Spanish Wine

Winemaker Description 

The philosophy of Bodegas Alta Pavina is to value Pinot noir, to produce wines with their own personality, a faithful reflection of where they come from, with the particularity of this variety. Alta Pavina has a team of people who interact, live and think in a coordinated and cooperative way, united with a common goal.

Pale yellow, with a greenish tinge in the glass. On the nose intense and powerful, with citrus and tropical fruit typical of the variety, as well as herbaceous nuances and white flowers. The palette is nicely structured – soft and fresh with a slightly bitter aftertaste. Medium-high acidity pairs well with a pleasing minerality.

Expert Review

Michael Schachner of The Wine Enthusiast writes 88 Points | Mildly oxidized aromas of honeyed fruits and salt water are less alert than ideal, while this feels plump but without intense acidic cut. Toffee and caramel flavors include a note of white mushroom, while this golden Manzanilla feels dry and tastes a bit like fresh butter on the finish.

Winemaker Description 

Manzanilla La Jaca is the most famous wine from Bodegas Álvaro Domecq, together with the Fino La Janda. Last year all of the entry-level wines (not the ‘1730’ series) were given a modern, graphical label with abstract motifs and bold colours.

La Jaca is around four years old.

Expert Review 

Michael Schachner of The Wine Enthusiast writes 90 Points | A tan-gold color and oily aromas of almond and walnut open this surprisingly refined Fino. Flavors of butter, peanut and baked apple turn smokier and huskier as this sits, while nut flavors control an expansive finish.

Winemaker Description 

Pinot Noir from Valladolid with a surprisingly modern twist. Extremely fruity, light and delicious, your perfect red for summer and spicy dishes.

Winemaker Description 

One of the few 100% Brancellao wines from Ribeira Sacra, reminiscent of a wine from Burgundy, aged for six months in new French oak barrels, with the freshness and expressiveness of a little known variety with huge potential and great distinction.

Exceptional selection of the Brancellao grape from Pazo de La Cuesta’s historic vineyard. Manual harvesting followed by destemming and gravity-flow to the fermentation tanks. First, alcoholic fermentation takes place at a controlled temperature of 16-18oC, followed by malolactic fermentation, both in stainless steel tanks. First aged on its lees and later aged for six months in 300- and 500-litre French and Central European oak barrels.

TASTING NOTES

Clean and bright with a surprising colour. Very intense nose with complex red fruit, spices, and the characteristic coffee and cocoa notes of the terroir. This wine has a pleasant texture and is bold and complex in the mouth, well structured and intense on the palate and extremely fresh, which makes it appealing at any time of year.

Winemaker Description 

2021 | Garnacha Tintorera Prefiloxérica

Grapes from pre-phylloxera vineyards planted in 1860 on ungrafted vines. Two micro plots of 4,000 m2 and 2,000 m2, on the banks of the Sil River that thanks to the natural barriers and strength of this variety reached today’s times.

GRAPE VARIETY: 100% Garnacha Tintorera  from pre-phylloxera vineyards planted in 1860 on ungrafted vines.

CATEGORY: Matured red wine

Optimal weather conditions had a positive influence on the quality of the grapes. The cool, slightly humid spring favored vigorous bud break and uneventful fruit set. The summer was characterized by sunny days and cool nights, which allowed a gradual and balanced ripening of the grapes. The harvest, carried out in the last week of September, took place under dry and stable weather conditions, ensuring that the grapes were harvested at the peak of ripeness, with excellent concentration of flavors.

Harvest by hand with fruit selection in the vineyard. Destemming and pre-fermentation maceration for 4 days. Foot of vat with neutral yeast support. Alcoholic fermentation in stainless steel tanks below 20ºC and subsequent spontaneous malolactic fermentation. Aged for 8 months in French oak barrels: one 500-liter and two 300-liter medium toast barrels. Bottled in July 2023.

