Spanish Wine

96 Points Decanter | Perfumed with inviting layers of coffee, almond savoury herb and spice, then to a luxurious palate of caraway, orange zest, molasses and bitter chocolate.

94 Points Wine Enthusiast | Forget about Sherry styles, Matusalem operates in its own zone with its own rules. An intense, smoky nose shows charred barrel notes and prune aromas. A rich but snappy palate is not the least bit sticky, while deep flavors of chocolate, coffee, vanilla and molasses finish with grace.

90 Points Wine Spectator | Walnut, halva, raisin and buckwheat honey notes are layered, backed by hints of bitter almond and toasted pecan. Shows good energy for a cream style, with the bitter edge imparting length and cut.

Matusalem is a 30 year old blend of Oloroso and PX. It shows an intense mahogany color with profound aromas of dried fruits, raisins, spices and mature oak. On the palate it is smooth, sweet, long and velvety. This wine has an interesting bittersweet finish due to the sweetness of the PX and the bitter tannins from the oak. Ideal with mature cheeses and blue cheese such as Stilton. Also perfect as a dessert wine with apple pie. Serve chilled. Winemaker Description. 

Bright golden amber in colour, the nose is intense recalling dried apricots and toast from the wine’s tender years under flor. Aged 12 years and 100% Palomino, the palate is structured, bright and energetic with layers of flavours including walnuts and salted caramel, without sweetness.

The finish is long and complex with tobacco at the end. To serve slightly chilled with charcuterie, cheese or with a game. Winemaker Description. 

Wine Spectator 91 Points | Takes a flattering approach, featuring a lightly sweet, rounded edge to the date, blood orange, toasted pecan and fruitcake aromas and flavors, with toasted marshmallow and bourbon-glazed peach notes on the finish. Drink now.

Wine Enthusiast 93 Points | Aromas of burnt orange and baking spices are upright and snappy for a Sherry that s fairly creamy. Fine acidity is what keeps this on an even keel and what gives lift to flavors of caramel, brown sugar and candied walnut. This is full and voluminous on the finish. 

Winemaker Description

Enjoy your BR on the go with the new format: Sparkling BORN ROSÉ canned wine. You can also opt for the Canned Rosé wine version.

Crafted from a mix of Grenache Noir and Tempranillo grapes, BORN ROSÉ Barcelona is both organic and vegan, and is light on sulphites and alcohol. Born in Barcelona.

WE DON'T MAKE WINE. WE MAKE ROSÉ. Winemaker Description. 

93 Points Wine Spectator | A shade darker than its peers, relying more on black walnut, Brazil nut and singed orange peel notes, while dried persimmon and quince flavors add a succulent side. Light rye and green tea hints echo through the razor-sharp finish, where sweet details peek in.

91 Points Robert Parker | The NV Villapanes Oloroso wears a dark amber-brown robe and has a very intense nose, showing some marmalade, dark tobacco and brandy notes. The palate is textbook Oloroso, round, ample, warm, a little spirity, ending with dry walnut flavors. It manages to balance power and elegance quite well.

91 Points Wine & Spirits | Dominated by notes of salted almonds, this Oloroso has its fair share of sweetness to balance that saline side, making it more readily accessible to a wider range of palates and fitting perfectly with smoked pork.

Villapanes is a rich mahogany color and boasts seductive, toasty aromas of almonds, caramel, fig and a hint of floral perfume. On the palate it is dry, generous and full-bodied, with persistent and lasting flavors.

Pair with roast poultry, red meat or salty, aged cheeses. Winemaker Description. 

Winemaker Description

Very dry, crisp and fresh with a slightly salty finish. Winemaker Description. 

Expert Review

93 Points Wine & Spirits | Deliciosa grows at the Pago Miraflores in Sanlúcar de Barrameda and it’s typically aged for five years under flor. This lastest saca shows a lovely mix of almond flavors, salt and white fruit, all melding into the wine’s deep mineral notes. It’s substantial enough to serve in the company of blackened redfish.

