Spanish Wine

All the expressivity of a grape variety that seduces from its extraordinary origins. 100% white Tempranillo which clearly demonstrates it purity, refinement and personality. A unique wine.
The white Tempranillo grape is genetic mutation of the red Tempranillo which appeared for the first time in a Rioja in 1988. At that time, it was not expected to be at the forefront of new era for white Riojas. This is a well-balanced wine that is expressive and persistent which is called upon to be the flagship for a new identity. A surprising wine. 

Producer Description 

Lirondo from their “Las Escuclillas” vineyard. Grapes are hand-harvested, destemmed, and macerated 12 hours before gentle pressing. The wine is fermented and aged in stainless steel tank, spending 8 months on fine lees before bottling in June 2018 without any fining, filtration or added SO2.

Apple, pear, pineapple, minerals on nose followed by orange peel, honey, lemon on palate. Crisp, dry citrus finish.

Winemaker Notes

A Cava of the traditional method, the grapes for this blush sparkler are sourced from clay and calcareous vineyards. A hand-gathered harvest selects the best of the plots, before pressing and a 12 hour maceration. The wine then ages for 24 months on the lees.

Bright strawberry notes are at the forefront of this energetic sparkler, backed by tropical, citrus aromas. Touches of minerality show through the fine mousse and lead into a bright finish of grapefruit acidity.

Garnatxa and Pinot Noir

GOLD MEDAL – GILBERT & GAILLARD INTERNATIONAL CHALLENGE 2018

91 POINTS - GOURMETS GUIDE

Winemaker Description 

Tio Pepe is pale golden yellow in color with a very unique nose of elegant aromas of yeast and toasted almonds. On the palate it is bone dry with flavors of almonds and a slight saltiness on the finish. Surprisingly fresh after 4 years of ageing. Serve very chilled. Perfect as an aperitif with olives, almonds and Spanish jamon however also ideal for dishes such as seafood and fish.

Expert Review

90 Points James Suckling | This is the prototypical fino sherry with all the salty and yeasty character you expect. Also dried-apple, pear and lemon-zest character. Generous, but very dry and salty on the palate with a refreshing touch of austerity. Where are the olives? Drink now, if possible from a freshly opened bottle.

Winemaker Description

Pale yellow color with golden hues. Good release of tiny bubbles rising in trains which ends up forming a cheerful crown of mousse. Very elegant sparkling Cava, with fruit notes and typical nuances of aging in bottle. In the mouth, it is very nice, with slightly sweet points and final apple reminiscences. Good acidity and persistence. Long and complex aftertaste due to long ageing in the bottle.

This fun Spanish wine project is the brainchild of four friends who share a similar philosophy on viticulture and winemaking. This affordable 'Tinto' hails from the Sierra de Gredos region of Spain and is dominated by Grenache. 

About 50% of whole bunches are used, which add texture and weight to this easy-drinking wine. Notes of red fruit, pepper, and earth make this wine perfect for sipping chilled alongside charcuterie boards. 

Winemaker Description

Very intense cherry color with purple tones. On the nose it shows a great concentration of aromas of ripe red fruits with floral nuances. On the palate it is a rich and well-structured wine that evokes flavors of blackberry, plum and tones of leather and vanilla, with sweet tannins.

Expert Reviews

James Suckling 92 Points |  A fruity and floral garnacha with bright cherries, ripe strawberries, slate, potpourri and roasted spices. Intense and medium-bodied with velvety tannins that round the juicy berries and flowers on the palate. There’s a coffee-candy note in the finish that will need another year to integrate better. Yet, it’s very drinkable even now. (2020).

Wine Spectator 90 Points | A bold but balanced red, leading with aromatic tar and black licorice notes that are well-meshed with raspberry ganache, mocha, dried thyme, fresh orange peel acidity and supple tannins. (2020). 

Wine Enthusiast 90 Points | A nose of slightly brambly fruits of the wood and cherry pipe tobacco paves the way for flavors of blackberry pie, cherry preserves, cocoa butter, anise and a hint of orange zest. Glossy tannins and a note of freshly ground black pepper linger gently on the palate. (2020). 

Expert Reviews

Oscar Garcia 67Wine.com | Beronia Gran Reserva is one of my favorite Gran Reservas. Every vintage seems to get better and better. The long-term aging Gran Reserva gives the wine time to develop a great arrange of flavors and nuances, not found in younger wines. Aromas of toasty oak, cassis, dark plum and cedar. Medium to full-bodied. Great length and integration. Serious but approachable.

