Wines from Spain Awards 2012

FEaTUrESjUDGES pOSTcarDSTHE WINNING WINES

We bring you Spain’s ‘hottest’ winesin the UK at the moment. Over 900wines tasted ‘blind’ by our top teamof professionals and whittled downto 110 with the ‘wow’ factor!

So where do those ‘in the know’go in Spain? Discover the gemsinside!

WINES FROM SPAIN

AWARDS2012

In Spain there are almost as many wineries as there are landscapes.

The diversity of viticulture in the country is reflected in more than 90

grape varieties from 69 denominations of origin. Our wines mirror our

country's infinite beauty. Soil and climatic conditions ensure variety,

personality and richness of style to please all discerning palates.

Wines from Spain Awards 2012 3

INTrODUcTIONWelcome to the first edition of the Wines from SpainAwards Guide. Within these pages you will discoversome of the most exciting Spanish wines currentlyavailable in the UK.

These wines have been judged in a gruelling blind tasting of over 900 wines by a panel of judges consisting of some of the UK’s leading winetasters. Highly respected in their field and very well acquainted withSpanish wine, these judges set the bar very high, with awards only goingto a fraction of the wines tasted.

We at Wines from Spain* are very excited by these awards. Wine is anintegral part of Spanish culture and each wine is a reflection of itsregion, of the landscape, climate and cuisine. We believe that wine lovers need look no further than Spain for diverse, quality, unique and deliciouswines - this guide will fast track you to the very best in the UK.

Take a look at the ‘Postcards from the Judges’ section for an insight intowhich area of Spain each judge is passionate about.

Happy browsing!

María José SevillaDirector, Foods & Wines from Spain

*Wines from Spain is a generic promotional body and is the UK arm ofICEX Spain Trade and Investment. Our aim is to increase awareness ofSpanish wines and promote a better understanding and appreciation of Spain’s wonderfully diverse offer here in the UK.

4. Tim Atkin MW Overview5. Understanding a Spanish Wine Label

The Winners

6 - 7. Sparkling Wines7 - 12. White Wines12 - 14. Rosado Wines14 - 25. Red Wines25 - 27. Fortified Wines

28 - 29. List of Stockists30 - 31. Map of Spanish Wine Regions32 - 33. Postcards from the Judges34. How Spanish Food and Wine

Came of Age…

cONTENTS

crEDITS

Maria Jose sevilla

PR and Marketing by Dillon Morrallwww.dillonmorrall.com

Design and Photography by Hansellwww.hanselldesign.co.uk

Printed by Avenue Printingwww.avenue-printing.co.uk

Landscape and food images Copyright ICEX

ScaN TO vIEW THE

caTalOGUE ONlINE

Wines from Spain Awards 20124

TIM aTKIN MWA UK WINE JOURNALIST WITH AN INTERNATIONAL FOLLOWING

Chair of JUDGes

After seven years as The New Wave Spanish Wine Awards, we changed ourname, Prince-like, to the Wines from Spain Awards in 2012. The moniker maybe different, but the professionalism, focus and enthusiasm that have definedthe competition from the start are undiminished.

We had as many entries as ever (903, for thestatistically minded), drawn from all over Spain. I won’t list all of the DOPs and IGPs, but therewere 60 of them in total. Alphabetically, theyranged from Alella to Yecla, geographically fromEmpordà to Jerez. This is a competition that trulyreflects the breadth, diversity and complexity ofthe Spanish wine industry.

It’s a tribute to the quality of the entries that I am never short of potential judges. Of the 17people who selflessly sniffed, tasted and spat their way through all those bottles, only three(Joan Torrents, Noel Young and Joe Wadsack)were there for the first time. The others were long-term supporters of the awards, a talented blend of sommeliers, buyers, journalists, consultants and wine merchants. I judge a lot of winecompetitions and this is one of the best panelsI’ve ever worked with.

Our entries were dominated by red wines, whichrepresented just over 60% of the total, equivalentto 550 wines. But that still left plenty of room forwhites (204), sparkling wines (65), rosados (39),fortifieds (37) and sweet wines (5). Rioja was thebiggest submitter of samples (225), which reflectsthe region’s enduring popularity in the UK, wayahead of second placed Cava (64).

The categories that over-performed were thewhites (33 out of 110 winners), rosados (9) andfortifieds (13), which is encouraging. Spanishwhites are getting better with every vintage, pinkwines are a growing category and Sherry is atraditional drink that is newly fashionable, thanksto some great bars and restaurants. With 13wines in the winners’ enclosure, Sherry was thesecond most successful region after Rioja (18),ahead of Ribera (9) and Cava (7).

There are wines to suit every occasion and pockethere, but the majority of the winners are eminentlyaffordable. Two-thirds of them sell for less than£14.99, which is amazing for wines of this quality.Spain truly continues to offer some of the bestvalue for money in the world.

There are some familiar names among thewinners (Torres, Chivite, Berberana, CVNE, Lustauand González Byass, to cite only a few) but farmore that will be unfamiliar to many winedrinkers. One of the strengths of these awards isthat, as the wines are tasted blind, no judge isinfluenced by the sight of a famous label.

I’m proud of the wines we’ve chosen and ourhope is that these 110 wines will help to highlightwhat is best about Spain.

@Timatkinwww.timatkin.com

THERE ARE WINES TO SUITEVERY OCCASIONAND POCKET

“

”


UNDErSTaNDING a SpaNISH WINE labElARMED WITH A FEW KEY WORDS, YOU WILL BE ABLETO GLEAN MORE INFORMATION TO HELP YOU FINDTHAT PERFECT BOTTLE OF SPANISH WINE

Most Spanish red wines willingly tellyou their age, they’re not shy! Hereare the main terms so you candecide on which style you prefer:

AGE REGION

Joven - this means ‘young’ inSpanish, so this wine is just a babywith no ageing at all. It will tend tobe a light, fruity style best drunkyoung. Sometimes the term ‘SinCrianza’ is also used – this meanswithout maturation.

Crianza – definitely a teenagerwithout the sulks! This wine has alittle bit of ageing in small oakbarrels to give it just that little extra‘oomph’. It should be aged at least 6months in small oak barrels and acombined total of 24 monthsincluding the bottle ageing.