In visual phase high layer, with cherry red hues. On the nose, red fruits stand out with subtle floral notes and the complexity provided by the barrel aging. The palate is sweet, yet fresh, with good acidity. Long and persistent.

Winemaker Description

Elegant red with a medium-high depth, slow, regular teardrops, and purple nuances. Deep nose of red and stone fruits (cherry, blackcurrant), compotes, fermentation notes, and sweet notes of wood and toasted aromas. Very direct attack, where freshness and the passage of time prevail. Aromatic nuances emerge at retronasal, calling for another sip to recall them.

Winemaker Description 

Treixadura, Godello, Albariño, and Loureira are combined in this wine to give the best of each variety and surprise the palate with a blend of grapes from our vineyard that challenges the senses with the elegance and finesse that define the greatest white wines.

TASTING NOTES

Bright straw-coloured yellow with a medium-high intensity. Aromas of stone fruit and white flowers. Powerful, complex, and fresh on the palate, offering appealingly harmonious flavours.

FOOD PAIRING

• Hake cheeks with cardinal prawns.
• Tuna skin with tomato sauce.
• Creamy rice with mushrooms.

Winemaker Description 

Pazo de La Cuesta La Pastoriza 2022 is a very limited edition wine, primarily made with 40-year-old Godello vines. The blend is enhanced with a touch of Albariño and Treixadura, adding complexity and freshness.

It matured in French oak foudres on fine lees for eight months, imparting exceptional elegance and smoothness. With a production limited to just 1,987 numbered 750 ml. bottles, Pazo de La Cuesta La Pastoriza is a unique gem that reflects the essence of its terroir and highlights the aging potential of the Godello grape. It is a tribute to Doña Pastoriza Flórez de Losada y Quiroga, who made a decisive commitment to modernizing the winemaking practices of the estate.

Clay soils with high granite content. Together, these soils provide an optimal balance of water retention, drainage, and minerality.

Winemaker Description 

Cherry red color of medium intensity, medium layer. The nose is intense, with notes of jelly beans and red fruits combined with mineral notes of flint and a light background of toast. At the entrance to the mouth we will find soft tannins, with high volume and fat, well compensated by good acidity and a general feeling of verticality. Red fruits and mineral notes stand out, resulting in a long and intense aftertaste.
Evolution

In good conditions of this bottle will evolve positively for at least the next 7 years.

Winery Notes

Quality sparkling wine with very fine bubbles due to its long aging. Complex aroma, fresh notes of pineapple and eucalyptus, toasted cocoa and dried fruits, perfectly blended together. Voluminous, fleshy and fresh in the mouth. Structured and surprisingly fresh, long-lasting and well balanced.

FARMING

Certified Organic 

Winemaker Description

Separate vinification of Xarello and Macabeo followed by blending and traditional method sparkling winemaking. 

Hailing from the Sabate i Coca family farm just south of Barcelona. This cava is crisp and refreshing with hints of apple and pear. Perfect as an apertif! Certified organic.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

Mike DeSimone of the Wine Enthusiast writes 91 Points | Pale yellow in color, this wine offers a bouquet of Gala apple and honeysuckle. Valencia orange, bergamot and dried-thyme flavors fade into a finish marked with touch of lemon grass. 

Winemaker Description 

Moderately deep soils except for Marges which brings its characteristic freshness and youth. The Rigolet y Baja, terroirs which add the concentration are terroirs of Miocene marl earth which allows the vine to absorb only the quantity of water necessary for adequate growth.

Sabate i Coca Castellroig Xarello 'So Blanc'

Fruity and creamy with apple aromas, pineapple, fennel, dried fruits and pine nuts. Intense in the mouth, dense and with a bitter edge that is highly distinctive and pleasant, preserving the freshness of the wine, and with a lightly sweet sensation at the end.