93 Points James Suckling | Plenty of berries with sweet oak, walnuts with some dried flowers. Medium-to full-bodied, fruity and chocolatey. Coffee, too. Tempranillo, graciano and mazuelo.

92 Points Wine Enthusiast | Aromas of vanilla, licorice and ripe berry fruits introduce this warm-year gran reserva. The palate is full on first take, then popping acidity pushes the flavors towards currant, tomato and red plum. The acidity drives a dry finish with plenty of oak spice. Give this lots of air and time if drinking now but it’s good through 2032.

92 Points Wine Spectator | Velvety tannins give way to dark cherry, mocha and loamy earth notes, enhanced with black tea, anise and graphite accents. Broad, but keeps focused, with solid, integrated acidity.

Winemaker Description

Very pale brilliant yellow with regular lines of bubbles rising to form a crown. Very pleasant initial sensation with fine, light aromas and secondary aromas redolent of ageing in the bottle with hints of fruits and floral shades. A Brut which sits exquisitely on the palate, fully and creamy, yet dry and fresh at the same time, with a well-balanced acidity and an elegant, fruity and long finish. Well balanced, with an agreeable after-taste and good presence.

Expert Review

92 Points Wine Enthusiast |  A soft column of bubbles releases a bouquet of Seckel pear, vanilla bean and nutmeg. Lightly effervescent on the palate, this wine offers flavors of peach, green apple, vanilla and brioche that coalesce in a vivid finish.

Winemaker Notes:

Very pale brilliant yellow with regular lines of bubbles rising to form a crown. Very pleasant initial sensation with fine, light aromas and secondary aromas redolent of ageing in the bottle with hints of fruits and floral shades. A Brut which sits exquisitely on the palate, fully and creamy, yet dry and fresh at the same time, with a well-balanced acidity and an elegant, fruity and long finish. Well balanced, with an agreeable after-taste and good presence.

Our Professional Review

Oscar Garcia Moncada 67Wine.com  | 67 Wine Somm Series Cava Gran Reserva 2018 Guarda superior is a blend of the three white grape varietals traditionally used in El Penedes for the production of Cava: Macabeo, Parellada and Xarel.lo. 

The three grape varieties are fermented separately and the wine undergoes Traditional method production and then aged 48 months sur lattes.

Winemaker Description

Varieties: 70% of Xarel.lo, 20% of Macabeu and 10% of Parellada

The three grape varieties are fermented separately and then the wine do the second fermentation in the bottle like the method Champenoise in the CAVA aging more than 48 months.

Recommended Serving Temperature: 6oC

Aspect: Pale straw yellow in color. Brilliant appearance with constant release of fine bubbles forming a crown on the surface of the glass.

Aroma: Has the special aroma from the second fermentation in the bottle and evolution in the cellar. Extremely fine and fresh. An aroma from the ageing process that gives it a personality of its own like croissants, almonds, white fruit, salinity and minerality.

Taste: Still conserves the varietal flavors mingled with those of the ageing process to achieve a perfect balance. It is fine on the palate with a certain rejuvenating acidity producing a pleasant and extremely harmonious combination.
A fairly long finish in the mouth. The bubbles are very small and delicate and It’s very elegant.

Food and wine pairing:
It’s perfect with tapas, with sea food, fish, cheeses, chicken, white meat and dry desserts.

Winemaker Description

La Copa Rojo is based on a Cream Sherry, a blend of 75% Palomino and 25% PX, with the addition of six botanicals; wormwood, clove, nutmeg, cinnamon, orange peel and savory.

Intense spiced aroma, notes of clove and cinnamon stand out, with an elegant bitterness on the finish. On the palate smooth velvety slightly sweet note from the Cream base. Enjoy well chilled on its own or with soda and a slice of orange. A key ingredient in many cocktails. 

Winemaker Description 

Fresh, fruity wine with a lovely attack, reminiscent of red fruit mingled with the coconut and vanilla aromas from the oak. Full and supple with a long finish. A wine with character which showcases the quality of the grapes used to make it.

Ideal match for grilled white and red meat, oily fish such as emperor fish, and cured cheese.

Blend: 96% Tempranillo, 4% Graciano

Complex, lemon/apple fruit, savory, smoky, salty; Light to medium bodied, supple texture, racy acidity, saline finish. Winemaker Description. 

Winemaker Description 

Fruit aromas forest, raspberry, strawberries, liquorice witht silky tannins.

