Spain, Argentina
Spain is definitely one of the new-world players to keep an eye on. It is the land of old-vines, american oak and sherry! The main varieties grown in Spain are Tempranillo and Garnacha (Grenache) in the reds, and Airén, Viura/Macabeo, Verdejo and Albarino for the whites. Lesser grown whites include Palomino. Other reds successfully cultivated include Carignan, Mourvedre and Mencia.
Although Spain can be quite a warm country, the vast majority of vineyards are 600m or so above sea level, so the cooler nights allow the grapes to develop full colour and acidity.
Rioja is undoubtedly the long-standing king of all the Spanish wine regions, where Tempranillo and Garnacha are commonly blended. However more recently many more regions have come to the forefront of interest. Ribera Del Duero is producing excellent Tempranillo blends rivalling those coming out of Rioja. Jerez in the South is the home of the fortified wine Sherry.
Spanish wine laws created the Denominación de Origen (DO) system in 1932 and were later revised in 1970. These include:
The wine industry in Argentina has had one of the fastest growth rates in the wine world and now claims to be the fifth largest wine producer in the world. Much like certain aspects of Argentine cuisine, the wine industry too has its roots in Spain. Vine cuttings were brought to Santiago del Estero in the 1600s.
Up until the 1980s, Argentina was known for producing more 'quantity' wine over 'quality' wine, but that has changed with winemakers across the board lifting their game. There is no doubt that Malbec is the grape on which Argentina's international reputation as a wine-producing nation is founded. Whilst it is a difficult grape to grow, the climate and conditions around Mendoza and in particular the Uco Valley is ideally suited to producing world-class wine.
The most popular varieties planted out in Argentina would be Bonarda, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, Sangiovese, Syrah and Tempranillo.
Although Spain can be quite a warm country, the vast majority of vineyards are 600m or so above sea level, so the cooler nights allow the grapes to develop full colour and acidity.
Rioja is undoubtedly the long-standing king of all the Spanish wine regions, where Tempranillo and Garnacha are commonly blended. However more recently many more regions have come to the forefront of interest. Ribera Del Duero is producing excellent Tempranillo blends rivalling those coming out of Rioja. Jerez in the South is the home of the fortified wine Sherry.
Spanish wine laws created the Denominación de Origen (DO) system in 1932 and were later revised in 1970. These include:
- - Denominación de Origen Calificada (formerly called DOCa) Priorat calls itself DOQ for Denominació d'Origen Qualificada in Catalan and has a track record of consistent quality and is meant to be a step above DO level.
- - Denominación de Origen (DO)- Used for mainstream-quality wine regions. Nearly two thirds of the total vineyard area in Spain is within the boundaries of a DO region.
- - Vino de Calidad Producido en Región Determinada (VCPRD) - This is somewhat of a stepping stone to DO status.
- - Vinos de la Tierra (VdIT) - A level similar to France's vin de pays system, where the regions are much larger.
- - Vino de Mesa (VdM)- The equivalent of 'table wines' from France or Italy
The wine industry in Argentina has had one of the fastest growth rates in the wine world and now claims to be the fifth largest wine producer in the world. Much like certain aspects of Argentine cuisine, the wine industry too has its roots in Spain. Vine cuttings were brought to Santiago del Estero in the 1600s.
Up until the 1980s, Argentina was known for producing more 'quantity' wine over 'quality' wine, but that has changed with winemakers across the board lifting their game. There is no doubt that Malbec is the grape on which Argentina's international reputation as a wine-producing nation is founded. Whilst it is a difficult grape to grow, the climate and conditions around Mendoza and in particular the Uco Valley is ideally suited to producing world-class wine.
The most popular varieties planted out in Argentina would be Bonarda, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, Sangiovese, Syrah and Tempranillo.