Winemaker Description 

Juan Jurado belongs to a new generation of young winemakers who see potential in the Marco de Jerez region beyond traditional fortified wines. After living away from his native Andalusia for many years (from Sitges to Australia via London), during which time he trained in the world of wine and sommellerie, he decided to return to his roots to start a project focused on authentic wines that reflect the diversity of the Jerez Region beyond Finos and Olorosos.

In 2022, Jurado invested all his savings to purchase a small vineyard in the Miraflores de Sanlúcar estate, along with winemaking equipment including a press, destemmer, casks, and jars to produce his first vintage. This marked the birth of Agrícola Calcárea, a project dedicated to crafting honest wines using minimal yet sufficient intervention to showcase the unique characteristics of each vineyard through classic and ancestral varieties of the Marco region.

The resulting wines are highly aromatic, featuring stone fruit, citrus, and white flower notes, with chalky and salty undertones. On the palate, they are savory and mineral, with a touch of bitterness.

Winemaker Description 

Andalucía has a long tradition of producing non-fortified wines—reds and whites made from the same grapes used for fortified wines (Sherry). In Andalucia these still wines are known as Vinos del Marco de Jerez or Vinos de Pasto. It is important to highlight that these wines do not belong to the Jerez-Xeres-Sherry DO. In recent years, producers like Willy Pérez, Ramiro Ibanez and others have led a movement to bring these wines back into the spotlight, aiming to place them on tables around the world.

During a recent in-store tasting with Nacho Monclús, Spanish & South American Portfolio Manager at T. Edwards Wine & Spirits, he introduced me to a producer from Sanlúcar de Barrameda, Andalucía: Juan Jurado of Agricola Calcarea.

Mr. Jurado represents a new generation of winemakers who have spent years working abroad, gaining experience in vineyards as well as in both front- and back-of-house roles in the restaurant industry. These experiences have enriched their perspective, and upon returning home, many have sought to revive the long-standing traditions of their ancestors. Mr. Jurado is one such story.

After more than a decade away, he returned to Andalucía and founded Agrícola Calcárea, producing wines in a small-scale, garage-style setting. His wines quickly gained national recognition, attracting the attention of the press. Now, his work has reached New York City, where wine lovers can experience his unique expressions firsthand.

When Nacho presented the wines to me, I was immediately drawn to their beautifully designed labels. The three wines I tasted featured indigenous Andalusian grape varieties, including Palomino (also known as Listán Blanco) and Tintilla Rota. All three expressions stood out, but my palate that day had a particular affinity to Agrícola Calcárea Porfía Tinto 2023 — an electric, vibrant red made from Tintilla Rota.

Porfia Tinto 2023 is unlike any other Spanish red currently available in the NYC market, this wine is a testament to the energy and innovation defining the new wave of Andalusian winemaking.

Porfia Tinto 2023 opens open with an alluring nose of sun-kissed black fruit: black cherries, black berries with undertones of dried Mediterranean herbs. On the palate this red is harmonious walking a tight rope of tannins, acidity and flavor: Suave tannins, crisp acidity and just perfect fruit quality.

Pair this red with Pan-Roasted Quail lightly dressed in thyme butter sauce.

Oscar Garcia Moncada

Winemaker Description 

This Manzanilla spends nine years under flor and is the most intensely aromatic bottling. Good freshness and balance on the palate, finishing with a salty twist and a bitter note. Only 1,500 bottles made.

Winemaker Description 

A young Manzanilla with four year of biological aging. Thanks to the proximity of the sea, the aging under flor is intense. The wine has complex character, resulting in great elegance, plenty of finesse, with a delicate and saline finish.

Our Notes

A vibrant young Manzanilla with plenty of character. Aromas of green olives, green citrus fruit, and a pungent saline quality bind all the aromas and flavors together. Serve well-chilled in a white wine glass and pair with Marcona almonds, potato crisps, and Jamón de Bellota. But also try it with cold potato and leek soup, sprinkled with crisp bits of pancetta. Manzanillas are my ideal apéritif wine to awaken the palate before a meal.