Winemaker Description 

The Habla la Tierra is a cuvée of Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. The grapes come from quite young vines planted around 2000 on slate soils. After the harvest, the grapes were cool pre-fermented and then fermented in stainless steel fermenters. This was followed by ageing in French wood for four to five months. 
Color

The Habla de la Tierra presents itself juicy ripe, dark and spicy on the nose. The unusual cuvée of Tempranillo, Cabernet and Syrah alternates between the scent of freshly sliced plums, figs, ripe elderberries, peonies and black pepper as well as anise, earthy pray and black tea. In addition, one thinks one can already perceive a trace of extract sweetness in the fragrance.
Palate

The Habla la Tierra 2021 shows itself very juicy on the palate. The dark fruit is ripe and accompanied by earthy aromas and herbal spice. In addition, a cool, fresh vein runs through the wine, while the tannin proves to be ripe and delicate. The red wine is down-to-earth in the most pleasant sense, uncomplicated and easy to drink, and at the same time it has character. Currently, it should be caraffed.
Food recommendations by Christoph Raffelt.

Spanish blood sausage - with braised apples and onions with mashed potatoes
Braised rabbit with sage and piment d'Espelette. Spelt Salad with Roasted Peppers and Feta. Winemaker Description.

With an average age of four and a half years, Manzanilla La Guita en rama displays all the freshness, smoothness and fine minerality expected of this type of wine. An authentic treasure in 37.5 cl format , ideal for those looking to get started in the exciting "manzanilla universe".  Winemaker Description.

Deep garnet red in color. On the nose it is serious and elegant. The evolution in the glass translates into an increase in intensity and aromatic complexity where fruit continues to be the backbone of the wine. On the palate it has a well-structured body with ripe, silky tannins. Easy to drink with a persistent aftertaste. Winemaker Description. 

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).

100% Palomino and aged for 5 years in bota, this is an invigorating white wine with a subtle, floral, mineral nose. Great intensity with sea breeze salinity running through an impressive structure, there is tension on the palate.

The yeasty, baked bread flavours are in balance with apricots and golden apples. In the mouth the texture is silky and round, with an extremely long and clean finish. A unique style of Manzanilla to be served chilled with food or as an aperitif. Winemaker Description. 

Winemaker Description

Ruby red color. Medium-high intensity with the presence of tears, clean and bright. Frank and complex on the nose. With hints of red fruit from the fresh vineyards of Rioja Alta. Balsamic and spicy aromas, all in perfect balance with the aromas of leather, tobacco leaf and tea after bottle ageing. Long on the palate, with fresh acidity, creamy and pleasant tannins. In short, a balanced wine, in harmony and ready to enjoy.

Perfect pairing with international food (curry, “ceviche” and spiced dishes) or traditional food, such as red and bush meats, also with cured cheeses.

Critic Review

92 Points James Suckling | Black berry fruit, oreo biscuits, olives, peppercorns and smoked meat on the nose. It’s medium-bodied, with juicy and savory layers accompanied by integrated tannins. Fresh and very drinkable. Vegan.

Contrabandista has a nutty aroma with toffee-caramel tones and a rich finish. Serve slightly chilled as an aperitif or pair with creamy cheeses and pates. Winemaker Description. 

Complex aromas revealing leather, roasted coffee, vanilla and the old wood of the soleras. On the palate, it is smooth and warm in the mouth with nuances of walnut and pastries.

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.

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.

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. 

Pale rose color, with fine and persistent bubbles. Hints of red and citrus fruits dominate on the nose. On the palate, fresh, lively, and genuine, characteristic of the ancestral País varietal. Winemaker Description.

The origins of the winemaking craft of these cellars lie in the village of Llimiana, in Pallars Jussà. This is where various generations of the Sumarroca family devoted themselves to growing vines, as they still do today in the county of Penedès. At the beginning of the ‘80s, this family winery moved to Penedès, where they bought the Molí Coloma estate (36 ha) at Subirats and Heretat Sabartés (25 ha) at Banyeres del Penedès.

In 1983, the production facilities were located at Mas Molí Coloma, where cava and white wine production began immediately. In 1999 they purchased the former property of the Marquis of Monistrol, which came to be called the Sumarroca estate. It is 403.8 ha and is the largest estate in the region of Penedès."

Habla de Ti 2022 is an enchanting white wine, captivating with its vivacity and lightness. On the nose, it unfurls a spectrum of scents reminiscent of crisp green asparagus and sweet mango, complemented by an herbaceous hint of tomato leaf. Upon tasting, its exuberant nature is affirmed with flavors of tropical fruits that pirouette across the palate, leaving a lasting and exceedingly delightful impression. This wine is a feast for the senses, perfect for savoring at any given opportunity.

