Grape Gossip, Spain - The Undiscovered Land

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Everyone loves Rioja, and some even like Cava, but for many people, that’s where Spanish wine ends and begins. It’s time to change all that – Spain is an undiscovered country full of hidden wine gems and well worth exploring, for some great bargains.

Even so, it can be a little confusing, as many of the wines contain lesser known, indigenous grapes with outlandish names, (or even well-known grapes with Spanish names) so perhaps the best way to approach this is to think about what you like, and then find a match from the ones below.

If you like…. RIOJA then you’ll love…

Quite a lot of Spanish wines, actually, but specifically:

WHITE

Rueda mirrors both the fresh, modern style and the barrel fermented, heavier whites of Rioja. The grapes are Verdejo and Viura, which like in Rioja are often blended.

RED

a) Navarra. Rioja’s closest neighbour produces wines from the same grapes and in the same way as Rioja, often for much lower prices. Reduced pressure on winemakers to produce a specific style or blend means that many bottle single varieties, such as Senorio di Sarria’s Vinedo No.7, Graciano

b) Castillo y Leon. This large area in Northern Central Spain covers the smaller regions of Cigales, Toro, and most importantly Ribera del Duero, whose Tempranillo-based wines spend many years in oak barrels, and keep for decades. The wines are big and concentrated – top dog is super-expensive Vega Sicilia, but the region is fast acquiring more affordable wines! Try the Riberal wines for a traditional style, or Abadia Retuerta’s Rivola for something more modern.

If you like…..CHATEAUNEUF DU PAPE then you’ll love…

a) Tarragona, or more specifically, Priorato, between Barcelona and the Pyrenees. A unique soil, full of reflective Mica crystals creates a Terroir perfect for Garnacha (or Grenache as it’s known in the rest of the world), and these rich heady wines are fast losing their ‘Best Kept Secret’ status.

b) Valencia. The lands west and north of Valencia conating three key regions - Yecla, Jumilla and Utiel Requena. Yecla and Jumilla major in Monastrell. Better known to most as Mourvedre and used in the Rhone as a blending grape, here it is capable of some concentrated cassis and bramble flavours, especially in Crianza level wines which are well worth seeking out. Petit Verdot also seems to like conditions in this part of the world.

If you like...FUNKY NEW WORLD WINES then you’ll love…

Somontano and Penedes. Both these regions benefit from relaxed regulations that allow the planting of international grape varieties such as Chardonnay, Syrah and even Gewurztraminer. The wines are distinctly modern in style.

If you like… SAUVIGNON BLANC then you’ll love…

Rias Baixas. If you think that’s difficult to pronounce, then just you wait. The wines from this region, just north of Portugal are made with the Albarino grape variety, and are fresh and crisp with peachy flavours and some hints of almonds. Great with grilled Sardines.

If you like…PINOT GRIGIO then you’ll love…

Galicia. Valdeorras, and Monserrei are right next door to Rias Baixas, but produce wines with gentler acidity, a little more body and even a hint of spice.

If you like… CHINESE FOOD then you’ll love…

Txacoli di Guetaria. I did warn you! These unusual wines from the only winegrowing region in the Basque country are low in alcohol, and best drunk young, but the green pea and eastern spice flavours go brilliantly with oriental cuisine.

If you like SHERRY then you’ll love….You guessed it! But try Montilla Morilles too (if you can find it).

If …SIZE MATTERS then you’ll love…

La Mancha. The biggest wine region in the world which grows the most planted grape variety, Airen. Much of this is used to make brandy and vinegar, but there are increasing quantities of decent still wines, especially from the smaller sub-region of Valdepenas.

One more thing to look out for…..

Spain has a number of ‘Vinos de la Tierra’ (the equivalent of the French ‘Vins de Pays’) regions which operate under much less stringent regulations. Like in Italy, these are becoming increasingly important as top wine makers take advantage of freedom to experiment.. Look out especially for wines from Castilla y Leon, and the likes of Abadia Retuerta.