Oscar garcia Moncada, 67 Wine Buyer

Winemaker Description 

The Solera of this Manzanilla Pasada consists of 80 casks, which are aged in Manuel Cuevas Jurado’s bodegas in “Calle Trabajadero” (Trabajadero St.) in Sanlúcar de Barrameda.

Pale straw colour, this Manzanilla Pasada is delightfully aromatic with reminiscences of green apples and the characteristic hint of sea breeze.

Dry, fresh, and light, it still retains the essence and body of a Manzanilla and has a refreshing acidity.

Expert Review - Vintage 2019 

Decanter 90 Points | Blue fruit, tobacco and cocoa nose. The palate is juicy and savoury with rounded tannins and well-integrated alcohol. Long, lively finish. Rather classic.

Thomas Matthews of The Wine Spectator writes 92 Points | This red is lively and expressive. Black cherry and currant flavors are fresh and juicy, backed by cocoa, spice and licorice notes. Well-integrated tannins and fresh acidity give this a balanced structure. Drink now through 2030. 

Winemaker Description

Valduero Una Cepa is a red wine aged for 18 months in barrels and another 12 months in the bottle. This single-varietal wine made with Tempranillo from Ribera del Duero wine ideal for pairing with the finest roasts and meat stews.

Winemaker Description 

Viña Sastre is an iconic, family-run winery in the heart of Ribera del Duero, famous for making long-lived, elegantly structured wines from organic, old vines grown near the Duero river. Flavus is an incredible, singular white wine made from indigenous cayetana blanca grapes from 100-year-old vines, selected from Sastre’s historic Pago de Santa Cruz vineyards at 800m to 840m for their complexity and ability to age gracefully. Sastre handcrafts classic wines through extremely low-yielding biodynamic farming methods, fermenting exclusively with native yeasts.

In Pago de Santa Cruz, a small amount of white cayetana blanca grapes have always existed alongside the red tempranillo, co-planted and traditionally mixed into the field blend destined to be one of Spain’s most iconic wines. Through Jesús Sastre’s good friend and Rías Baixas pioneer Gerardo Méndez, they first researched and separated the white grapes from the blend, making the first Flavus in 2007 to make a simple, charming white wine for near-term consumption. Ribera del Duero does not have much of a tradition for white wines, so the initial concept was to make something simple and humble. Instead, they discovered through the cellaring and consistent tasting of verticals of Flavus over the years that the wine is capable of improving in bottle for a decade or more, leaving tasters stunned by the unique, complex flavors which develop. There is no designation for Ribera del Duero blanco, so while this mighty blanco may be a “Reserva” qualitatively and spiritually, bureaucratically, it carries the humble Vino de Mesa designation. Perhaps in the future, the appellation will see the same possibilities for value and quality in their white wines as their more famous reds.

Vinification – Following a manual harvest, the wine spontaneously fermented with native yeasts in stainless steel. No malolactic fermentation. The wine was racked and aged in stainless steel for ten months, followed by two years of bottle age prior to release.

Winemaker Description 

Red wine Aged in wood. 20 months in French and American oak barrels and 24 meses en botella.

Pinord Chateldon Reserva 2019 captivates with its aromatic intensity, featuring prominent raisin and red fruit jam nuances, beautifully enhanced by a subtle hint of oak. Upon aeration, it unveils layers of clove and pepper, adding to its complexity.

On the palate, this red wine is smooth and well-balanced, with flavors mirroring its meticulous maturation. Its journey across the palate is harmonious, culminating in a prolonged and fulfilling finish that lingers, imparting a sense of opulence and richness.

Winemaker Description 

In the heart of Ribero del Duero lies the village of La Horra. It is here that the Sastre family has been crafting elegant, ageworthy wines from old vine Tempranillo for at least three generations, giving them an intimiate familiarity with the land and its terroir.

