% of the blend. This Garnacha hails from very old vines in the sandy, river-stone terroirs of El Agudo and Al Casillón at Alfaro (Rioja Oriental). The Tempranillo is drawn from a selection of mature vines in Ábalos (high-county Rioja Alta), and some Ábalos Graciano adds freshness and finesse.

The wine ferments in a combination of concrete and steel tank, then ages for six months in concrete and 5,000-litre oak vats. These days, Tom includes a measure of semi-carbonic maceration for extra buoyancy. Opening with perfumes of dusky berries and well-judged spice, this is a wonderfully aromatic, restaurant-friendly wine. It’s a wine that impresses with its precision rather than power. Even so, the warmer year gives an open, juicy wine and a great deal of drinking pleasure: spice, vibrancy and velvety flow flecked with notes of espresso, dried flowers and wild woody herbiness to go with its smoky blackberry fruit. If you’re looking for a bright, succulent grower Rioja, few will deliver better value than this.

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. 

In 2023, this wine takes on a deeper, darker personality, but with a liveliness that keeps the crunchy and vibrant rendition we like. It’s unmistakably Ribera del Duero—ripe and powerful—but with an extra lift that keeps it fresh and energetic. Black raspberry and morello cherry lead the way, layered with subtle inky, earthy notes that clearly reflect its rocky Duero River origins. The palate is silky and generous, the fruit plush yet seamlessly woven with fine, crunchy tannins that beg for anything charred over fire.

Made by the superstars at the Symington Family with winemaker Charles Symington and Pedro Correia, assisted by the Douro winemaking team.

This Altano DOC Douro red wine is made from a combination of several traditional Douro grape varieties sourced from the Symington family's Douro Valley vineyards, principally those located in the Cima Corgo and Douro Superior subregions. 

Moderate conditions in 2021 encouraged slower, gradual maturations with balanced ripening, while the harvest itself was defined by three key periods of rain impacting our picking schedule. The remarkably cool nights contributed to excellent acidity and very good colour in the wines. The harvest was drawn out over six weeks, contrastingly sharply with that of 2020, which lasted less than a month allowing wonderful depth and complexity to the wines.

The wine is fermented in stainless steel vats with pumping over and soft macerations at low temperatures (23-25°C) aiming to extract colour and aromas and limit tannin extraction in order to produce a wine that favours fresh, floral aromatics and ripe fruit flavours.