Spanish Wine for your Collection
Central to the Spanish winemaking philosophy is the belief that wine should be released only when it is ready to be consumed, and not a moment before. Spanish wine law focuses squarely on this issue: the terms Crianza, Reserva, and Gran Reserva are highly-regulated indicators of the amount of time a wine has aged prior to its release. In Rioja, Navarra, and Ribera del Duero (which has the strictest standards), red Crianzas must be aged a minimum of two years; Reservas, at least three years; and Gran Reservas, five years. Of course, top producers will often age their wines far longer than they are required to – sometimes decades.
But when they are released, which ones should you drink? Here are a few Spanish wine suggestions from sales team members Laura Mooney, Omari Wheat, Tammie Teclemariam, and Lee Becker.
Yemaserena Tempranillo, Bodega La Tercia – 2011
This old-vine Tempranillo from La Mancha is a winner. It’s a delicious, full-bodied red wine that has rich, dark fruit smoothed out by aging in new American oak barrels. This elegant and well-balanced wine is making me crave bison burgers or a peppery steak. -LM
Primitivo Quiles “Raspay” Tinto – 2008
A captivating example of Monastrell! Stylistically very different from its famous counterparts in the south of France, this wine exemplifies old-school Spanish wine. Deep, powerful, and rustic, this wine demands hearty meat dishes and aptly rewards the effort! – OW
Ribeira Sacra, Guímaro – 2014
Spanish wine for the French drinker’s palate. Guímaro’s version of the underrated Mencia variety has the elegance to please fans of riper Burgundy styles. – TT
Campo de Borja, “Los Dos” – 2014
This type of blend is seen a lot in wines coming out of the Rhône valley but a Garnacha and Syrah blend from Spain is pretty unique! Fun and approachable with an abundance of fruit. A solid choice for the price. – LB
