I will probably fall to a Saracen’s sword when I say there are certainly a few good wines to be found in the Southern region of Spain but one has to gravitate north to find the more truly spectacular ones, at least in my opinion lets say. Speaking of opinions, of which I hold a few quite tightly, I met a Frenchman the other day and we got into a friendly discussion over wines and he disagreed with my assessment on the good wines from Spain. Go figure. Something about national pride.
In Southern Spain, in Andalusia, within sight of the Atlas Mountains and the continent of Africa, there are other types of very fine wine that I would like to mention. This region is “ground zero” for Sherry, produced from a small area around the town of Jerez. Sherry is made principally from the Palomino and Pedro Ximénez (PX) grapes, with a splash of Moscatel. Sherry comes in Dry, Medium and Sweet. Three top Sherry’s you won’t go wrong with include Emilio Lustau, Valdespino and Barbadillo. Further East from Sherry country is Málaga home to great Spanish brandy. Two Brandy’s of note include Larios 1866 Gran Reserva and Peinado 12. I would urge you to explore both the Sherry and Brandy. After all, they built great empires.
In Spain, Rioja is synonymous of wine. Pure and simple. The region covers La Rioja, Basque Country and Navarre. The wines of Rioja are the most famous of Spain and its long tradition supports their fame. Here are two worthy northern contenders of note:
Valsacro 2004 (Red) is made from 50% Tempranillo, 40% Garnacha and 10% Mazuelo, and aged 12 months in mainly American oak. Deep, dark cherry red color. Great complexity on the nose with rich berry fruit, violets, spice and toasty oak along with a pleasant mineral scent. On the palate its silky smooth, showing ripe black cherry and berry fruit overlaid with nicely integrated wood and spice flavors.
Aliaga Garnacha Vieja 2007 (Red) is made from 100% old vines Garnacha and aged in oak. Nice dark cherry red color and an excellent nose showing bright cherry/berry fruit and finely spiced quality oak aromas. Good body with fresh fruit flavors (strawberry/raspberry), toasty oak and dried spice flavors on the palate.
And from the South, two strong contenders:
Torrecastillo 2006 (Red) from Jumilla in Southeastern Spain is a full-bodied red made from the local Monastrell grape (Mourvèdre/Mataro), it’s young and hefty, yet sweet, smooth and easy to drink. A lovely purple/red color says this wine is still young and fresh. Aromas of ripe/fresh blueberry fruit dominate the nose, followed by a just a touch of spicy oak, graphite and fresh garden herbs. Young wines can be somewhat rough around the edges, but this is potent and silky smooth at the same time: a steel fist in a velvet glove.
Rodrejo 2001 (Red) from Jumilla is hearty unoaked red made from 100% Monastrell and is a fruity red with body. Dark purple/red color. Rich intense fruit aromas of fresh blackberries and blueberries with a slightly floral note.
North or South you won’t go wrong. Just enjoy!