With 30 years under his belt at the winery, Jesus Sastre prides himself on never having used chemical fertilizers or pesticides and he is committed to organic and biodynamic farming practices.

The fruit for 'Rafael Sastre' comes from 30 year old vines at elevations of 800-840m, creating ideal conditions for concentrated, complex flavors and fresh acidity. Flavors of ripe blackberry and raspberry lead the way, supported by notes of cocoa, leather and dried herbs through the finish. Partner this bottle with burgers with blue cheese or Cocido madrileño.

Winemaker Description 

Segura Viudas Organic Cava is a delightful sparkling wine that embodies the essence of organic winemaking. It presents a pale straw-yellow color in the glass, exuding freshness and purity. The nose is greeted with enticing aromas of citrus fruits, green apple, and delicate floral notes, underscored by subtle herbal hints. On the palate, it offers a lively and well-balanced character, with flavors of crisp apple, lemon, and a touch of stone fruit.

Over the years, Segura Viudas has earned a reputation as one of the top producers of Cava. The winery has been noted for its high production standards, its labor-intensive approach to winemaking, and its penchant for releasing some of Europe's finest artisan sparkling wines. The estate that houses Segura Viudas dates back to the 11th century. 

Segura Viudas became a winery and began producing and selling wines in 1959. D.O. Penedes is situated between the coastal hills and the narrow plains of the Mediterranean coast. The influence of the Sea creates a mild, warm climate that is ideal for the vineyards. The soils consist primarily of limestone, clay and sand. 

Winemaker Description 

A natural, young, and fresh wine. Made with minimum intervention. No added Sulfites. A blend of Tempranillo and Garnacha. 

Expert Reviews 

Decanter 95 Points | Elegant and inviting, with layers of dark bitter chocolate, burnt orange and barley sugar leading on to a lush, rich palate of toffee, caramel and espresso. Wine Enthusiast 93 Points | A smooth nose deals typical P.X. aromas of chocolate, fig and raisin. On the palate, this is thick and a touch chewy but that's not abnormal for this type of wine. Rich flavors of café mocha and chocolate finish long, sweet and satisfying.

Wine Spectator 93 Points | Thick and oily in feel, with buckwheat honey, toasted sesame, prune and date flavors forming the core. A Christmas pudding note pervades the exotic finish.

Winemaker Description

Nectar is a young PX showing rich aromas of fresh fruit such as raisins and hints of honey, syrup and fruit preserve. On the palate it is velvety and smooth with good acidity with alleviates the sweetness. Perfect with desserts such as vanilla ice cream, black chocolate and cheesecake.

Joaquín Hidalgo of Vinous writes 95 Points | The NV Solera 1927 is a sun-dried Pedro Ximénez wine sourced from Sierra de Montilla. Aged for 20 years in a very old solera, this mahogany-colored wine offers aromas of caramel, saffron and tar, along with licorice and herbal notes. Very sweet and concentrated, the palate reveals a wild herb core with a balanced and potent mouthfeel. Despite its sweetness, it maintains balance with a warm, rich heart—a unique sip from Montilla.

Natalie Maclean write 92 Points | This lovely sweet-style Pedro Ximenez Solera 1927 Sherry is not vintage dated but does have some wine from the 1927 vintages blended in. Dark-hued, rich and complex with aromas of fig jam, molasses and espresso. Great dessert wine. 

Winemaker Description 

Alvear Fino is straw in color. Clean and tangy with a refreshing finish and a softness which makes it delightfully easy to drink. Perfect as a chilled Aperitif, accompanied by Tapas of olives or shellfish. Serve Chilled. Treat as a white wine. 

Winemaker Description 

This sherry made from the best grapes goes perfectly with coconut-lime fish curry or spaghetti with yogurt-mint pesto.

The aging in small wood makes this sherry particularly dense.

A multi-award-winning sherry, excellent as a harmonious gift for good friends or as a gift. 

