In the last decade Spain has undergone a wine transformation. Modern winemaking techniques and visionaries in the field have made this country the new hot bed for exciting vino coming from Europe. Spain’s winemaking tradition dates back over 5,000 years, making it the oldest in the Old World(Europe). The indigenous grape varietals like Tempranillo, Garnacha(Grenache) and Monastrell(Mourvedre) to name a few are abundant and of high quality. Also many old vines still exist and are being used to make wines of great complexity, but at prices the common man can afford. Regions that were once written off as producers of low quality wine have recently emerged making fine bottles of wine. Every week I taste Domestic and Imported wines and I’d have to say that this country always delights me with new gems over and over again. Some of the regions that have started to put out excellent wines for fabulous prices are Jumilla, Campo De Borja, Calatayud and Rias Baixas to name a few. Of course the famous regions of Rioja, Ribera del Duero and Priorat still make some of the greatest wines in the world and can be had for prices usually a lot less than say your Bordeaux’s and high end California Cabs. Now is definitely the time to explore the wines of Spain and to taste a long lived tradition wrapped up with the new flavors of cutting edge winemakers. Here’s a list of wines that over deliver and go great with a wide variety of foods.

1) Marques de Caceres White, Rioja 2006 – Crisp and clean and made with 100% Viura grape. Aromas and flavors of lime, grapefruit, pear and apples. Pair with seafood. 

2) Salneval Albarino, Rias Baixas 2006 – If you enjoy Pinot Grigio than its time to pick up an Albarino from Spain. Aromas and flavors of tropical fruits, peach and apricot. Very refreshing. Pair with scallops and shrimp. 

3) Borsao Garnacha- Tempranill 2006, Campo De Borja – Aromas of cherry with flavors of strawberry and spice on the palate. Great bang for the buck. New vintage is drinking superb. Pair with grilled Tri-Tip. 

4) Monte Oton Garnacha 2007, Campo De Borja – This is one of my new favorites. Aromas of white pepper and red fruits with succulent flavors of raspberry and more pepper and spice. Pair with a Ribeye steak or aged cheddar. 

5) Panarroz 2005, Jumilla – Awesome for the price! This wine is a blend of Monastrell( Mourvedre), Garnacha(Grenache) and Syrah. Aromas and flavors of blackberry, plum, spice and pepper. Pair with grilled meats and Manchego cheese.

Happy Sipping!
Jeff Anderson
Sommelier