Spanish Wine

Winemaker Description 

With Arribes Designation of Origin, this wine is made exclusively from Juan García grapes, a unique variety almost impossible to find outside the Arribes del Duero Natural Park. The grapes grow on vines over 100 years old, all of which are harvested and selected by hand. The wine is macerated in truncated conical tanks with temperature control and natural fermentation. It is aged in French oak barrels for 18 months, followed by 3 months of bottle aging.

On the nose, aromas of dried fruit and spices are perceived, along with a subtle hint of vanilla characteristic of the wood used for aging.

On the palate, it has a long, warm, unctuous, and smooth entry. The tannins are very well-rounded, soft, and almost sweet. The finish is very pleasant, elegant, full-bodied, and persistent.

    Country of origin: Spain
    DO: Arribes
    Year: 2019
    Color: Red
    Grape: Juan García
    Alcohol content: 14%
    Bottle size: 750 ml

Memo Summary Notes

The Gran Abadengo represents a much deeper, more structured expression of the rare Juan García grape, sourced from centenarian vines.

Pair with 

• Game: Roast duck, venison, or wild boar stew.

• Spanish Classics: Lechazo (roasted lamb) or Chuletón (aged beef ribeye).

• Cheese: Aged sheep’s milk cheeses like an extra-curado Manchego.

Warehouse stored item - please allow two to five business days to fulfill.

Bright violet color. Aromas of red berries, spices and dried flowers with a spicy note that is becomes pronounced as it breathes. Juicy in the mouth, offers fresh currants and cherry flavors. Fine-grained tannins add to a long finish with accented spices.

Warehouse stored item - please allow one to three business days to fulfill.

Warehouse stored item - please allow two to three business days to fulfill.

Decanter 92 Points | Enticing nose of sweet spices, caramel, prunes, wild forest fruits and herbaceous nuances. Fresh and harmonious, with a lengthy finish. 

Warehouse stored item - please allow three to five business days to fulfill.

Locos por el Vino” is a new project from Bodegas Alto Moncayo, aiming to expand their range with high-quality, modern and casual wines produced from the winery’s youngest vineyards, guaranteeing the continuity of the Alto Moncayo project for future generations to come. 

Winemaker Description 

After working at Cia de Vinos Telmo Rodriguez Juan Antonio Ponce returned home. The project started in 2005, he was 23, just 11 barrels, and a loan. The family’s wine growing tradition dates back to Juan Antonio’s great-grandfather, although his father never made wine–he used to sell the grapes to the local cooperative. “Ponce says. “The area is full of prejudices, people lack self-confidence.

These days Manchuela is probably the most interesting appellation in central Spain, led by Ponce. This is sharp and austere, mineral and electric. A wine to keep.

Producer Description 

Maria de Maria Rigol Ordi Gran Reserva Brut Nature is made from 100% Xarello grapes from 40-year-old goblet vines in the Penedès depression, 300 meters above sea level, yielding 8000 kg/ha. Crafted using the traditional method.

Aromas of stone fruits and dried apricots, mediterranean herbs and balsamic touches. On the palate, dry, sharp finish with vibrant acidity that ends with a touch of salinity.

Winemaker Description 

Their Criolla comes from one of the oldest vineyards they work with. The vines here are more than 80 years old. Fermented partially with stems in concrete and aged in 2000L vats for eight months before bottling.

The As Abeleiras “Viño branco de parcela” (Albariño) is released a year after the entry-level Albariño and comes from a single parcela planted in 1993 by a very young Pedro and his father. It sits at 100 meters altitude, also on granite soil. While the 2019 version was raised in steel, this year spent time in old French oak barrels. 

While the other two Albariños have a broad band of expressions and roundness due to the diversity of the many vineyard parcels in each wine, this single vineyard’s uniqueness offers a more vertical than horizontal experience. While the other two would be great for a bigger party of people because they jump into the mosh pit and start knocking people out on the first swing, As Abeleiras is initially more snug and better suited for a two-person tango. 

While the others are wonderful in their way, this is the thinker, the wine to observe and admire for its singularity, focused austerity, and tight, chalky and grippy texture. It’s a minerally beam of light. The others are mineral bombs.

Expert Reviews - 2022 Release 

James Suckling writes 99 Points | Sweet-berry, walnut, licorice and violet aromas that follow through to a full body with round, chewy tannins that are polished and beautiful. Notes of iron, too. The tannins are broad and mouth filling, giving a caressing and exciting texture on the palate. If you give this a year to two to soften, it will deliver even greater richness and flavor. A blend of 2008, 2010 and 2011. Great after 2023.