Reserva – has to be a 30something! More age than theCrianza so a greater depth of flavourand complexity. At least 12 months insmall oak barrels and a total of 36months including the bottle ageing.

Gran Reserva – top of the rangeand aged the longest this is the wiseold man, smooth, mellow andcontent. This wine must be aged forat least 18 months in oak and acombined total of 60 monthsincluding bottle ageing.

Where the wine originates from will be on the label. If you get to know your mainSpanish regions (visit www.winesfromspainuk.com)you can decide whether you’re faced with a sultrysouthern stunner or a cool, elegant North coasthead-turner. Browse through the wine sectionwhere you will find snippets on the type of wine you can expect to find from key regionsacross Spain.

COLOURAs you know wine comes in a choiceof three colours – white (blanco), red(tinto) and pink (rosado).

QUALITY CATEGORYThere will always be an indication of exactly howclassy your wine is. Is it just a simple ‘Vino deMesa’ (table wine) a rustic Vino de la Tierra (acountry wine with few pretensions) or maybe aD.O. (Denominacion de Origen) wine (‘suitedand booted’ and adhering to the strict qualitycriteria laid down by the wine region it comesfrom) or the ultimate status symbol a D.O. Pagowhich means this wine comes from its own Estatewith a capital E and doesn’t rough it with theother categories!

GRAPE VARIETYSo many grapes so little time! Spain has averitable treasure trove of native grape varieties.These lend a wine its individuality. Look out forTempranillo, Garnacha, (red) Albariño, Verdejo(white) amongst others.

A comprehensive list of the most popular varietiescan be found at www.winesfromspainuk.com. Some wines may use ‘international’ varieties suchas Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Pinot Noir.


Segura Viudas Vintage Reserva 200812%

Region: D.O. Cava Price: £11.99Grapes: Macabeo,ParelladaStockists: Not yet availableat retail

Castillo PereladaReserva NV11.5%

Region: D.O. CavaPrice: £8.00-£10.00Grapes: Macabeo,Parellada, Xarel.loStockists: Amps Fine Wines,The Oxford Wine Company

Marqués de MonistrolRosado 200911.5%

Region: D.O. CavaPrice: £12.00Grapes: Monastrell, PinotNoirStockists: Tesco.com

Pere Ventura Tresor Reserva NV11.5%

Region: D.O. CavaPrice: £17.00Grapes: Xarel.lo, Macabeo,ParelladaStockists: Not yet availableat retail

Castillo Perelada Gran Claustro 200812%

Region: D.O. CavaPrice: £19.99Grapes: Pinot Noir,Chardonnay, Parellada Stockists: Field & Fawcett,The Oxford Wine Company,Whitebridge Wines

Best Cava

1 2 3 4 5

sparklinG

“Ripe aromas of toastedhazelnut and melon. Attractive developedcomplexity with a broadcreamy palate and rich finish.”

The Experts SayreGion foCUs - D.O. CAVAThe Spanish word cava means cellar and it wasadopted in the early days of the EU to differentiateSpain’s sparkling wines from Champagne. Mostcava is made in the Penedés region of Catalonia and production centres on the town of Sant Sadurnid’Anoia near Barcelona. This explains the presenceof elegant cafés and bars in and around the citywhere you can enjoy a glass of Spain’s bubbly.

CHAMPION


Llopart Reserva Brut Nature 200911.5%

Region: D.O. CavaPrice: £27.95Grapes: Xarel.lo, Macabeo,Parellada, ChardonnayStockists: Not yet availableat retail

Gramona Gran Reserva CellerBatlle 200212%

Region: D.O. CavaPrice: £50.00Grapes: Xarel.lo, MacabeoStockists: Berry Brothers &Rudd

Bodegas MurviedroEstrella de MurviedroFrizzante NV7.5%

Region: D.O. ValenciaPrice: £4.99Grapes: MoscatelStockists: Not yet availableat retail

Bodegas San ValeroFinca Valero 201112.5%

Region: D.O. CariñenaPrice: £6.00Grapes: MacabeoStockists:bibendumfinewine.com

Miguel Torres Viña Esmeralda 201111.5%

Region: D.O. CataluñaPrice: £8.49-£9.00Grapes: Muscat,GewürztraminerStockists: George Hill,Majestic Wine, Noel YoungWines, Waitrose

Best Value Sweet

WhiTe

Want to know more?

6 7 8 9 10

“Pale golden yellow in colourwith an intense aromareminiscent of orange peeland lychees. A gentle, sweetrefreshing palate.”

The Experts Say

Follow us on www.twitter.com/WinesfromSpainUKfor up to date news and views on Spanish wine.

Visit us at www.winesfromspainuk.com to learnmore about our 65+ different wine regions, whereto buy Spanish wine and other useful informationfor wine lovers…

CHAMPION


Raimat Castell de Raimat 201113%

Region: D.O. Costers delSegrePrice: £10.00Grapes: Xarel.lo,ChardonnayStockists: Noel Young Wines

Bodega Pazos del ReyM&S Godello 201113%

Region: D.O. MonterreiPrice: £9.99Grapes: GodelloStockists: M&S

Parxet Marqués de Alella 201112.5%

Region: D.O. AlellaPrice: £8.00-£12.00Grapes: Pansa BlancaStockists: Harrogate FineWines, The Wine Society

Bodegas La Val Viña Ludy 201112.5%

Region: D.O. Rías BaixasPrice: £9.99Grapes: AlbariñoStockists: Morrisons

Bodegas Terras GaudaAbadía de San Campio2011 12.5%

Region: D.O. Rías BaixasPrice: £13.50-£16.00Grapes: AlbariñoStockists: Ellis WhartonWines, George Hill, The Smiling Grape

Best White Under £10

WhiTe

11 12 13 14 15

“A superb, fragrant, limey andfresh banana driven white,delightfully juicy and moreish.Perfect re-vitalising aperitif.”

The Experts Say reGion foCUs - D.O. ALELLASince it gained DO status over 50 years ago Alella has been upagainst a fierce competitor: urbanization. The thriving city ofBarcelona has invaded its space but this bijou region is well worthexploring for both character and quality of its wines especially ifyou are looking for variety in your Spanish white wine repertoire.

