Under the radar: Spain
Happy Friday Club Members!
Hope you are all having a good week so far. Did you get any snow? I am thinking about my pruning day on Saturday, fingers crossed it will be all clear by then!
My Faraway Friend is trying to persuade me to write more and I am considering it. A couple of newsletters a week, just like at the beginning. Time, I need to make more time! So keep an eye on this space, you might get that extra treat very soon.
(Also, the picture has nothing to do with Spain, it is mainly an encouragement for me to go to the vineyard in this weather!)
Do you know someone who likes wine as much as we do? Why don’t you click on the share button and spread the word about our wine journey.
Unearthing old grape varieties
Trying different wines is one thing but trying wines made from native, relatively unknown grapes is rather exciting. For me anyway. I usually do my research beforehand but still, not being able to pinpoint the grape’s characteristics is such a strange feeling.
I have always been very drawn to unusual wines and lesser-known varieties(even though I love Burgundy and Champagne ) but recently I noticed a shift in my wine choices. Other than the classic, usual suspects from France, I am more and more likely to grab something from Austria or an Italian Grillo instead of that bottle of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc for example. So when we decided to try some Spanish wines, I instantly went for something that is a bit more under the radar. And I also really wanted Friend to get to know them too.
Macabeo, Écologico Bodegaverde de San Valero
Macabeo, also known as Viura is the most widely planted white variety in Spain. Mainly in the Rioja region of northeastern Spain and the Cava producing areas in the south of Barcelona. It is often the main grape in the making of white Rioja, partially because of its ability to withstand oxidation, which made this variety a popular option along winemakers in Rioja, where barrel ageing is a common practice and it involves some oxygen esposure.
Even though it is such a versatile grape, can be used to make still, sparkling, dry and sweet wines, young and fresh and honeyed when aged; it is still not often you can pick up a bottle of 100% Macabeo when you pop out for dinner.
Bodegas Verde is a small organic winery based in the high altitude village of Almonacid de la Sierra. A striking straw yellow colour in the glass followed by fresh but intense notes on the nose. Floral and grapefruit aromas alongside lime peel and lemon verbena. It’s on the palate where you can see the versatility of this grape. Soft peaches and green apples, honeysuckle and again that lime zest to give a refreshingly long finish. And with a mouthfeel similar to a Chardonnay. It’s juicy, fresh and fragrant at the same time and with a great body! Even though it has a whopping 14.5% ABV, it goes down way too smoothly.
Name: Macabeo, Écologico Bodegaverde de San Valero
Origin: Cariñena, Spain
Grape: 100% Macabeo
ABV: 14.5%
Notes: Straw yellow colour. Floral and grapefruit aromas alongside lime peel and lemon verbena. Green apples, ripe peaches and honeysuckle on the palate with a refreshingly long finish
Price: £11.95 or £10.95 when you buy a case of 12
Recommend with: This is such a good choice for creamy, buttery dishes and will withstand any heavier dinner choices, as well as white fish, chicken or pork
Where: Lea & Sandeman
Bodegas Altolandon, Mil Historias Bobal
Have you ever heard of Bobal? Did you know it is the third most popular grape variety in Spain( possibly second now )? Well, if the answer is no, you are not alone. Until a few years ago, not many people discussed Bobal as a potential choice for a bottle of wine. Planted in a tiny corner of Spain, it has been mainly used in bulk wine production and was often dismissed. However, fast forward 5 or so years and Bobal was revived by a small group of wine growers and now attracting plenty of followers.
The name Bobal originates from bovale, or bull, as the bunches of grapes are shaped a bit like a bull's head. It has been grown in southeast Spain since the 15th century and possibly longer and the vines can survive both hars winters and baking hot summers.
Bodegas Altolandon, Mil Historias Bobal is the golden child of winemaker Rosalia Molina, who makes organic wines in one of Spain's highest altitude wineries, 1,100 metres above sea level.
Hand-harvested only and never before the 12th of October, these wines are made as naturally as possible and then aged in a clay amphora to give texture.
In the glass, you are welcomed by a deep cherry colour. The aroma is intense and full of ripe fruits, cherries, blackberries and blackcurrants with rosemary and a touch of black pepper. This Bobal shows power and freshness with soft and ripe tannins. It is spicy and juicy with a well-rounded palate and an excellent depth. With that silky mouthfeel and a very persuasive style, it deserves a way greater recognition along Spanish wines.
Name: Bodegas Altolandon, Mil Historias Bobal
Origin: DO Manchuela, Spain
Grape: 100% Bobal
ABV: 14%
Notes: Deep cherry colour. Blackberries, blackcurrants, ripe red fruits with a hint of rosemary and black pepper. Silky mouthfeel, well-balanced with excellent depth
Price: £12.75
Recommend with: Would be a fantastic choice with any cold cuts and even that Sunday roast
Where: Bush Vines
There must be a Verdejo: Silga Verdejo- Rueda
When a night is about Spain, the only thing for me not to be missed is a delicious bottle of Verdejo or Albariño. It was a must to get.
Verdejo wines are known for their aromatic intensity and bright acidity and this one was no exception. Beautiful green fruit aromas and grassy notes combined with a hint of citrus and white stone fruits to give a fresh and vibrant tone. It’s fun and playful with a well-structured and balanced acidity. Makes every evening a little bit happier.
Name: Silga Verdejo- Rueda
Origin: Rueda, Spain
Grape: 100% Verdejo
ABV: 12.5%
Notes: Pale yellow in the glass. Fresh green fruit and citrus notes, white stone fruits alongside a grassy tone. Bright, high acidity, very refreshing, easy to drink
Price: £11.70
Recommend with: Fresh, crisp summer salads, light chicken dishes, delicate white fish
Where: Roots Wine Co
Next time…
Italy prep, study nights, maybe 2 newsletters
Have a grape weekend!
The 4pm Club