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An impressively complete and versatile wine suitable for immediate appreciation. Rich, yet elegant with beautiful flavours, softness and very approachable - this is great quality for the price! The nose shows ripe redcurrants, wild strawberries, dried herbs and some savoury ... Learn MoreMarques De Tezona Tempranillo 2018$12.00 Per item -
An impressively complete and versatile wine suitable for immediate appreciation. Rich, yet elegant with beautiful flavours, softness and very approachable - this is great quality for the price! The nose shows ripe redcurrants, wild strawberries, dried herbs and some savoury ... Learn MoreMarques De Tezona Tempranillo 2017$12.00 Per itemOut of stock -
A great value tempranillo with an inviting nose of ripe dark berries and plums with hints of smoked spice. An elegant, medium bodied palate with lots of ripe red berried fruit and smoky spice. All supported by fine graphite tannins. ... Learn MoreAltacena Tempranillo 2018$12.99 Per item -
A fun, fruity wine, perfect to enjoy every day with a snack or any Mediterranean dishes, like rice, vegetable or pasta. This wine is representative of the virtues of the Tempranillo variety: intense floral aromas, very fresh red and dark ... Learn MoreAlegro Rioja Tinto Tempranillo 2019$19.99 Per item -
Very bright and cherry red in colour leading to ripe red fruited aromas and flavours combined with subtle vanilla, mocha and liquorice notes. The palate is fleshy and mouth-filling with soft, juicy fruit, soft acidity and supple tannins. A very ... Learn MoreVina Muriel Rioja Crianza 2015$19.99 Per item -
Selected small vineyards around the winery, in Salnes Valley, in the heart of the Rias Baixas appellation (in Galicia - Northwestern Spain). The soil is granite, quite rich in quartz but poor in organic components, with a sandy texture. The ... Learn MorePazo Cilleiro Albarino 2019$21.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Selected small vineyards around the winery, in Salnes Valley, in the heart of the Rias Baixas appellation (in Galicia - Northwestern Spain). The soil is granite, quite rich in quartz but poor in organic components, with a sandy texture. The ... Learn MorePazo Cilleiro Albarino 2018$21.99 Per itemOut of stock -
The Finca Nueva Rosado is made for easy and enjoyable drinking. From the creator of Finca Allende, these wines over deliver on expectations. Miguel Ángel de Gregorio, one of the great revolutionaries pushing for modernity in Rioja, is the man ... Learn MoreFinca Nueva Rioja Rosado 2016$23.99 Per itemOut of stock -
A representative wine of the new Rioja style, interpreted from modernity. Elegant, balanced and reliable on any occasion, with classic aromas of red fruit and vanilla and subtle hints of liquorice and toffee. Versatile with all kinds of Mediterranean dishes ( ... Learn MoreAlegro Rioja Crianza 2017$24.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Nicola Cantena planted his first Malbvec vineyard in Mendoza in 1902! This wine goes through an extensive cold maceration for 5 days at 48ºF (8,8ºC) to extract aromas. The juice is then fermented for 26 days with a post-fermentation maceration of 24 days. Wild ... Learn MoreEsquinas De Argento Malbec 2018$24.99 Per item -
Exclusively imported by United Cellars, this outstanding value Argentinian Malbec is a consistent favourite of staff and our regular customers. Displaying a fresh and fruity nose, enhanced by hints of plums, black berries and a touch of vanilla. The palate ... Learn More -
Classic ruby red with a terracotta hue. Lifted aromas of red berries, cola, vanilla and subtle garden herbs. Ripe fruit flavour is pulled elegantly firm with fine sandy tannins and perky, refreshing acidity. This is an expressive yet refined Tempranillo ... Learn MoreVina Muriel Rioja Reserva 2015$25.99 Per item -
The Catena wines are a special assemblage of High Mountain Estate Vineyards made by fourth generation vintner, Laura Catena and chief winemaker, Alejandro Vigil. Although we have found that most of the Catena wines are consumed shortly after release, we ... Learn MoreBodega Catena Zapata Malbec 2017$29.89 Per itemOut of stock -