CHAMPION


Bodegas La Val Finca de Arantei 201112.5%

Region: D.O. Rías BaixasPrice: £11.00-£12.00Grapes: AlbariñoStockists: All About Wine,Butlers Wine Cellar

Valdamor Namorío 201112.5%

Region: D.O. Rías BaixasPrice: £12.99Grapes: AlbariñoStockists: Corking Wines,Forth Wines

Fillaboa Albariño 201113%

Region: D.O. Rías BaixasPrice: £14.99Grapes: AlbariñoStockists: Amps Fine Wines,The General Wine Company,The Ox House

Palacio de FefiñanesAlbariño de Fefiñanes201112.5%

Region: D.O. Rías BaixasPrice: £15.00-£18.00Grapes: AlbariñoStockists: Alexander Wines,Butlers Wine Cellar,Handford Wines, The WineSociety

Maior de Mendoza 3 Crianzas 201013%

Region: D.O. Rías BaixasPrice: £24.90Grapes: AlbariñoStockists: Moreno Wines

Best White Over £10

16 17 18 19 20

“This is an excellent Albariñowith a great dose of mineralityon the nose along with pear,lime, spice, nettles, straw andherbs. The palate follows suitwith a surprising length for thisstyle of wine. Beautiful.”

The Experts Say

reGion foCUs - D.O. RIAS BAIXASThe Atlantic Ocean, pine forests lining hills that overlookfjord-like inlets, vines trained on pergolas and light,fresh, aromatic wines to complement the finest array ofseafood. Welcome to Galicia, green Spain and thehome of one of the country’s most sought-after qualitywine: Albariño from the D.O. of coastal Rías Baixas.

CHAMPION


WhiTe

21 22 23 24 25

Pazo de SeñoransSelección de Añada200513%

Region: D.O. Rías BaixasPrice: £30.00Grapes: AlbariñoStockists: Georges Barbierof London, The Wine Society

Coto de GomarizGomariz X 201113.5%

Region: D.O. RibeiroPrice: £14.00Grapes: AlbariñoStockists: The Wine TastingShop

Diez Siglos de VerdejoEl Tesoro 201113.5%

Region: VdlT Castilla y LeónPrice: £6.25Grapes: VerdejoStockists: WoodwintersWines & Whiskies

Finca ConstanciaParcela 52 201113%

Region: VdlT Castilla y LeónPrice: £9.69Grapes: VerdejoStockists: Hanslope Wines

Avelino Vegas Vega de Castilla 201113%

Region: D.O. RuedaPrice: £6.99Grapes: VerdejoStockists: Morrisons

10

reGion foCUs -D.O. RUEDARueda, which is located in the heart of Castillay León to the north west of Madrid, emerged asa welcome addition to Spain’s quality whitewines when D.O. status was granted in 1980.The region’s producers had demonstrated thatthe cooler climate here coupled with modernwinemaking technology which avoided oxidationcould result in fresh, fruity white wines based onVerdejo, Sauvignon Blanc and Viura grapes.


Best Premium White £20+

26 27 28 29 30

Cillar de Silos El Quintanal 201113%

Region: D.O. RuedaPrice: £9.95Grapes: VerdejoStockists: Berry Brothers &Rudd

Bodegas Terna V3 Viñas Viejas 201013%

Region: D.O. RuedaPrice: £24.50-£26.50Grapes: VerdejoStockists: Dunnottar Wines& Spirits, The Wineman ofTeddington

La Báscula Catalan Eagle 201113.5%

Region: D.O. Terra AltaPrice: £11.00Grapes: Garnacha Blanca,Viognier, RoussaneStockists: George Hill,Highbury Vintners

Bodegas Edetària Vinya d'Irto 201112.8%

Region: D.O. Terra AltaPrice: £11.50Grapes: Garnacha BlancaStockists: Spirited Wines

Bodegas ValdesilMontenovo 201113%

Region: D.O. ValdeorrasPrice: £7.50-£9.99Grapes: GodelloStockists: Majestic Wine,The Wine Society

“A bright and lively pale goldcolour. Rich peach, apricotand citrus aromas withintense honeyed yet crisp,refreshing palate with anundercurrent of light spice.”

The Experts Say

11

CHAMPION

Godello is found in the region of Valdeorras

(Galicia) for the main part andneighbouring Bierzo. It is capable of producing quite rich but freshpowerful wines with charming

honey and citric flavours. Godellois now ranked as a high qualitygrape and its star is firmly in

the ascendancy.

sp

oT

liG

hT

ONTHE GODELLO

GRAPE


WhiTe rosaDo

31 32 33 34 35

Adega a Coroa A Coroa 201113.5%

Region: D.O. ValdeorrasPrice: £13.20Grapes: GodelloStockists: slurp.co.uk

Miguel Torres Fransola 201013%

Region: D.O. PenedèsPrice: £17.00-£18.50Grapes: Sauvignon Blanc,ParelladaStockists: Ann et Vin,George Hill, MitchellsVintners, Yorkshire Vintners

Bodegas Chivite Finca de Villatuerta201013%

Region: D.O. NavarraPrice: £13.00Grapes: ChardonnayStockists: Not yet availableat retail

Miguel Torres Milmanda 200813.5%

Region: D.O. Conca deBarberàPrice: £28.49Grapes: ChardonnayStockists: Hailsham Cellars,Old Chapel Cellars

Bodegas Borsao Gran Vega 201113.5%

Region: D.O. Campo deBorjaPrice: £4.99Grapes: GarnachaStockists: Virgin Wines

faCT WHITE WINETraditionally outshone by their red counterparts Spanishwhite wines are coming into their own and are graduallynotching up more recognition. 30% of the 2012 winnersare white, which is higher than the overall percentage ofwhites entered into the competition.