Luis Gutiérrez of the The Wine Advocate writes 98 Points | The NV Único Reserva Especial 2022 Release is a blend of wines from 2008, 2010 and 2011, mostly Tinto Fino with some Cabernet Sauvignon mixing lots from the Único wines from those years. In the past, the blend was older vintages, but now it's wines that are around the same age as the Único. It has the complexity of mixing terroirs, vintages and grapes with parameters very similar to Único, 14.5% alcohol and good balance with a pH of 3.83 and 5.4 grams of acidity (measured in tartaric acid per liter). In the blend, they look for keeping the style of past blends, combining the more aged notes of the older wines and the freshness of the younger ones. I was very pleasantly surprised by the performance of this Reserva Especial, which seems to be going back to the character of the blends from yesteryear, with more finesse, elegance and nuance. This is perfumed, elegant, harmonious and balanced. It has very fine, already polished tannins and integrated acidity. 2008 and 2010 are cooler years, and they seem to give the blend this freshness and elegance. It has all the components, and especially the balance between all of them, to age nicely in bottle. 16,961 bottles and 201 magnums were filled in June 2018.

Winemaker Description 

Unico Reserva Especial bears witness to the past, it pays homage to the history of Spanish wine and their traditions. A non-vintage wine combining the balance between the best vintages and harvests, it faithfully reflects the magic of a legendary land. Unico Reserva Especial 2022 is a blend of the 2008, 2010, and 2011 vintages and a blend of 95 % Tinto Fino (Tempranillo) and 5 % Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine is suitable for drinking now, but it can be aged for up to 40-60 years, if stored in the ideal conditions. It offers an infinite complexity that is gradually revealed, in every sip, the palate immensely silky and elegant. A true work of art!

Winemaker Description 

Arenisca is 100% Tinta de Toro from the Paraje Los Panaderos vineyard in neighboring Benialbo (within D.O. Toro), which is among the highest elevation sites in the appellation. Grapes were hand-harvested, wild yeast fermented with 40% stem inclusion in open vats with 30 days of maceration, then raised for 11 months in used French oak barrels.

The finished wine is bottled unfiltered, and just a touch of sulfur is added at bottling. 

Winemaker Description

Cherry red color with garnet rims. On the nose it is elegant, clean and expressive, with a complexity typical of a wine made with an excellent quality grape and a very careful production process. In the mouth it is sweet, with good body and great balance, presenting a long and pleasant aftertaste.

The alma mater of the winery, a wine with imprint, plant, and lordship. A completely varietal red, mature, with a growing personality and a lot of elegance.

The soils of the Cepa 21 vineyards are the result of the evolution of millions of years. In them grow our vines that define who we are, learning from the passage of time, a deep love for our land, the care with which we work the fields and the history that precedes us. The Strain is much more than a part of our name, it is the basis of all our machinery, what moves us to be better every day, the greatest asset of our wineries, the origin, and the end. 

Expert Review - Vintage 2021

The Wine Advocate 92 Points | The 2021 ÀN/2 was produced with 65% Callet, 20% Fogoneu and Mantonegro and 15% Syrah. It fermented in 4,000-liter oak vats and concrete and matured in French (60%), American (30%) and Central European (10%) barrels for 12 months. It has a moderate 13% alcohol and a pH of 3.51, with a bright ruby color and a nose with notes of smoky bacon and violets, with less influence from the barrels, which is more evident in the palate but does not overwhelm. It feels fresher than previous years.

Winemaker Description 

ÀN/2 is a perfect introduction to the wines of Mallorca. This unique red is made from old vine Callet, Mantonegre-Fogoneu and Syrah fermented in a combination of stainless steel and concrete—macerated only briefly to retain the freshness and flavors of the fully ripe fruit.

Aged for just over one year in a combination of 80% French barriques and 20% American oak.

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.

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.

Its high acidity and dry finish make it incredibly versatile:

• Tapas: Excellent with Jamón Ibérico, olives, and aged Spanish cheeses.

• Seafood: Perfect with oysters, sushi, or grilled shrimp.

• Anything Fried: The sharp acidity cuts beautifully through rich, fried foods like calamari or fried chicken.

