Spain, USA
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 United States is now the fourth largest producer of wine worldwide, with an abundance of grapevines planted in many wine regions, though Californian accounts for almost 90% of the countries output. In the late 1800s, the root louse phylloxera decimated many of the vineyards in Europe. It originated in the soils of North America where the vines are naturally resistant and was transferred to Europe on vine cuttings. In this case North America was both the cause of the problem, and the solution, in the form of resistant rootstock for grafting.
It wasn’t until 1973, when Stag’s Leap Cabernet Sauvignon and a Chardonnay from Château Montelana were judged to be the best in the world at the famous Paris Wine Show that the quality of the Californian wine industry was truly confirmed in the eyes of Europe.
Most all varieties are planted these days in the United States, from Syrah to Tempranillo, Pinot Noir to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Viognier and every blend in between. Key varieties are Californian Cabernet, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel and Chardonnay. Cooler climates such as Oregon and Washington produce brilliant Pinot Noir. Even states previously considered too hot and arid for wine, like Arizona are being planted, with great results.
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 United States is now the fourth largest producer of wine worldwide, with an abundance of grapevines planted in many wine regions, though Californian accounts for almost 90% of the countries output. In the late 1800s, the root louse phylloxera decimated many of the vineyards in Europe. It originated in the soils of North America where the vines are naturally resistant and was transferred to Europe on vine cuttings. In this case North America was both the cause of the problem, and the solution, in the form of resistant rootstock for grafting.
It wasn’t until 1973, when Stag’s Leap Cabernet Sauvignon and a Chardonnay from Château Montelana were judged to be the best in the world at the famous Paris Wine Show that the quality of the Californian wine industry was truly confirmed in the eyes of Europe.
Most all varieties are planted these days in the United States, from Syrah to Tempranillo, Pinot Noir to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Viognier and every blend in between. Key varieties are Californian Cabernet, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel and Chardonnay. Cooler climates such as Oregon and Washington produce brilliant Pinot Noir. Even states previously considered too hot and arid for wine, like Arizona are being planted, with great results.
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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 2019$12.99 Per item -
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 -
Ripe, fleshy stone fruits with hints of vanilla and honeysuckle and lashings of delicate, buttery sweet almond crossiant. No surprises here - Fat Bastard Chardonnay has an opulent, luscious palate of grilled pineapple and juicy clingstone peach, followed by spiced ... Learn MoreFat Bastard California Chardonnay 2018$17.00 Per itemOut of stock -
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 itemOut of stock -
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 -
Aromas of meyer lemon, gala apple, and subtle hints of oak are followed by flavors of white stone fruit, yellow plum, and honeydew melon. On the palate, the wine is vibrant and concentrated with juicy acidity that drives a lingering ... Learn MoreLa Crema Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2018 375Ml$24.99 Per item -
Beautifully integrated tropical flavors such as pineapple, mango, and papaya with citrus notes that explode in your mouth. These flavors from Kendall - Jackson Vintner's Reserve Chardonnay, delicately intertwine with aromas of vanilla and honey to create depth and balance ... Learn MoreKendall Jackson Vintners Reserve Chardonnay 2016$24.99 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 -
Aromas of meyer lemon, gala apple, and subtle hints of oak are followed by flavors of white stone fruit, yellow plum, and honeydew melon. On the palate, the wine is vibrant and concentrated with juicy acidity that drives a lingering ... Learn MoreLa Crema Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2017 375Ml$24.99 Per itemOut of stock -
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 -
La Crema Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2015 is sourced from the sub-regions of Sonoma including Russian River and Los Carneros. This wine has an enticing nose of red fruits, spice and rose petals and is backed by terrific depth of flavor ... Learn MoreLa Crema Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2015 375Ml$26.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Flavors from Kendall Jackson Vintner's Reserve Chardonnay, delicately intertwine with aromas of vanilla and honey to create depth and balance throughout. A hint of toasted oak rounds out the long, lingering finish. ... Learn MoreKendall Jackson Vintners Reserve Chardonnay 2018$28.49 Per item -
Pérez's entry-level Mencía comes from multiple remote parcels of 30- to 60-year-old vines dotted around the slate-rich hillsides of Valtuille and Villafranca del Bierzo. The blend also takes in a splash of Garnacha Tintorera (Alicante Bouschet) for added ... Learn MoreMengoba Bierzo Brezo Mencía 2018$29.99 Per itemOut of stock -