Best Value Rosado

36 37 38 39 40

Solar Viejo Rosado 201113%

Region: D.O.Ca. RiojaPrice: £5.99Grapes: Tempranillo,GracianoStockists: Not yet availableat retail

Bodegas CoviñasMarqués de Verdellano201112.5%

Region: D.O. Utiel RequenaPrice: £6.20Grapes: BobalStockists: A&A Wines

Vicente GandíaMarqués del Turia 201112%

Region: D.O. ValenciaPrice: £6.60Grapes: BobalStockists: Bowland ForestVintners

Bodegas GordonzelloPeregrino 201113.5%

Region: D.O. Tierra de LeónPrice: £7.25Grapes: Prieto PicudoStockists: Bush Vines

Bodegas Lezcano-Lacalle Docetañidos 201113%

Region: D.O. CigalesPrice: £9.95Grapes: Tempranillo,Sauvignon Blanc, Albillo,VerdejoStockists: Great Western Wine

“Brilliant value. An enjoyableredcurrant and red cherryflavoured Rosado with aneasy-drinking fruity finish.”

The Experts Say

Did you know...?That to make ‘pink’ wine the skins of black grapes are left to‘macerate’ in the grape juice for 2-3 days just long enough toextract the right amount of colour. The longer the ‘maceration’ the deeper the colour.

CHAMPION


reDrosaDo

41 42 43 44 45

Celler Masroig Les Sorts Rosat 201113.5%

Region: D.O. MontsantPrice: £9.95Grapes: Garnacha,CariñenaStockists: Indigo Wine

Macià Batle Macià Batle Rosado201113.5%

Region: D.O. Binissalem -MallorcaPrice: £10.99Grapes: Manto Negro,CalletStockists: All About Wine

Artiga Fustel Mariona 201113.5%

Region: D.O. AlicantePrice: £8.00-£9.00Grapes: Alicante BouschetStockists: Blanco & GomezWine Merchants, GreatWestern Wine

Pazo das Tapias Alma de Tinto 201113.5%

Region: D.O. MonterreiPrice: £10.25Grapes: MencíaStockists: winedirect.co.uk

Descendientes de J. Palacios Pétalos 201014%

Region: D.O. BierzoPrice: £16.00-£17.00Grapes: MencíaStockists: Highbury Vintners,Majestic Wine

faCT MAJORCAMajorca’s Mediterranean climate and particularly its long,hot and dry summers make it ideal for vine growing just asthe same conditions make the island a popular destinationfor holidays. Indeed much of the island’s wine productionis enjoyed by visitors to the island. Some of their lovelywines are making it off the island however!


Best Red Under £10

46 47 48 49 50

Bodegas AbanicoManium 200814.5%

Region: D.O. BierzoPrice: £14.25Grapes: MencíaStockists: Bijou Bottles

Bodegas Borsao Gran Vega 201113.5%

Region: D.O. Campo deBorjaPrice: £4.99Grapes: GarnachaStockists: Virgin Wines

Bodegas Borsao Viña Borgia 201113.5%

Region: D.O. Campo deBorjaPrice: £7.20Grapes: GarnachaStockists: John HattersleyWines

Bodegas Borsao Borsao Selección Tinto201114.5%

Region: D.O. Campo deBorjaPrice: £7.00-£8.00Grapes: Garnacha, Syrah,TempranilloStockists: Flourish & Prosper,Highbury Vintners

Bodegas Ateca Honoro Vera 201114.5%

Region: D.O. CalatayudPrice: £8.99Grapes: Garnacha Stockists: Booths

“Rich, red colour. Meaty,spicy with explosive bright,sweet strawberry fruit.Impressive with its clean linesand hint of pepper andpowerful yet soft texturedstructure.”

The Experts SayreGion foCUs - THE THREE C’S! Campo de Borja, Calatayud and Cariñena are three wineregions near the city of Zaragoza in the region of Aragon.Here the grape Garnacha dominates and all three areasnot only produce well-priced everyday wines but are alsogrowing in stature and attracting international attention formore sophisticated styles. Definitely ‘watch this space’!

CHAMPION


Best Value Red

reD

51 52 53 54 55

AXIAL Marqués de MontañanaSelección Especial 201014.5%

Region: D.O. CalatayudPrice: £8.99Grapes: GarnachaStockists: Adnams

Bodegas San ValeroFinca Valero 201112.5%

Region: D.O. CariñenaPrice: £6.05Grapes: Tempranillo,GarnachaStockists:bibendumfinewine.com

Covinca S. Coop.Torrelongares 201113.5%

Region: D.O. CariñenaPrice: £4.99Grapes: Garnacha Stockists: Not yet availableat retail

Bodegas Esteban MartínVinem 201113.5%

Region: D.O. CariñenaPrice: £7.74Grapes: Garnacha, Syrah,MerlotStockists: George Hill ofLoughborough

Bodegas y Viñedos Monfil Monfil 201113.5%

Region: D.O. CariñenaPrice: £7.50Grapes: GarnachaStockists: Lea & Sandeman

“Restrained savoury nose withhints of kirsch and liquorice.The palate has lovely texturewith bright cherry and bramblefruit. Velvety, meaty finish.”

The Experts Say

CHAMPION


56 57 58 59 60

Bodegas Esteban MartínVinem Crianza 200814%

Region: D.O. CariñenaPrice: £6.50-£8.00Grapes: Garnacha,Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah,MerlotStockists: Frank Stainton,Spirited Wines

Bodegas Monte la ReinaSpanish Steps 201113.5%

Region: D.O. ToroPrice: £6.99Grapes: TempranilloStockists: Sainsbury's

Bodegas San MarcosToronegro 201114%

Region: VdlT ExtremaduraPrice: £6.99Grapes: Mazuelo, ShirazStockists: Co-op

Bodega Sierra NorteFuenteseca 201113.5%

Region: D.O. Utiel-RequenaPrice: £7.25-£8.70Grapes: Bobal, CabernetSauvignonStockists: Bennetts FineWine, Noble Green Wines

Freixenet Mia Signature BlendNo.1 201114%

Region: VdlT Castilla y LeónPrice: £8.00Grapes: TempranilloStockists: Tesco.com

reGion foCUs - D.O. TORO Named after the town of Toro this region has made great stridesover the last 20 years based on the success of the powerful andimpressive Tinta de Toro grape, a local take on Tempranillo.