Expert Reviews 

95 Points James Suckling | Black cherries with cedar and dried flowers, as well as dusty earth. It’s medium-to full-bodied with firm tannins that are long and polished. Lots of structure. Very typical and focused. Drinkable now, but better in 2024. (2018).

Robert Parker 94 Points | I tasted two vintages of the estate red that represents the blend and the character of the place. The 2018 Reserva comes from a cooler year and is a blend of 86% Tempranillo, 6% Mazuelo, 6% Graciano and 2% Garnacha with 14.12% alcohol and a pH of 3.48. The grapes ripened thoroughly and the wine is tasty but has a vibrant palate with freshness and depth. It has a classical nose and is complex and spicy with an earthy touch, a little developed and with fine-grained tannins. Very tasty. It spent 18 months in oak barrels, 90% of them French and 10% American; they are reducing the amount of American oak in this wine. (2018). 

91 Points Wine Spectator | A medium-bodied red, round and creamy, with supple tannins and citrusy acidity providing definition for appealing flavors of pureed black cherry and boysenberry fruit. Offers accents of mocha, violet and star anise, with savory hints of tobacco and mineral showing on the finish. Tempranillo, Mazuelo and Graciano. Drink now. (2018). 

Winemaker Description

Bright red cherry in color with pronounced aromas of cassis and ripe red fruit. On the palate, this wine is clean, complex and elegant. Well-balanced with vibrant acidity, the 2018 Crianza from Finca Nueva contains perfectly integrated tannins and an agreeable finish. 

Expert Review

James Suckling 89 Points | Plums, dried herbs, blueberries and cassis blossom. Medium body with fine tannins. It has a blueberry-like character on the palate with some tartness in the short finish. (2019). 

Elaborated with grapes of more than 40 years old, is the best expression of Rueda and its terroir: youthfyl and bright, it shows fresh and lively varietal notes of sweet grapefruit and pineapple, combined with anise and fennel.

Bone dry in the palate, its medium body is coupled with a crisp, refreshing acidity to drink at all times. It will suit any type of delicate flavors and lightly seasoned white fish or seafood. Winemaker Description. 

96 Points James Suckling | Mineral, macadamia, pine nuts, white sesame and white fruit with a touch of spice. A bright and linear Capellania that shows excellent tension, freshness and complexity. Long and appetizing finish. More taut and gastronomic now. 100% viura. Drink now or hold. 

95 Points Tim Atkin | The cooler 2018 vintage was ideally suited to the production of high-quality whites like this pure Viura from a six-hectare plateau at 485 metres within the extensive Castillo Ygay estate. Modern, perfumed and poised, it has finely integrated French oak, fennel, thatch and beeswax aromas, herbal complexity and a nutty, fragrant, citrus zest palate. 2025-40 

94 Points Wine Advocate | To catch up with the current vintages that I shall review every 12 months from now on, I tasted two vintages of some of the wines, including the whites. The 2018 Capellanía is 100% Viura from the plot that names the wine. The vineyard is six hectares planted in 1945 at 485 meters altitude, the highest in the estate. It fermented in concrete, the first vintage to do so, as it was fermented in stainless steel until then, and matured in second-use French oak barrels for 22 months. It spent a further seven months in concrete, a long élevage, with the idea to produce a structured white with aging potential, while keeping the varietal character. The wine is subtle and elegant, following the path of all the wines in the portfolio here, still marked by the élevage in oak, spicy and smoky. The palate is balanced, with a nice combination of fruit and oak, with a soft texture, clean, focused and tasty. It has 14% alcohol, a low pH of 3.1 and 6.10 grams of acidity. 21,836 bottled and 688 magnums produced. It was bottled in July 2022. This is now released with the Gran Reserva back label.

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” 

Winemaker Description

This Clos Mogador 2021 is all delicacy on the nose. The fruit is fresh, the aromatic Mediterranean herbs refined. The palate, on the other hand, is deep, with a satiny texture and a measured grip. A rarity that thrills from the start, just a prelude to the magnitude it will reach.

Expert Review

97 Points James Suckling | A beautiful, fresh red with lots of vibrancy. Mineral, flint, freshly crushed blueberries and red berries. Juicy, polished tannins with a little more crunch to the fruit this year. Has a nice firmness compared with the sweeter tannins in 2020. Really fluid, bright and vivid. Long. Drink or hold. (2021). 