FARMING

Certified Organic 

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 

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 

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 

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

Experience the purity of Alona Rioja Sin Sulfitos Añadidos, a unique wine with no sulfites added and organically farmed. 

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. 

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 89 Points | There's a richness here offsetting the firm structure, but the iodine and roasted walnut notes shine on the finish. Caramel, burnt molasses and tobacco round out the flavor spectrum. Drink now. 1,750 cases made.

Winemaker Description 

Mahogany colour with iodine tinged edges. Strong and nutty, with hints of varnish, caramel and vanilla. Very dry, well-rounded structure, with faint hints of saline, a slightly bitter and long- lasting finish.

Winemaker Description 

Aged for 15 years in Jerez de la Frontera. Since the foundation of its Solera by Mr. Emilio Lustau in 1921 to commemorate the visit to Jerez of Eugenia de Montijo, the last Empress of France.

Dark gold in colour with khaki hues. Penetrating aromas of noble woods, varnish and nuts with a great concentration. A rich and mellow wine, with immense flavours of smoky wood, prunes and bitter chocolate. Complex and ample on the palate, smooth and warming with a lingering aftertaste.

Expert Review

Winemaker Description 

Experience the Unique Flavor of Mas Blanch i Jove

Winemaker Description

Medium pink. Aromas of ripe red fruits (strawberry&cherry) with subtle notes of violet flower. Clean, penetrating furit valors of red berry fruit, considerable body balanced by the acidity, elegant, finish and substancial length.

Decanter World Wine Awards & Magazine (UK): Vintage 2014 – Bronze medal.
International Wine & Spirits Competition IWSC (UK): Vintage 2013 – Bronze medal.

Guía del Vino Cuotidiano (ESP) Vintage 2012 – Cuadro de Honor. 90 points.

International Wine Guide (ESP) Vintage 2014 – Bronze medal.
Vintage 2012 – Silver medal.

Gilbert & Gaillard (FRA) Vintage 2014 – Gold medal. Vintage 2013 – Bronze medal.
“365 Vinos al año” de Vivir el Vino (ES) Vintage 2011 – 92/100 poins.

Catavinum World Wine & Spirits Competition (ES): Vintage 2014 – Silver medal. Vintage 2013 – Silver medal.

Guía Akatavino (ES) Vintage 2014 – 91/100 points.

Golden Leaf (ES) Vintage 2015 – Silver medal

Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar (USA) Vintage 2011 – 90/100 points.

Wine Enthusiast (USA) Vintage 2011 – 91/100 points.

Wine advocate/Robert Parker (USA) Vintage 2011 – 88/100 points.

Wine Spectator (USA) Vintage 2011 – 91/100 points.

Memo Summary Notes

The Mas Blanch i Jové Petit Saó 2022 is an organic red wine from the Costers del Segre DO in Catalonia, Spain. This winery is unique for its "Artists’ Vineyard" (L'Vinyer dels Artistes), where large sculptures are integrated into the vineyard landscape.

Food Pairing Recommendations

• Meats: Ideal for BBQ and roasts, particularly lamb or pork loin.

• Pasta: Hearty pasta dishes with meat-based sauces (Bolognese) or mushroom-heavy sauces.

• Tapas: Pairs excellently with aged cheeses like Manchego or cured meats like Jamón Ibérico.

Unmatched Quality from Costers del Segre

Mas Blanch i Jove is renowned for producing high-quality wines in the Costers del Segre region. This 2022 vintage showcases the careful craftsmanship that goes into each bottle. The balance of flavors is exceptional, making it a perfect choice for both wine aficionados and casual drinkers. You'll find that the unique terroir of this area plays a significant role in the wine's profile, creating a taste that's rich and authentic.

Aromatic Profile and Tasting Notes

This red wine, Petit Sao, offers a delightful aromatic profile that enchants the senses. Upon first sip, you will notice notes of ripe berries, subtle spices, and a hint of oak, all harmoniously blended. The smooth texture ensures that every pour is a pleasure, and the wine finishes with a lingering, satisfying aftertaste. It pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes, making it a versatile addition to your collection.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you're hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet evening at home, Mas Blanch i Jove Petit Sao is the ideal choice. Its balanced flavors and elegant finish make it suitable for various occasions. You could impress your guests with its quality or simply savor a glass while unwinding after a long day. Therefore, investing in this wine not only adds value to your cellar but also enhances your enjoyment of life’s moments.