Best New Discovery

reD

61 62 63 64 65

Familia Pacheco Roble 201014.5%

Region: D.O. JumillaPrice: £7.99Grapes: Monastrell,Cabernet Sauvignon, SyrahStockists: Cambridge WineMerchants, Wild Ferment

Bodegas Atalaya Laya 201014.5%

Region: D.O. AlmansaPrice: £8.99Grapes: GarnachaTintorera, MonastrellStockists: Not yet availableat retail

Celler Masroig Castell de Les Pinyeres200814.5%

Region: D.O. MontsantPrice: £12.75-£14.00Grapes: Cariñena,Garnacha, Tempranillo,Merlot, Cabernet SauvignonStockists: Jeroboams,Roberson Wine

Vinyes d'OlivardotsFinca Olivardots 201114.5%

Region: D.O. EmpordàPrice: £14.00Grapes: Syrah, Garnacha,CariñenaStockists: No UK distributor

Ponce Pie Franco 201014.5%

Region: D.O. ManchuelaPrice: £17-£18.50Grapes: BobalStockists: Bottle Apostle,Handford Wines, RobersonWine

“Intensely aromatic, very ripeforest fruits, with an underlyingpotency. The herbal notes ofrosemary and thyme are alsopresent. On the palate there isa surprising level of acidityand minerality, which addsfreshness to the wine. Long,elegant and juicy.”

The Experts SayreGion foCUs -D.O. MANCHUELAManchuela is a relative newcomer to theSpanish wine scene having been made a D.O.in 2000 (the first D.O. of Rioja was formed in1925). The principal grape here is Bobal, whichis grown in traditional bush vines.

CHAMPION


66 67 68 69 70

4 Kilos 12 Volts 201014%

Region: VdlT MallorcaPrice: £19.50-£22.00Grapes: Callet-Fogoneu,Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon,MerlotStockists: Roberson Wine,The Sampler, VagabondWine

Miguel Torres Mas la Plana 200714.5%

Region: D.O. PenedèsPrice: £33.00Grapes: CabernetSauvignonStockists: George Hill,Majestic Wine

Celler Pasanau Ceps Nous 201014.5%

Region: D.O.Ca. PrioratPrice: £14.00-£15.00Grapes: Garnacha, Merlot,Cariñena, SyrahStockists: The Sampler, The Wine Tasting Shop

Miguel Torres Salmos 201014.5%

Region: D.O.Ca. PrioratPrice: £17.00-£20.00Grapes: Garnacha,Cariñena, SyrahStockists: George Hill,Waitrose

Morlanda Morlanda Crianza 200715%

Region: D.O.Ca. PrioratPrice: £22.50Grapes: Garnacha,CariñenaStockists: Tesco.com

reGion foCUs - D.O.Ca. PRIORATPriorat is located south of Barcelona in Tarragona and is one of Spain’s mostacclaimed D.O. regions. It has superior status of D.O.Ca. along with Rioja.Priorat shot to fame (and fortune) in the 1990’s after a group of winemakersteamed up to make red wine around the remote high-lying village ofGratollops. They were particularly attracted by the slate and schist soil, whichimparts distinctive flavours on the wine. At their best Priorat wines showincredible concentration and merit bottle ageing to reach their peak.


Best Red Over £10 / Bestof Show (Joint winner)

Best Premium Red £20+

reD

71 72 73 74 75

Bodegas Trus Krel Crianza 200914%

Region: D.O. Ribera delDueroPrice: £11.00Grapes: TempranilloStockists: Georges Barbierof London

Bodegas Trus Trus Crianza 200914%

Region: D.O. Ribera delDueroPrice: £14.00Grapes: TempranilloStockists: Georges Barbierof London

Bodegas HermanosPérez Pascuas Viña Pedrosa Crianza200914%Region: D.O. Ribera delDueroPrice: £22.00Grapes: TempranilloStockists: The Wine Society

Hijos de Antonio PoloPagos de PeñafielVendimia Seleccionada200914.5%Region: D.O. Ribera delDueroPrice: £32.99Grapes: TempranilloStockists: Ralph's Wines

Pago de los CapellanesCrianza 200813.5%

Region: D.O. Ribera delDueroPrice: £20.00-£23.00Grapes: TempranilloStockists: Blanco & GomezWine Merchants, GreatWestern Wine, Harper Wells

“Cherry red colour withpurple hues. Multi-layered,intense nose with hints of ripeplum and cinnamon. Thepalate is elegant with layersof fruit and spices.”

The Experts Say

“This has everything inspades and all inproportion. Cedary,brambly and crunchypalate with a long, longfinish.”

The Experts Say

Tempranillo is oneof the best-known quality red

grape and it excels in many regionsbut notably Rioja, Ribera del Duerowhere it is known as Tinto Fino, Torowhere it is known as Tinta de Toroand many of the Catalan D.O.’swhere it is known as Ull de Llebre.The variety is also widely planted

in central and southern Spain where it is known

as Cencibel.

spo

Tl

iGh

TO

N THE TEMPRANILLO

GRAPE

CHAMPIONCHAMPION

BEST OF SHOWJOINT WINNER


76 77 78 79 80

O. Fournier Spiga 200814.5%

Region: D.O. Ribera delDueroPrice: £22.00-£25.00Grapes: TempranilloStockists: slurp.co.uk,Waitrose

Valdubón Valdubón Reserva 200713%

Region: D.O. Ribera delDueroPrice: £22.00Grapes: TempranilloStockists: Not yet availableat retail

Cillar de Silos Flor de Silos 200714%

Region: D.O. Ribera delDueroPrice: £39.99Grapes: TempranilloStockists: Berry Brothers &Rudd

O. Fournier Alfa Spiga 200615%

Region: D.O. Ribera delDueroPrice: £30.00-£35.00Grapes: TempranilloStockists: slurp.co.uk, The Wine Centre

Solar ViejoSolar Viejo 201114%

Region: D.O.Ca. RiojaPrice: £6.99Grapes: TempranilloStockists: Not yet availableat retail

reGion foCUs -D.O. RIBERA DEL DUERO

Ribera del Duero has grown to rival Rioja in terms of prestigeand reputation. Its success is firmly based on Tempranillo (alsoknown locally as Tinto Fino or Tinta del Pais). The variety is usedalmost exclusively by producers to make reds with variousageing credentials but oak aged reds of a high calibre andcapable of many years of ageing are the main focus.