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.

Licor 43 Horchata Liqueur is known for its premium quality, its a dairy-free, vegan liqueur from Licor 43, this Horchata expression is based on the traditional Spanish drink of the same name. A base of Licor 43 is blended with horchata made with a traditional Valencian recipe using tiger nuts, cinnamon and citrus.

The result is wonderfully creamy, sure to be a winner over ice. It is full-bodied with a splendid aroma & taste with a warm feel to it. Not to smoky but silky smooth. The finish is surprisingly long and warming. Prouducer Description.

Winemaker Description

The Parra family’s pursuit came from the devotion of the three brothers (Francisco, Javier, and Luis) to find a sense of place in their home of La Mancha. They founded their property with the conviction to organically and biodynamically farm every vine under their care.

The Parra family works two large vineyards in La Mancha near the town of Las Messas (The Tables), totaling some 445 acres, or about 180 hectares. One of the vineyards is named Entresendas (Between Paths) and sits within the dried river bed. Entresendas benefits from the rich, alluvial soils, common to old river beds and perfect for the cultivation of grapes. The other vineyard is officially named Olla del Monte (Cooking Pan in the Mountain), but is known locally as the Cuesta Colorá because of the colorful scarpland soils of chalky clay covered in a fine layer of pebbles that hold the day’s heat well into the night.

For the Gulp/Hablo, the extremely gulpable wines, they tapped Juan Antonio Ponce of Bodegas Ponce to make the wine. With this partnership, they were able to create a wine that beats the competition without sacrificing on quality.

A supremely easy drinking light bodied red wine that truly lives up to its "Gulp" name. Showing nicely with bright red fruits and fresh herbs. Pair with roasted root vegetables & quinoa. 

Winemaker Description

Rico Nuevo is a relatively new player in the Spanish wine scene, but they’re already making plenty of waves. The winery is right near Leon in the heralded Gredos Region. All eight wines they submitted to Parker’s Wine Advocate got at least a 90-point score. 

The key to success here is the region of Gredos itself as well as the 77-year old Garnacha vines that the winery taps into. The region is known for making a more savory, higher toned expression of Garnacha, but Rico Nuevo really epitomizes that elegance.

They divide their own property with 40 micro parcels, all along the highest elevations of the north side of the Gredos Mountains. Here everything is organic and biodynamic and they’re very hands off in the vineyard, letting the gnarly old-vines do all the talking. It works so well.

Tasting Notes: Beautiful red fruit - cherry, cranberry, raspberry. Floral notes and Mediterranean herbs. 

Winemaker Description

Valduero has a clear purpose: to elaborate Reservas and Gran Reservas. Valduero 2 Maderas ages for three years. Intense, lively garnet with a high colored. Fruity aromas and balsamic notes, with details of cumin, cloves and nutmeg. A very well structured wine. Important aftertaste. 

Expert Review

92 Points Decanter | Deftly made wine, with intense fruit and smart oak ageing, redolent of Ribera typicity, with a modern and easygoing style. Very clean, well defined, dry and smooth in mouth, remarkably fresh. Persistent and fruity finish, if not particularly complex. An excellent entry point to Valduero's stable of great wines, which is one of the most notable in the whole region.

Pells is 100% Macabeu from a single, northeast-facing vineyard named “Vinya de la Caseta,” planted in 1969. The grapes are spontaneously fermented in a used 225L French oak barrel and 600L clay amphora with around 90 days on the skins.

After racking, the wine ages for 6 months without any stirring. Producer Description.

Winemaker Description

Produced from 100% Tinto Fino from vines age 30 years, aged 12 months in French Oak with minimal filtration. The result is a wine with a beautiful ruby colour with deep and intense aromas of red and black fruit with hints of liquorice and spice. The palate elegant and fresh with predominant fruit structure balanced by soft tannins and a lovely expressive finish.

It has the tannic richness of Ribera del Duero Tinto Fino, and smoky power from its oak, but the wine carries itself with some delicacy, its crisp fruit bringing fresh air.

Dominio Romano was established in 2005 when the Pares Balta family decided to to initiate a project in Ribera del Duero. Selecting the finest old and wild Tinto Fino vines in the best terroirs of the region, and farming with the utmost respect for the environment and tradition, the family produces wines that transmit the character of the autochthonous grape.