Tag Archives: Spain
Wine Tours: experience unexpected in Catalunya, Spain
I have been reviewing wines after my glorious tour in Priorat, one of the two greatest DOQ regions in Spain, yet this time it is to tell you more about the tour experience itself. It started with truly breathtaking views I cannot describe by just putting some words together. Mountainous area with narrowly laid roads…
RAW fair: are natural wines worth trying?
Raw Fair is on the way (I am writing this when the last day is on, till 6pm today) in London’s trendy Brick Lane, and as a supporter of many things natural, organic, biodynamic and sustainable, I did not miss an opportunity to visit it yesterday. Where it is: The Old Truman Brewery, 83 Brick…
Scala Dei 2013 Priorat
Scala Dei is one of the most prominent brands in Priorat. It is situated in the most northern and mountainous areas of Priorat. The Carthusian Monastery of Scala Dei represents the birthplace of wines and winemaking in the DOQ Priorat region. as the Carthusian monks brought from Provence in the 12th century the knowledge and techniques…
Have you discovered the elegance of Priorat?
Attending wine events and masterclasses is a true entertainment for a wine enthusiast, don’t you think? It has been my first Decanter masterclass, mainly because I always thought it could be slightly on the snobby side. Well, the Landmark Hotel in London only proves that point, yet the rest was quite casual and warm. I…
Art 2010, Bodegas Luna Beberide, Bierzo
Art 2010 made by Bodegas Luna Beberide comes from DO Bierzo in Spain and even though I have mentioned about it before, I would like to re-instate the overall growing reputation of this Spanish region, which produces intensely fruity wines full of elegant peppery spices and herbal notes. This Bierzo wine has spicy cherries when you…
El Chaparral Navarra 2011, Bodegas Nekeas
El Chaparral 2011 from Navarra is produced by Bodegas Nekeas and is an estate bottled wine. I feel more attracted to estate bottled wines, because they were made by proud winemakers, who showcase how a single estate can produce grapes, do magnificent work with them (winemaking) and then should it be required, mature the wine. That…
One 2009, Ribera Del Duero
One 2009 from Ribera Del Duero was a recommendation from Oddbins. I have a nice corner shop in Clapham and I was pleasantly surprised how passionate and somewhat knowledgeable was the sales adviser. This was a Ribera del Duero for only 11 pounds, yet it offered a punch of a premium one. Let’s go on talking flavours here. Dark…
Wine to buy or avoid – March 2015
In search of which wine to buy and which to avoid, this month I turn to two merchants – one solely dedicated to wine as Sunday Times Wine club and a second multi-sector grocer as Ocado. Sunday Times Wine Club was my end of 2014 discovery, when I joined them, and the experience so far…
Juan Gil 2012 Jumilla
DO Jumilla, Spain is becoming increasingly famous for their work with Monastrell. This wine is of no exception- made in 2012 from 100% Monastrell grape on more than 40 years old vines it is bold (read, alcoholic as well, at 15%), and elegant example for Jumilla. Hot climates can make these wines rather sweet-ish and…
Laurel Priorat 2012
Laurel Priorat 2012 is a unique find. If you are looking for a taste explosion then it is it. Yet how many wines offered this big explosion? They are alcoholic and powerful (in the simple way), but definitely not this one! After tasting this wine, and sipping it slowly bit by bit, sip after sip, you…
Pedra Viva Priorat 2013
Pedra Viva Priorat 2013 is made from Garnacha and Samso grapes and comes from this renowned Spanish wine region, which was supposedly left to die in the middle of last century, but was reanimated by a group of enthusiasts who not only made it work, but now command really high prices for Priorat. The most expensive Spanish…
Two young Monastrell wines – Al-Mouvedre and Casa Carmela
It has been a bit cold outside and I made a trip to a local Waitrose for something warming, a bit sweet and spicy (and on the budget). This turned out to be a battle of two wines made from Monastrell. I was always a fan of this grape- it is so rich and full…
Red wine and a fish course to match – a problem or a treat?
I kick off this ‘What if it works’ section with something not particularly shocking, but still quite controversial and definitely one of the most talked about issues in matching food and wine. Will you serve red wine with fish courses? After reading a few books on Mediterranean diet, I am increasingly interested in incorporating more…
Navegante Bodegas Barbadillo 2013 Cadiz
Navegante wine is made by Bodegas Barbadillo 2013 and comes from not so known as of yet Tierra de Cadiz. This Spanish wine spent just up to 6 months in the oak barrels prior to bottling and that gives just a hint of pepper and vanilla, which is interesting. Yet in general the wine is quite simple…
Pioners Del Priorat 2011
This bottle comes from Priorat, one of my personal favourites so I am keen on researching what is good (or not so much) amongst the new wines. Pioners Del Priorat 2011 is made from a classic blend of Garnacha, Carignan and Cabernet Sauvignon, which gives it a very complex variety of flavours starting from a…
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