Spain is such a diverse and exciting country when it comes to winemaking, yet for many, it is more of an unknown when compared to the likes of Italy or France. With this offer, we want to introduce readers to some of the wines we love coming from the Iberian Peninsula. While many of these may sound foreign or exotic, we encourage you to take a punt on these wines as there is a lot to like here and often at more attractive prices than wines from some of Europe’s most famous regions and appellations. Ches Cook, FWC.
Mengoba Godello Sobre Lias 2016
...diesel-like notes intermixed with yellow plums, fresh hay and waxy apples. Luis Guttierez, The Wine Advocate.
Valenciso Rioja Blanco 2019
...super-pretty, aromatic wine with crushed citrus notes, savoury elements and a juicy, silky and vibrant palate... Tim Atkin MW, Rioja Special Report 2021.
Algueira Mencia Joven 2019
...nicely textured, pleasant and juicy... Luis Guttierez, The Wine Advocate.
Terroir Al Limit Historic Negre 2018
I visited this producer some years ago and fell in love with the region and the wines. I highly recommend this wine to you. Ian Cook, FWC.
A trio of great Rioja below, all visited on a special ‘Rioja immersion’ a few years ago. These three wines give you a great spread of styles from the region. Vina Tondonia is seriously the greatest of the “old school” producers – al dusty cupboards, herby, dry and savoury and always released with at least 10 years bottle age. They are only a small producer, yet when you go there they look massive because they have 10-12 vintages all stacked up waiting. Roda 1 is my favourite expression of modern Rioja – you will love it. And bang in the middle is Valenciso – all things in moderation. Maybe you need a bottle of each in a mixed Spanish dozen. Ian Cook, FWC.
Valenciso Rioja Reserva 2012
...the words of Jean Gonon from St Joseph saying "our wines are salty, to be enjoyed with food. There is no room for sweetness in our wines," comes to my mind. Luis Guttierez, The Wine Advocate.
375ml Vina Tondonia Rioja Reserva 2008
Vina Tondonia Rioja Reserva 2008
The nose is...very elegant, fresh and with an herbal twist, starting to show the complexity of the aged wines that are sometimes still too young when they are released. Luis Gutierrez, Wine Advocate.
Roda '1' "Blue Note" Reserva Rioja 2015
...a wine of power with enormous finesse. The Spanish Acquisition, Importer.