The Catena wines are a special assemblage of High Mountain Estate Vineyards made by fourth generation vintner, Laura Catena and chief winemaker, Alejandro Vigil. Although we have found that most of the Catena wines are consumed shortly after release, we ... Learn MoreCatena Zapata Malbec 2018$34.99 Per item -
A clear example of the elegance and silkiness of Rioja Reservas but with a more modern profile. With the complexity of long ageing in the barrel and bottle, and the delicateness of the Tempranillo. A wine with intense aromas of ... Learn MoreAlegro Rioja Reserva 2014$34.99 Per item -
Exclusively imported by United Cellars, a multi-award winning Malbec from Argentina that is a real hearty and full-bodied wine. On the nose, it is intense and complex with outstanding aromas of red fruits, black berries, as well as delicate floral ... Learn More -
Made from 100% Pedro Ximénez, the dominant grape variety in Montilla-Moriles. It's a fino that differs from its Jerez counterparts on two counts: firstly it is made from 100% Pedro Ximénez and secondly it is not fortified (as the grapes ... Learn MoreToro Albala Fino Electrico Bombilla 750Ml$58.99 Per itemOut of stock -
It's naturally fermented, vinified in concrete vats and aged in low toast French and Russian oak for just 12 months. Forest fruits on the nose with some cherry aromas. There are also some earthy notes and hints of liquorice. Has liquorice, ... Learn MoreValenciso Reserva Rioja 2012$59.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Made from 75% Grenache and 25% Carignan. "It fermented with full clusters in stainless steel, where it was kept until bottling. It's a fruit-driven, light, refreshing Mediterranean blend with notes of licorice and wild berries. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins ... Learn MoreTerroir Al Limit Priorat Historic Negre 2017$59.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Toro Albalá put aside select lots of their best vintage wines for later release under this label. These rich and complex Pedro Ximénez wines are destined for very long ageing in oak barrels. After filling and sealing, these barrels ... Learn MoreToro Albala Don Px 1994 (Half Bottle 375Ml)$62.99 Per item -
There is no time limit for storage of this, and it improves with age even in opened bottle. Balsamic on the nose with pronounced notes of carob bean, marinades, liquorice, and raisined plums. These fragrances suddenly evolve into marked herbal ... Learn MoreToro Albala Don Px Gran Reserva 1990 (Half Bottle 375Ml)$62.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Exclusively imported by United Cellars - Bodegas Salentein is the heart and soul of the Uco Valley. Aromas of blackberries, raspberries and blueberries, combined with floral hints and delicate notes of vanilla and spices granted by its oak ageing. In ... Learn MoreBodegas Salentein Primus Malbec 2017$69.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Exclusively imported by United Cellars - Bodegas Salentein is the heart and soul of the Uco Valley. Aromas of blackberries, raspberries and blueberries, combined with floral hints and delicate notes of vanilla and spices granted by its oak ageing. In ... Learn MoreBodegas Salentein Primus Malbec 2016$69.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Santamanía's unique choice comes from the highest Mountain in Spain, the volcano of Mount Teide in Tenerife. The water that makes its way through the underground volcanic galleries of Tiede derive from the humid trade winds that come off ... Learn MoreSantamania Premium Grape Vodka (700Ml)$69.99 Per item -
100% Tempranillo sourced from an estate-owned vineyard in Rioja. ... Learn MoreLa Rioja Alta Rioja Reserva ‘Vina Alberdi’ 2012$70.00 Per item -
**THIS ONLINE TASTING IS OVER**
Whilst we can't physically travel to South America for the time being, let's travel with our taste buds and sample some delicious wines. We'll be tasting a selection of reds ... Learn More