Winemaker Description

Depaula Monastrell 2022 has intense aromas of red and black fruits, with herbal and mineral notes. 

The palate is full of fruit, with a juicy Mediterranean edge. A wine that mixes its elegance and pleasant flavors to create a very nice and easy to drink red wine. Winemaker Description. 

Winemaker Description

Traditional and family project from Rioja Alta that delivers a great book Rioja reserve. Made with a majority Tempranillo that is accompanied with a small percentage of Garnacha and Mazuelo from the Viña Olagosa estate located in San Asensio and the Zaco Estate in Haro.

A red wine with fine aromas of vanilla, tobacco and leather, typical of its long aging. 

Expert Review

Oscar Gacia Moncada 67Wine.com | Ruby color with copper rim; on the nose intense and complex: vanilla, cedar, and tobacco. Medium-bodied with polished aged tannins and espresso and more Tobacco notes. Very elegant finish. 

Keep in mind that this Gran Reserva has been aged from 28 to 30 months bordelaise barriques and further aging of 36 months in bottle before its release to the market. 
For sure one of my top Gran Reservas to drink now!

Producer Description 

Lemon yellow colour with steely reflections. Fine bubble forming a small, slowly evolving rosary. Fruity aromas where the apple predominates, pleasant in the mouth with a slight acidity and a well-integrated bubble.

Hot and cold starters, oisters, game, fresh foie gras and caviar. Goes very well with most dishes provided that there are no condiments as very strong paprika powder.
The grapes come from the property owned vineyards in the municipality of Grávalos, south of Monte Yerga at the foothills of the “Cordillera Ibérica” at an altitude between 700–800 meters above sea level. A remarkably high located area where you obtain fresh wines with little alcohol content and with very fine and elegant aromas.

The Viura grape is harvested during the two first weeks of October. The collection of the grapes is done manually, selecting the grapes, preventing any deteriorated grapes from reaching the press or not complying with the quality required to elaborate our cavas. 

Fresh green apple and pear flavors headline this coastal white. Clean, linear acidity is featured along with refreshing notes of citrus and salinity.

Blend: 71% Hondarrabi Zuri, 19% Mune Mahatsa, 10% Txori Mahatsa

Perfect as an aperitif, with any raw bar or shellfish, or with mild cheeses 

Winemaker Description

The vineyards for this wine are located in Soria which is in the far Eastern portion of Ribera del Duero. This area is not the "norm" for most wines from Ribera. The vineyards in this area tend to be very old and "ungrafted".

A mixture of limestone, decomposed granite and clay. A majority of the blend is comprised of grapes grown on the granite and clay sites with some limestone used to create structure and depth.

Bertrand Sourdais, the head of the project is working with the vineyard owners to work biodynamically and organically.

15 day macerations in Inox. Temperature controlled. Spontaneous fermentation. No fining and No filtering. 6 months in used French barrique. 

Critic Notes

Zekun Shuai writes:  A bright and juicy Rioja Crianza with some refined oak that adds a discreet creaminess to the vibrant red fruit. Plums, cherries and a hint of tobacco. Medium-bodied, with a juicy palate and a long, creamy finish, featuring bright red berries, cherries and vanilla at the end. Drink now.  - James Suckling 91

Joaquin Hidalgo writes:  The 2019 Crianza Altos Ibéricos is a Tempranillo from Rioja Alta and Alavesa, aged for 12 months in French and American oak barrels. With a garnet hue, it features blackberry and herb aromas, with subtle cherry notes. Dry and plush on the palate, it leaves a balanced and lingering impression with an expressive final whiff.  Drinking 2024 to 2029.  - Vinous 90

Winemaker Notes

The wine has a dark cherry red color that is very opaque. It has intense and fragrant aromas, with exquisite fruit notes of raspberry jam and spicy hints of green peppercorn. There is also a pleasant note that reminds of toasted bread. On the palate, the wine is warm and has velvety, juicy tannins that are well balanced by the oak aging. 

Expertly crafted with aging potential, Narupa ALAL Abarino Rias Baixas 2018 is not your typical Albarino. Its great body and acidity, along with notes of dark citrus fruit, create a unique and enjoyable mouthfeel. Elevate your experience with this exceptional 750ml bottle.

The thirst-quenching Materia Prima Pet-Nat is a delightful combination of floral and fruity notes such as citrus, quince, white pear, and apricot. The wine is vivacious on the palate, with spirited acidity and playful fizz that create a dynamic and energetic sensation.