Expert Review 

Robert Parker The Wine Advocate 96 Points | The dark amber-hued non-vintage East India Solera is essentially an old Oloroso blended with an old Pedro Ximenez, which gives it a sweet character. It offers more mature notes of maple syrup, brown sugar, spice box, raisin and chocolate beer nuts, and its terrific balancing acidity cuts through the sweetness. This delicious effort is best drunk after the meal.

Lustau made its reputation in the foreign markets with its extraordinary single cask Almacenistas which had been accumulated by the family over many years as their soleras are among the oldest in Sherry. The family also owns over 500 acres of vineyards. These are all remarkable efforts for their stunning value. While they are still under-the-radar for most American wine lovers, I encourage readers to give them a try as they are great introductory reference points for how profound sherry can be.

I first wrote about the extraordinary sherries of Emilio Lustau many years ago, in the early days of The Wine Advocate. The portfolio of under 25 a bottle selections represents remarkable value for their complex, well-made personalities. Lustau includes a bottling date code as purchasers would want to buy Finos and Manzanillas as young as possible. It is difficult to describe the glories of sherry, but Ill try. These Solera Reservas are all great reference points at a low price point from Lustau. 

Winemaker Description

Perhaps the best value dessert wine in the Lustau portfolio. This extraordinary Cream Sherry seeks to replicate the ancient style of Cream Sherry that was discovered quite by accident.

Trading ships sailing to the Indies in the 16th century frequently carried butts (barrels) of sweet sherry lashed to their decks or in their holds as ballast. After travelling through the tropics, it was discovered that the heat and humidity had matured the wine and given it a wonderful smooth texture.

Lustau has recreated this process by heating and controlling the amount of air allowed in the warehouse where the East India Solera is matured. The result is an exceptional dessert wine with a smooth, sweet taste reminiscent of figs, coffee, caramel and nuts and just enough acidity to give it balance. This mouth-wateringly delicious wine can be served on its own, as a digestif, or with desserts such as puddings, tarts, cakes or chocolate-covered nuts.

Winemaker Description

Morenita-meaning the little brunette-refers to rich brown color of this sherry. The blend of Palomino and Pedro Ximnez lends to this wine, a rich brown color with dark golden highlights. Created by a close family-friend and local grower back in the 1970s, to mimic the classic Jerezano tavern blend of mixing fino and pedro ximenez, Morenita is a delightful sherry.

This is a delicate style cream with hints of caramel, dried fruits and mocha on the nose. Smooth and elegant with well-balanced sweetness, it still manages to be refreshing.Serve slightly chilled or on the rocks as an aperitif or enjoy with mildly rich meals.

Winemaker Description 

In a 200-year-old company with sixteen bodegas, sometimes suprising things get found. In this case, Barbadillo discovered old tonic wines of indeterminate age and recipe, and called on winemaker Montserrat Molina to develop a new vermouth recipe to approximate the flavor profiles of what they had found.

The result, Atamán, is a potently delicious sipping vermouth built on Manzanilla sherry with quassia, bitter orange, wormwood, elderberry and rosemary dominating the botanical roster.

Winemaker Description 

Aged following a biological aging in the cool and humid air of the port town of El Puerto de Santa María, where the flor grows in ideal environmental conditions.

Pale straw colour, dry, light and smooth. This Fino is laced with scents of the sea and profound “flor” aromas. Clean and fresh, with a slight taste of tangy yeast.

Producer Description 

The Maestro Sierra Oloroso, aged 15 years, is dark amber with flavors of walnuts, butterscotch and figs. Dry but with great intensity.

Expert Review

The Wine Advocate 90 Points | The non-vintage Fino offers up aromas and flavors of sea salt and roasted nuts. It is excellent as an aperitif or as an accompaniment to sushi. 

Expert Review

Wine Spectator 88 Points | A pungent, dry and bracing fino, full of iodine, apple and walnut flavors. Light-bodied, with a clean, walnut aftertaste. Drink now. 1,000 cases imported.