A creamy, full-bodied red with plum and berry character. Nice purity of fruit to this. Its full-bodied and layered with polish and beauty. Lovely tannins here. - James Suckling Exopto is Latin for to long for or to desire greatly ... Learn MoreBodegas Exopto Rioja Bozeto de Exopto 2019$29.99 Per item -
Pale straw-green; a mown grass, hedgerow, nutty bouquet. The palate is vibrant, fresh and crunchy, with a classic dry finish, lingering long, with no phenolics, and a fresh breeze aftertaste. - James Halliday From the stellar Equipo Navazos stable, this ... Learn More -
A family owned finca or single vineyard of 22 hectares at the village of Moja, near Vilafranca del Penedes in the centre of the main zone of production for quality Cava. Cava is an anomaly within the world of wine appellations, ... Learn MoreTorreblanca Cava Brut 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 -
It all began in 1885 when an ancestor of the Prada family, passionately believing in the nobility of the Godello grape variety, planted the first vines on the high, slatey hillsides of the Sil valley. Fashioned from the Estate's younger vineyards ... Learn MoreValdesil Montenovo Blanco 2019$36.99 Per item -
The Toro Albalá winery began in the heart of Southern Cordoba in 1922, which is famous for its wine region Montilla-Moriles. The Don PX wines come from the youngest, sweet vintage wines of Toro Albalá. Wonderfully pure, grapey examples of Pedro ... Learn MoreToro Albala Don PX Cosecha 2018 375ml$37.99 Per item -
Alejandro Fernandez's Dehesa La Granja is a striking 100% ungrafted, 'old-clone' Tempranillo. Highly aromatic, there are plenty of dark cherry, cola, and anise notes and hints of blood and earth as well. Although gorgeous right now, this has the depth and ... Learn MoreDEHESA 'LA GRANJA' TINTO 2007$37.99 Per item -
On the nose, lemon, passionfruit, grilled pineapple and guava. Nectarine, papaya and crisp lemon-tangerine notes are complimented by touch of spice and complexing minerality on the palate. ... Learn MoreLa Crema Monterey Chardonnay 2018$37.99 Per itemOut of stock -
The 2017 Mendocino County Zinfandel begins with concentrated aromas of baking spices including; cinnamon and cloves. Those spices give way to aromas of blackberries, black currants, and dried sage. The texture is round, and the fruit expression is focused and lush. ... Learn MoreEdmeades Mendocino Zinfandel 2017$39.99 Per itemOut of stock -
This is as elegant an example of Garnacha as you are likely to find. Catalan winemaker Marc Isart Pinos is taking old vines, applying excellent viticultural work, fermenting in foudre (with some whole clusters used, as well as long maceration ... Learn MoreBernabeleva Vinos De Madrid Navaherreros Garnacha 2016$42.99 Per itemOut of stock -
GSM blend but done with less time with the juice laying on skins. This Rose is at the darker spectrum of Rose that is based off of one of the best Rose regions in the world, Bandol. Rich red fruits ... Learn MoreMerkin Vineyards Chupacabra Rosa 2018$48.99 Per item -
70% Riesling, 20% Chardonnay, and 10% Sauvignon Blanc. 100% Arizona fruit from Buhl Memorial Vineyard in Cochise County. A complex, inviting and perfectly balanced blend with well lifted aromas of bright fruits, spice & florals. Well textured with vibrant acidity and well rounded palate weight. ... Learn MoreMerkin Vineyards Chupacabra Blanca 2018$50.00 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. This Gran Reserva spends an incredible 24 ... Learn MoreAlegro Rioja Gran Reserva 2012$54.99 Per itemOut of stock -
Aromas of meyer lemon, gala apple, and subtle hints of oak are followed by flavors of white stone fruit, yellow plum, and honeydew melon. On the palate, the wine is vibrant and concentrated with juicy acidity that drives a lingering ... Learn MoreLa Crema Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2018$54.99 Per item -
40% Grenache 40% Syrah 20% Mourvedre from Buhl Memorial Vineyard in Willcox County in Southern Arizona. Note from the winery, which is the project of Maynard James Keenan, the front man of the band Tool: "Chupacabra is our Shape Shifter Kitchen Sink Blend ... Learn MoreMerkin Vineyards Chupacabra Red 2017$55.99 Per itemOut of stock -
This wine is Maynard James Keenan’s take on a Chianti Classico. Bright, lifted aromas of strawberry & cherry, and a beautiful medium body supported with bright acid and well structured tannins. Proof that these varietals are right at home in ... Learn MoreMerkin Vineyards Shinola Red 2017$58.99 Per itemOut of stock -
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 -
California is famous for producing world class Zinfandel, and the Seghesio family are renowned for their exceptional contribution. Founder Edoardo Seghesio first planted Zinfandel vines in Sonoma County's Alexander Valley in 1895. The winemaking is currently in the hands of fourth ... Learn MoreSeghesio Sonoma Zinfandel 2015$59.00 Per itemOut of stock -
Aromas of red cherry, pomegranate, and sweet tobacco are followed by flavors of assorted berries, plum, and subtle toasted notes. This wine presents fine tannins and balanced acidity. "Our original name, La Crema Vinera, means “best of the vine,” setting ... Learn MoreLa Crema Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2018$59.90 Per item -
Aromas of red cherry, pomegranate, and sweet tobacco are followed by flavors of assorted berries, plum, and subtle toasted notes. This wine presents fine tannins and balanced acidity. "Our original name, La Crema Vinera, means “best of the vine,” setting ... Learn MoreLa Crema Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2017$59.90 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
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