reD

81 82 83 84 85

Pagos de Leza Editor 201114%

Region: D.O.Ca. RiojaPrice: £7.99Grapes: TempranilloStockists: Partridges

Bodegas RiojanasMonte Real 201113.4%

Region: D.O.Ca. RiojaPrice: £11.00Grapes: TempranilloStockists: EWGA Ltd

Ramón Bilbao Single Vineyard 201014%

Region: D.O.Ca. RiojaPrice: £9.99Grapes: Tempranillo,GarnachaStockists: Majestic Wine

Bodegas DunviroDunviro Crianza 200913.5%

Region: D.O.Ca. RiojaPrice: £8.90Grapes: Tempranillo,GracianoStockists: A&A Wines Ltd

Bodegas Artesa Artesa Crianza 200913.5%

Region: D.O.Ca. RiojaPrice: £8.50-£9.00Grapes: TempranilloStockists: Amps Fine Wine,Great Grog, Noel YoungWines

reGion foCUs - D.O.Ca. RIOJA Located partly within the Basque country, Rioja is best known for red wines and theTempranillo grape. The versatile nature of this variety means that the region’s redwines cover a variety of styles from young easy-drinking wines through to moresophisticated styles capable of many years of cellaring. Some producers also offerwhite wines, including some fine barrel-fermented and oak-aged styles and rosados.


Best Rioja

86 87 88 89 90

CHAMPION

Pagos de Leza Ángel SantamaríaCrianza 200913.5%

Region: D.O.Ca. RiojaPrice: £13.49Grapes: TempranilloStockists: Partridges

Bodegas del MedievoTuerce Botas Crianza200913.5%

Region: D.O.Ca. RiojaPrice: £14.95Grapes: GracianoStockists: Not yet availableat retail

Bodegas Bilbaínas Viña Pomal Reserva200813.5%

Region: D.O.Ca. RiojaPrice: £12.99Grapes: TempranilloStockists: Majestic Wine,The Sampler, Tesco.com,Wine Rack

Berberana Carta de Oro Reserva200713.5%

Region: D.O.Ca. RiojaPrice: £9.99Grapes: Tempranillo,GarnachaStockists: Sainsbury's

Bodegas LagunillaLagunilla Reserva 200713.5%

Region: D.O.Ca. RiojaPrice: £12.49Grapes: Tempranillo,GarnachaStockists: Morrisons

“Bursting with blackberry andraspberry aromas, the palateis clean, intense andpersistent. Perfectly balancedwith soft velvety tannins it isdelicious from start to finish.”

The Experts Say


reD

91 92 93 94 95

Bodega Ostatu Reserva 200713.5%

Region: D.O.Ca. RiojaPrice: £17.00Grapes: TempranilloStockists: H2Vin

Bodegas Luis CañasJuan Luis CañasAmaren Reserva 200513.5%

Region: D.O.Ca. RiojaPrice: £25.00Grapes: TempranilloStockists: Laithwaite's Wine

La Rioja Alta Viña Ardanza ReservaEspecial 200113.5%

Region: D.O.Ca. RiojaPrice: £18.50-£25.00Grapes: Tempranillo,GarnachaStockists: Armit Wines, BerryBros & Rudd, The WineSociety

Bodegas Ugalde Viña Cerrada GranReserva 200513.5%

Region: D.O.Ca. RiojaPrice: £18.30Grapes: Tempranillo,Graciano, MazueloStockists: Great WesternWine

Bodegas Ontañón Gran Reserva 200113.5%

Region: D.O.Ca. RiojaPrice: £21.99Grapes: Tempranillo,GracianoStockists: Great Grog

Did you know...?The first sherry bar in London was opened in 2010 by one of ourjudges Richard Bigg. Seen by many as a brave move it is one that wasset to be repeated as the trend for sherry grew and now there are atleast 10 places in London where you can enjoy sherry by the glass andin flights. A definite ‘must-do’ next time you’re in the metropolis!


Best Unfortified Sweet

sWeeT & forTifieD

96 97 98 99 100

C.V.N.E. Imperial Gran Reserva199913.5%

Region: D.O.Ca. RiojaPrice: £26.99Grapes: Tempranillo,Graciano, MazueloStockists: Majestic Wine,Waitrose

Bodegas BentomizAriyanas NaturalmenteDulce 200713.5%

Region: D.O. MálagaPrice: £18.50Grapes: MoscatelStockists: Georges Barbierof London, Theatre of Wine

Lustau Waitrose SoleraJerezana Fino Lustau 16.5%

Region: D.O. Jerez-Xérès-SherryPrice: £8.99Grapes: Palomino FinoStockists: Waitrose

Fernando de CastillaAntique Fino17%

Region: D.O. Jerez-Xérès-SherryPrice: £17.99Grapes: Palomino FinoStockists: Corks of Cotham,Hennings Wine Merchants,The Sampler

González Byass Viña AB AmontilladoSeco16.5%

Region: D.O. Jerez-Xérès-SherryPrice: £11.50-£13.50Grapes: Palomino FinoStockists: Adnams, GeneralWine Company

“Pale lemon, clean andbright colour. Aromas ofpeach, apricot, jasmine,fennel with hints of anise andnutmeg. Velvety, silky palatewith a fresh acidity and longfinish.”

The Experts Say

CHAMPION


Best Dry Fortified / BestOf Show (Joint winner)

101 102 103 104 105

Maestro SierraAmontillado 12 YearsOld 17.5%

Region: D.O. Jerez-Xérès-SherryPrice: £14.95Grapes: Palomino FinoStockists: Indigo Wine

Delgado ZuletaAmontilladoMonteagvdo 18.5%

Region: D.O. Jerez-Xérès-SherryPrice: £22.50Grapes: Palomino FinoStockists: Borough wines

Fernando de CastillaAntique Amontillado 19%

Region: D.O. Jerez-Xérès-SherryPrice: £24.00-£26.00Grapes: Palomino FinoStockists: Corks of Cotham,Hennings Wine Merchants,Noel Young Wines, TheSampler

Lustau Waitrose Solera JerezanaPalo Cortado Lustau 19%

Region: D.O. Jerez-Xérès-SherryPrice: £8.99Grapes: Palomino FinoStockists: Waitrose

González Byass Leonor Palo Cortado20%

Region: D.O. Jerez-Xérès-SherryPrice: £12.00-£13.50Grapes: Palomino FinoStockists: Adnams,Cambridge Wines

sWeeT & forTifieD

“A very serious and austeresherry with a classic amberhue, typical of agedamontillados. There is a realtang to both nose and palatewith orange peel, eucalyptus,varnished wood, fennel and amyriad of other flavours andsensations against abackground of stark drynessand tense acidity interwovenwith overwhelming complexities- a really sublime wine.”

