With nearly 1.16 million hectares under vine, Spain boasts the largest surface area of vine cultivation in the world that dates back to Roman times. There are 67 appellations of Spanish wine, many of which perhaps live in the shadow of the better known appellations of Rioja, Cava, Sherry and the Ribera del Duero.
The country has a varied climate from the cooler, greener north to the parched Mediterranean south, but the growers cope with the heat by planting vineyards with an average altitude of 2,000 feet. The hot climate produces ripe, rich and powerful wines that can compete well with New World reds, but with additional appeal from a host of excellent indigenous grape varieties.
Yellow with green hues; clean and bright. Outstandingly intense aromas, with hints of stone fruit (peaches), white fruit (pears and ripe apples) and quince, in addition to a remarkable lemon leaf citrus background. A flavoursome mouth is accompanied by an enjoyable breadth and freshness, together with a very well-integrated acidity. Very persistent, fruit-forward finish. Perfect to enjoy with any appetiser....
moreBottle 75cl £15.00
The nose opens with warm earthy tones. Appealing spice sits alongside dried peel notes and hightoned fruit over a hint of leather The fruit is forward, and a touch juicier than in the past, underpinned by the same spicy notes found on the nose. A keen freshness knits everything together and the balance of this wine is impeccable. Drink from...
moreBottle 75cl £29.00
“The Viña Arana 2009 is a wine with that smooth, polished red colour typical of classic Riojas. Clean and bright in the glass, with light orange notes on the rim. Outstandingly intense nose, with light balsamic tertiary aromas of tobacco, caramel, incense and spices against a background of ripe fruit. Consistent and well-balanced in the mouth, with fine, elegant tannins....
moreBottle 75cl £24.00
Rioja Alta’s Gran Reserva 904 stands out for its remarkable complexity and outstanding ageing potential. It is a classic Rioja which is released in exceptional vintage. The 2009 reveals a bouquet of great aromatic complexity. Cassis and wild berry characters give way to delicate spices and sweet balsamic notes. The palate builds on the expansive aromas with concentrated sweet cherry...
moreAn extremely elegant reserva with an enveloping bouquet of crushed red cherries and subtle spices with just a hint of lavender. On the palate, smooth textures and bright red berry fruits are balanced by a refined mineral character which leads to a long and refreshing finish. Beautifully defined and supple, and almost Burgundian in style, this wine will age well...
moreBottle 75cl £28.00
Bottle 75cl £14.00
Worldwide Exclusive ReleaseMedium-intensity, dark cherry-red; clean and bright. To the nose it stands out for its fresh, spicy character, with hints of sweet cherries and blackcurrant chocolate, assembled with notes of black pepper, tobacco, nutmeg, coffee, mocha and cinnamon. Pleasant and well-balanced in the mouth. Tasty, with a soft freshness, nice structure, and delicately elegant tannins. Silky finish, with a...
moreBottle 75cl £29.00
Another cracker was the Aster, Finca El Otero 2014 from Burgos, the central chunk of Ribera where most of the best wines comes from. This big wine (14.5% above but well-balanced) was notably complex with well-meshed tannins and a long finish. Clearly, it will age well.Geoffrey Dean, The Buyer
moreBottle 75cl £36.00
Bottle 75cl £4.56
Case of 6 £27.30
Bottle 75cl £4.55
Bottle 75cl £8.84
A delightful bouquet of crushed blackberries and damsons is accompanied by perfumed, spiced notes of violet, pot-pourri and black pepper. The palate is full and rounded with fine velvety tannins and a fantastic freshness that lifts the wine, providing an elegant and striking backbone. The finish is floral and persistent. This excellent value wine from a well-regarded organic producer would...
moreBottle 75cl £8.84
Bottle 75cl £9.26
Case of 6 £55.50
Bottle 75cl £9.25
Bottle 75cl £9.56
Bottle 75cl £9.55
Bottle 75cl £9.58
Case of 6 £57.46
Bottle 75cl £9.58
Bottle 75cl £11.14
Case of 6 £66.78
Bottle 75cl £11.13
Case of 6 x 75cl £69.60
Bottle 75cl £11.60
Bottle 75cl £12.90
Bottle 75cl £12.89
Bottle 75cl £12.90
Case of 6 £77.34
Bottle 75cl £12.89
Bottle 75cl £16.86
Case of 6 £101.16
An introduction to the quality of Gramonas wines and what a beautiful entry-level Cava. 18 months ageing on lees has imbued some subtle toasty, autolytic notes but this NV is primarily about the refreshing, defined citrus and stone fruit. A touch of minerality and laser-like acidity round off the richness here with aplomb. A wonderfully more-ish Cava that would be...
moreBottle 75cl £16.86