The bubbles add complexity to the already flavorful profile. Its refreshing, long finish makes it an ideal partner for sunny days and seafood dishes. It's also suitable for sharing with friends while enjoying small bites together.

Winemaker Description

Viña Real is made from grapes grown in Rioja Alavesa where the people of the villages are dedicated almost totally to grape growing, this being a deep rooted tradition, passed down from generation to generation. The grapes which make up Viña Real Crianza are sourced from their own vineyards in Laguardia and from their trusted providers in Rioja Alavesa who have supplied them for many years. 

Expert Reviews

93 Points James Suckling | High-toned, floral aromas with orange peel and crushed blackberries. Medium-bodied with tight, chewy tannins that are polished and intense. Serious length and focus. Very drinkable now, but even better in 2024. (2019). 

91 Points Robert Parker | The fruit-driven, ripe and heady 2019 Viña Real Crianza was produced with 90% Tempranillo and the rest between Garnacha Tinta, Mazuelo and Graciano from a vineyard in the Sonsierra zone (call it Rioja Alavesa if you like). It has 13.75% alcohol and a pH of 3.6 and is polished and easy to understand and like. It has plenty of tannins; it calls for food. The oak is soft and integrated. (2019).

90 James Suckling | A fresh and zingy albarino with sliced green apples and lime zest. Elegant on the palate with a fresh streak of acidity cutting it through, before a slightly saline finish.

Fruit-forward and lively on the palate, containing aromas of citrus, tropical fruit and freshly cut green apple. Winemaker Description. 

92 points James Suckling | This shows earthy character, with notes of cherries, plums, tobacco leaf, leather, cloves and cardamom. Medium-bodied, polished and creamy with a lively fruit component, hints of wet earth, sweet spices and a lingering finish. Drink or hold.

91 Points James Suckling | Tangy and bright with lime citrus and seashells on the nose. Chalky and zesty palate with a medium body and a bone-dry and deliciously saline finish. Drink now.

91 Points Wine Spectator | A linear white, with good drive and focus to flavors of Mandarin orange, wild strawberry, grated ginger and fresh tarragon. Though svelte in form, there's a light, pleasing plushness to texture, working well with the mouthwatering acidity and briny base note. Albariño, Caiño and Loureiro. Drink now through 2028.

Aromas of mandarin, orange peel and ripe melon intermingle with subtle minerality and notes of orange blossom. Winemaker Description. 

Expert Review

92 Points The Wine Advocate | Many producers consider José Luis Mateo to be the finest grape grower in Galicia. He is relentless in his search for excellence and is often unhappy with the results even when you think the wines are amazing. In fact, his wines are amazing, without a doubt the finest of Monterrei, and they transcend the appellation and find themselves among the finest wines from Galicia and from Spain” 

Our Professioal Review

Bernie says 67Wine.com | This is a terrific wine for those looking for a full bodied, oaky, typical Rioja.  We drank this at Malka on 72 Street, with their famous schnitzel and it was completely enjoyable.

Opaque purple color, aromas of melted chocolate, roasted meats, jammy black fruits, and spice.

Pair with spicy or full-flavored chicken or veal dishes. Winemaker Description.

Kosher for Passover.

Our Professional Review - Prior Vintage 2015

Oscar Garcia 67Wine.com | Marques de Vargas Rioja Gran Reserva 2015 is a blend of 80% Tempranillo, 10% Garnacha, and 10% Mazuelo. Aged for a total of 24 months in oak, (16 months in French oak and then 8 months in American oak). The grapes were hand-harvest from their premium "Pradologar Estate vineyard" and then hand-selected at a sorting table for quality control. Only indigenous yeast from the vineyard is used for fermentation.  It is important to take note that Marques de Vargas is aiming to preserve the varietal correctness over the long extended ageing that is typical for the Gran Reservas of the region.

Expert Review - Vintage 2016

Our Professional Review

Oscar Garcia Moncada 67Wine.com | 20-35 year old vines. Certified Organic and Vegan; 100 % Tempranillo entirely aged in concrete vats. Not filtered but lightly clarified. Notes of red berries on the nose with an enticing mouth-feel. Red currant, juicy blackberry. Medium-bodied with crisp and enticing finish.