The Experts Say

CHAMPION

BEST OF SHOWJOINT WINNER


Best Sweet FortifiedBest Own Label

106 107 108 109 110

Fernando de CastillaAntique Palo Cortado 20%

Region: D.O. Jerez-Xérès-SherryPrice: £28.00-£32.00Grapes: Palomino FinoStockists: Corks of Cotham,Hennings Wine Merchants,Philglas & Swiggot

Fernando de CastillaAntique Oloroso 20%

Region: D.O. Jerez-Xérès-SherryPrice: £24.00-£25.00Grapes: Palomino FinoStockists: Great Grog,Hennings Wine Merchants,Noel Young Wines, ReserveWines

Lustau Añada 97 Rich Oloroso199720.5%

Region: D.O. Jerez-Xérès-SherryPrice: £18.00-£25.00Grapes: Palomino FinoStockists: Fortnum & Mason,slurp.co.uk

Lustau Waitrose SoleraJerezana Rich CreamLustau 20%Region: D.O. Jerez-Xérès-SherryPrice: £8.99Grapes: Palomino FinoStockists: Waitrose

Fernando de CastillaAntique Pedro Ximénez 15%

Region: D.O. Jerez-Xérès-SherryPrice: £24.00-£27.00Grapes: Pedro XiménezStockists: Corks of Cotham,Great Grog, Noel YoungWines, Reserve Wines, The Sampler

“Beautifully aromatic andreminiscent of dried fruits andspices, full-bodied andluscious. A rich blend ofmatured oloroso sherry andPedro Ximenez wine, this richcream sherry is dark gold incolour. The rich dried fruitnotes of this wineimmediately suggestmatching it with mince pies.”

The Experts Say

“An old, elegant, sweetcreamy, figgy sherry. Aromasof coffee, prunes, figs,walnuts and Christmasspices. Luscious and rich onthe palate this is a sherry tolinger over and savour!”

The Experts Say

Did you know...?There are 12 styles of sherry ranging from the crisp, dry Fino to the liquid Christmas pudding Pedro Ximénez. Here are the styles in order of sweetness:

FinoManzanillaAmontilladoPalo Cortado

OlorosoDryPale CreamMedium

CreamMoscatelDulce / SweetPedro Ximénez

CHAMPION CHAMPION


A&A WinesGuildford01483 274666www.aawines.co.uk

AdnamsSouthwold (stores across East Anglia)01502 727200www.adnams.co.uk

Alexander WinesGlasgow0141 882 0039www.alexander-wines.co.uk

All About WineOnline winemerchant07876214144 www.allaboutwine.co.uk

Amps Fine WineOundle01832 273502www.ampsfinewines.co.uk

Ann et Vin Newark01636 700900 www.annetvin.com

Armit WinesLondon 020 7908 0660 www.armit.co.uk

Bennetts Fine WineChipping Campden01386 840392 www.bennettsfinewines.com

Berry Bros & RuddLondon 0800 280 2440 www.bbr.com

Bibendum London020 7722 5577 www.bibendumfinewine.com

Bijou BottlesNorfolk 01603 784 990 www.bijoubottles.co.uk

Blanco & Gomez Wine MerchantsLondon 020 7352 8680 www.bgwm.blogspot.co.uk

BoothsStores mainly in the North www.booths.co.uk

Borough Wines London 020 7923 2001 www.boroughwines.com

Bottle ApostleLondon 020 8985 1549 www.bottleapostle.com

Bowland Forest VintnersNear Clitheroe 01200 448222 [email protected]

Bush VinesWest Sussex 01243 378618 www.bushvines.co.uk

Butlers Wine CellarBrighton 01273 698 724 www.butlers-winecellar.co.uk

Cambridge Wine Merchants Cambridge 01954 214528 www.cambridgewine.com

Co-opStores nationwide www.co-operative.coop

Corking WinesYork 01904 636123 www.corkingwines.com

Corks of CothamBristol 0117 973 1620 www.corksof.com

Dunnottar Wines & SpiritsStonehaven 01569 760 060

Ellis Wharton WinesCornwall 01726 825255 www.ewwines.co.uk

EWGA LtdCarnforth 01524 737100 www.ewga.net

Field and Fawcett York 01904 489073 www.fieldandfawcett.co.uk

Flourish & Prosper Howden 01430 430006 www.flourish-and-prosper.com

Forth Wines Kinross-shire 01577 866001 www.forthwines.com

Fortnum & Mason London 020 7734 8040 www.fortnumandmason.com

Frank StaintonKendal 01539 731886 www.stainton-wines.co.uk

George Hill of LoughboroughLoughborough 01509 212 717 www.georgehill.co.uk

Georges Barbier of LondonLondon 020 8852 5801 www.georgesbarbier.co.uk

Great GrogEdinburgh 0131 667 2855 www.greatgrog.co.uk

Great Western WineBath 01225 322810 www.greatwesternwine.co.uk

H2VinOnline winemerchant01737 355765 www.h2vin.co.uk

Hailsham CellarsHailsham 01323 846238 www.hailshamcellars.com

Handford WinesLondon 020 7589 6113 www.handford.net

Hanslope Wines Milton Keynes 01908 510 262 www.hanslopewines.co.uk

Harper WellsEaton 01603 451098 www.harperwells.com

Harrogate Fine WinesHarrogate 01423 522270 www.harrogatefinewinecompany.com

Hennings Wine MerchantsPulborough and Petworth 01798 872 485 www.henningswine.co.uk