Winemaker Description 

La Fita - Els Arpiots is a white wine that embodies the essence of its origins –Penedes.

A blend of Macabeu and Xarel.lo, traditional grape varieties of Penedès, creates a fresh and light wine.

It bursts with aromatic intensity, evoking the Mediterranean with scents of white fruit and flowers. Its palate is gentle and straightforward.

Winemaker Description 

El Rall Artigas Alella Red, biodynamic wine, 50% Merlot, 20% Garnatxa Negra (Grenache Noir), 20% Syrah, and 10% Sumol from 4 vineyards planted on granitic sand. 

Oriol’s ancient vineyards of native vines are largely based on granite rock, known locally as Sauló, at between 100 and 350 metres elevation.  This results in wines often rich in minerality, conjuring aromas that will take you all the way to the Mediterranean. 

The grapes are destemmed and fermented in stainless steel tank with 3 days on the skins, then transferred to a mix of stainless steel tanks and used barrels to rest for approximately 18 months before blending and bottling with no sulphites. 

El Rall Artigas is natural, hot climate red wine which is bursting with flavour and although 100% pure, there is no real funkiness, just soft fruits and tension from the granite soils. 

Winemaker Description 

Limited Production - only 1,900 bottles produced.

Today we present the Vintage 2022 of Campeador Viura, the first white wine to be produced under the Campeador brand which, as you know, was created in 1916 to produce the first Rioja cavas. This is a limited edition in the style of the great historic white wines of Rioja. A wine that can be considered a wine for cellaring, so you can keep it in your private cellars for a few years or you can drink it immediately thanks to its harmony, intensity and subtlety.

It is a slightly disruptive Viura, but at heart it is a classic wine, like a vintage. It is always very floral and a little citric. The use of the skins was intended to provide a little bit of support, a little bit of nerve. You can see a halo of freshness that may indicate good ageing, but we will see if the wine itself achieves homogeneity”.

Campeador Viura 2022 comes from an old Viura vineyard. Harvested by hand, the grapes were destemmed, destemmed and fermented in stainless steel tanks. At this point, the winemaking process is bifurcated. One part is vatted and treated as clean must, while the other part is kept with its skins in the style of a traditional Rioja red wine.

Fermentation takes place in wooden vats and ageing in French oak vats. As you can see, we wanted to recover from the annals of Rioja winemaking a very old-fashioned way of making wine, starting the process with the skins and finishing it off with a moderate ageing in barrels.

On the nose it has more oxidative Viura sensations, as if it were from an older vintage.

It is the palate that reminds us that we are talking about a young wine because of its hints of citrus and stone fruit.

Our Professional Review

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2025

Why Oscar chose this sherry -  "As we seek moderation, we look to make better drinking and dietary choices. What better way to begin than with a 375ml (half bottle) of Manzanilla sherry. Bone-dry, packed with aromas and flavors of citrus fruit and that unmistakable salinity found in Manzanilla sherries made in the coastal sherry producing town of Sanlucar de Barrameda. Served chilled, in a white wine glass and pair with your favorite healthy snacks."

Winemaker Description 

Fresh and lively, with notes of dried herbs, stone fruit, and citrus zest. Bone dry and mouthwatering, with a long finish

Expert Review - Vintage 2021

The Wine Advocate Luis Gutierrez writes 97 Points | From the vines on the mid slope and has a very elegant, fragrant nose with notes of concentrated violet and a solid palate. The slate tannins give a talcum powder texture, and the wine opens up in the mid-palate, making it very expansive. In the long term, it seems like the slate gives a better palate and the granite is more nose.…This has the combination of the cooler year and the resilience of the slate soils, coming through as complex and elegant, powerful and concentrated but with an ethereal side to it too. Bravo!

Producer Description 

The Pizarra vineyards are found on red metamorphic slate soils, which are unique to the village of Cebreros, folded into the mostly granitic mountain range. This slate soil makes Cebreros unlike any other village within the Sierra de Gredos region. Pizarra soil is located above 950 meters, up to 1200 meters, mainly with an eastern orientation. 

The wines from here have a signature expression: they are always fresh, complex, direct, and profound. Pizarra is a limited production wine produced from over 60-year-old, bush-trained garnacha vines, yielding 15hl/ha from the vineyards of Arrebatacapas, La Redonda, La Curva, Fuente Fabian, and Presidente. The farming at Pegaso is organic, and the wines are made with low intervention and minimal sulfur at bottling.