Winemaker Description 

The Flying Bicycle" is Germán Blanco's new project in Rioja Baja. With the help of an old friend and fellow oenologist, Javier Collio, Germán sources fruit from certified organic vineyards in the Navarra part of the appellation. The vineyards are dry-farmed and have an average age of thirty-five years old, grown in a mix of clay and limestone. The wine is made in a cellar in San Adrian, following the Milú philosophy: "happy wines made from happy grapes" is how he defines it. The grapes are de-stemmed and fermented in cold temperature from native yeasts. A slight maceration before the end of fermentation helps to make a delicate and fresh wine; no oak is used, and the wine stays in concrete tanks from five to six months.

Wine Advocate 95 Points  | Juan António Ponce compared the white 2021 Reto with the 2013 and 2018, to him the best vintage of this wine so far. It was produced with the local Albilla grape, not to be confused with the Albillo from other regions, a grape that can transmit an incredible sense of freshness in a warm place like Manchuela. They now have new vineyards that they planted in the village of Villanueva de la Jara that ripen up to 15 days later and deliver vibrant wines with a more pungent saline sensation and an electric mouthfeel. This 12.5% alcohol wine has a pH of 3.15 and 6.2 grams of acidity (measured in tartaric acid per liter of wine). This is sharp and austere, mineral and electric when young, with an intense salinity and a vibrant and electric finish. Unbelievable for the price. With the experience of previous vintages, this should develop tremendously in bottle. 

Reto has a lovely expression of lemon, pineapple, and lychee, with hints of passion fruit in the background. Lively, fruity, and elegant structure, with notes of tropical fruits, perfectly balanced by citrus and a lovely acidity in the finish. Winemaker Description. 

Expert Reviews

Wine Spectator 95 Points | Cedar and sandalwood aromas give way to flavors of tea, tobacco, dried cherry, forest floor and orange peel in this expressive red. Round on the palate, supported by muscular tannins and juicy acidity. Big but graceful, mature yet lively, in the traditional style. Drink now through 2030.

Wine Advocate 94 Points | The top of the range is only produced three or four times per decade, and the current vintage is the 2005 Gran Reserva 890, which refers to the year, 1890, when the winery was created. It all starts by selecting grapes from their oldest vineyards (over 40 years old), harvested into 350-kilogram cases that are transported in refrigerated trucks to the winery, an improvement implemented in 2005. 2005 was an excellent vintage, and this 890 might challenge the exceptional 904 released some four years ago. Here the Tempranillo is complemented by 3% Graciano and 2% Mazuelo, fermented with indigenous yeasts and aged in 199 oak barrels for six years with ten rackings. It's a very balanced and polished classical Rioja with moderate alcohol (13.5%) and good acidity (6.1 grams of tartaric); it also has a silky texture, resolved tannins and a very pleasant mouthfeel. It has complexity but is a little closed, and it feels a little evolved, at times even a little tired. The fruit feels quite ripe, with some liquor notes. The palate is polished, with fully resolved tannins and fine acidity. It was bottled unfiltered in March 2012. 57,036 bottles and 1,312 magnums were produced. 2001, 2004 and 2005 are the only 890s in the decade. The next one will be the 2010.

James Suckling 98 points | The aromas to this are stunning with dried strawberry, stone and fresh mushroom. Full body and very tight with incredible depth and structure. It goes on for minutes. One of the greatest ever? The new 1964? Available January 2018.Vinous 97 points Shimmering garnet. Aromas of dried cherry, potpourri, vanilla, cigar box and exotic spices; a smoky mineral quality builds in the glass. Sweet, concentrated and seamless on the palate, offering cherry compote, red currant and rose pastille flavors that put on weight and pick up a spicy nuance on the back half. Conveys a suave blend of power and delicacy and closes sweet and gently tannic, with superb persistence and an echo of candied flowers and red fruits. This bottling and the 2001 are the only Selección Especial versions of the 890 Gran Reserva that have been produced by La Rioja Alta. Drinking window: 2021 - 2036

Winemaker Description 

A dazzling lemon-gold in color, La Guita Manzanilla is clean and fresh on the nose displaying aromas of glazed fruit, wild herbs and toasted almonds. On the palate, it is light, yet persistent, mimicking the aromatic intensity of the nose onto the remarkable finish.

The young white wine from Mas D’en Gil Viticultors in Bellmunt is a Grenache-based wine complemented with a small proportion of Viognier. Grapes sourced from the younger vines planted in 2000 and 2008 and located in the Vall de Bellmunt. 

Clean and fresh, with lively fruitiness, floral and mineral with revealing Mediterranean herb touches and a hint of spiciness. Excellent balance, finishing up fresh and lengthy.