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A juniper-driven London Dry style, with a distinctive Spanish accent. A beautifully balanced contemporary gin. The nose shows pungent rosemary and fresh citrus aromas. The flavour profile is both zesty and sappy with delicate floral notes and of course the ... Learn MoreSantamania Madrid Dry Gin 700Ml$79.99 Per item -
The Tempranillo grapes (80%) come from the 30-year-old La Cuesta and Montecillo vineyards, located in Fuenmayor y Cenicero. For the first time in the blend of this brand, the Garnacha (20%) comes from La Pedriza vineyard in Tudelilla (Rioja Baja) at an ... Learn MoreLa Rioja Alta Rioja Reserva ‘Vina Ardanza’ 2008$80.00 Per item -
The Tempranillo grapes (80%) come from the 30-year-old La Cuesta and Montecillo vineyards, located in Fuenmayor y Cenicero. For the first time in the blend of this brand, the Garnacha (20%) comes from La Pedriza vineyard in Tudelilla (Rioja Baja) at an ... Learn MoreLa Rioja Alta Rioja Reserva ‘Vina Ardanza’ 2009$80.00 Per itemOut of stock -
The Tempranillo grapes (80%) come from the 30-year-old La Cuesta and Montecillo vineyards, located in Fuenmayor y Cenicero. For the first time in the blend of this brand, the Garnacha (20%) comes from La Pedriza vineyard in Tudelilla (Rioja Baja) at an ... Learn MoreLa Rioja Alta Rioja Reserva ‘Vina Ardanza’ 2010$84.99 Per itemOut of stock -
"Almost two years of research have gone into creating a gin that is aged in an entirely natural way. With our RESERVA gin, we have managed to combine the action of oak over time with the delicate flavours and aromas ... Learn MoreSantamania Reserva Dry Gin 700Ml$84.99 Per item -
It's a brilliantly perfumed and floral wine offering ripe red fruits, milk chocolate and spice from the subtle oak. The palate is really fine and medium-bodied--Burgundy weighted even--with notes of fresh plum, cranberry, and again, that subtle and delicious cocoa ... Learn MoreTerroir Al Limit Vi De La Vila Torroja 2016$89.99 Per item -
The Catena Alta wines can usually be drunk starting at three years after harvest and into the following one to two decades. ... Learn MoreBodega Catena Zapata Alta Malbec 2013$99.00 Per itemOut of stock -
White Stones Chardonnay comes from a select 27 rows within Block 1 of the Adrianna Vineyard. The name refers to the ground beneath the vines which is covered with gravel - oval white stones. "The 2013 White Stones Chardonnay had penetrating balsamic aromas ... Learn MoreCatena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard 'White Stones' Chardonnay 2013$135.00 Per itemOut of stock -
**THIS ONLINE TASTING IS OVER**
This pack includes an additional 4th wine which is Bodegas Salenteins' iconic Malbec; Primus. This wine will be tasted in a zoom breakout room following the tasting of the first 3 ... Learn More
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No matter what the vintage, this wine is really more than 100 years old. It represents a family's journey to produce an Argentine Malbec that can stand with the great wines of the world. ... Learn MoreBodega Catena Zapata Argentino Malbec 2012$140.00 Per itemOut of stock -
90% Tempranillo and 10% Graciano from vines over 60 years old in vineyards in Briñas, Labastida and Villalba. ... Learn MoreLa Rioja Alta Rioja Gran Reserva ‘904’ 2009$150.00 Per itemOut of stock -
Nicola Cantena planted his first Malbec vineyard in Mendoza in 1902 and today the estate is run by Nicholás Cantena and his daughter Laura. "The superb, elegant and aromatic 2013 White Bones Chardonnay seemed to jump out of the glass with ... Learn MoreBodega Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard 'White Bones' Chardonnay 2013$160.00 Per itemOut of stock -
The Catena Family is entering its second century of winemaking in Mendoza, Argentina. Named after Nicolás Catena Zapata’s youngest daughter, the Adrianna Vineyard is located at almost 5,000 feet elevation in Mendoza. The soils in this 1.4 hectare parcel are ... Learn MoreOut of stock
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