Highbury VintnersLondon 020 7226 1347 www.highburyvintners.co.uk

Indigo WineLondon 020 7733 8391 www.indigowine.com

Jeroboams London 020 7288 8850 www.jeroboams.co.uk

John Hattersley WinesBakewell 01629 815 255 www.johnhwines.co.uk

lIST OF STOcKISTS

a b c D E F G H I j K l M


Laithwaite's WineOnline winemerchant 0845 194 7711 www.laithwaites.co.uk

Lea & SandemanLondon 020 7244 0522 www.leaandsandeman.co.uk

M&SStores nationwide www.marksandspencer.com

Majestic WineStores nationwide www.majestic.co.uk

Mitchells VintnersSheffield 0114 274 5587 www.mitchellswine.co.uk

Moreno WinesLondon 020 7286 0678 www.morenowinedirect.com

MorrisonsStores nationwidewww.morrisons.co.uk

Noble Green WinesHampton Hill 020 8979 1113 www.noblegreenwines.co.uk

Noel Young WinesCambridge 01223 566744 www.nywines.co.uk

Old Chapel CellarsTruro 01872 270545www.oldchapelcellars.co.uk

PartridgesLondon 020 7730 0651 www.partridges.co.uk

Philglas & SwiggotLondon 020 7402 0002 www.philglas-swiggot.com

Ralph's WinesOnline winemerchant020 8568 9816 www.ralphswinesonline.com

Reserve WinesManchester 0161 438 0101 www.reservewines.co.uk

Roberson WineLondon 020 7381 7870 www.robersonwine.co.uk

Sainsbury'sStores nationwide www.sainsburys.co.uk

slurp.co.ukOnline winemerchant020 8993 7722 www.slurp.co.uk

Spirited Wines London 020 7935 4185 www.spiritedwines.co.uk

Tesco.comStores nationwide www.tesco.com

The General Wine CompanyLiphook 01428 727744 www.thegeneralwine.co.uk

The Ox HouseNorthleach 01451 860650 www.oxhousewines.com

The Oxford Wine Company Oxford 01865 249500 www.oxfordwine.co.uk

The Sampler London 020 7226 9500 www.thesampler.co.uk

The Smiling GrapeSt Neots 01480 403100 www.smilinggrape.com

The Wine CentreGreat Horkseley 01206 271 236 www.thewinecentre.co.uk

The Wine Society Online winemerchant 01438 741177 www.thewinesociety.com

The Wine Tasting ShopLondon 020 8616 8658 www.thewinetastingshop.co.uk

The Wineman of TeddingtonLondon 07850 329111 www.winemanofteddington.co.uk

Theatre of Wine London 020 8858 6363 www.theatreofwine.com

Vagabond WineLondon 020 7381 1717 www.vagabondwines.co.uk

Virgin WinesOnline winemerchant0843 224 1001 www.virginwines.co.uk

Waitrose Stores nationwide www.waitrose.com

Whitebridge WinesStone 01785 817229 www.whitebridgewines.co.uk

Wild FermentCanterbury 01227 463527 www.wildferment.co.uk

Wine DirectOnline winemerchant0845 6033717 www.winedirect.co.uk

Wine Rack London and the South East020 8801 0011 www.winerack.co.uk

Woodwinters, Wines & WhiskiesBridge of Allan 01786 834894 www.woodwinters.com

Yorkshire Vintners Ripon 01765 601701 www.yorkshirevintners.co.uk

N O p q r S T U v W x y z


Map OF SpaINTHE SpaNISH WINE rEGIONS


NOEL YOUNGOwner Noel Young Fine Wines

My favourite region in Spain,would be the one I know thebest and have visited many,many times – the island ofMallorca. It’s such awonderful island, and sodifferent, from the wonderfulmountains of the North, withsuch great scenery leading torolling citrus groves headingdown towards Deia, to thefishing villages and gloriousbeaches of the South. Ofcourse there is also themajestic city of Palma and it’samazing cathedral. It’s anisland with a growingreputation for great food, withdelicious seafood, andorganic, free range lamb,pork and such flavourfulorganic vegetables which canbe bought from the manylocal markets. It’s increasinglya great region for wine, fromthe large wineries to thesmaller producer. I love it, forme Mallorca really has it all.

JOHN RADFORDWine Writer

I love the landscapes ofCastilla y León - the rollingwheat fields, immaculatevineyards, majestic cities andsense of history from theborder with Portugalnorthwards to Bierzo andeast to Ribera del Duero andRueda. Add to this thefabulous lechazo, empanadaand cochinillo and the fruit ofthe Tinto Fino and you havea veritable paradise.

ALLAN CHEESMANWine Consultant

Southern Andalucia aroundJerez and the other "frontier"towns is one of my favouriteswith azure blue skies , sleepywhite hill top towns andvillages in the midday sun --(ideally with a cool beer in theshade), long sandy beaches,wonderful fresh seafood andshellfish and of course sherryin all its guises- magic.

ANTHONY ROSEWine Writer

Greetings! I’ve just comefrom Sanlúcar beach wherethe horses kicked sand in myface as they thundered pastme at a rate of knots. Myhorse in the Cajasol Trophycame in last but I don’t care.I’m sitting in the Plaza deToros in bright sunshine withan appetizing glass of fino inmy hand. Wish you werehere. Then again…

HELEN MCEVOYWine Manager Laithwaites

From the pedestrianised oldvillage of La Guardia to themodern wineries of Alavesa,Rioja combines charm andelegance with style andexcitement. Local restaurateursproudly serve up some of thebest food in the country, tocompliment the deliciouswines produced by theirneighbours. Rioja is a region Ialways look forward to visiting– for work or on holiday!

CHRISTINE PARKINSONWine Buyer Hakkasan

Priorat is my favourite part ofSpain. Swooping hairpinroads, ancient stone castlesand churches, steep slopes ofcrumbling rock and eaglessoaring above, make this adramatic place to visit. Therich, spicy wines are delicious,and so are the tiny arbequinaolives that grow close to thevines. Priorat feels ageless,remote, and a world awayfrom modern Spain.

pOSTcarDS FrOM THE jUDGES


JAMES GRISWOODWine Buyer Tesco

My favourite region of Spainhas to be Andalucía,especially Jerez andSanlucar. It has that magicalquality of making it feel likethe world has slowed itsrotation and everything isrunning at half pace. I’vespent many hours sitting inclassic Andalucian courtyardsor town squares, covered bythe dappled shade of anancient tree, sipping an icecold Fino or ManzanillaSherry, tucking into freshprawns or clams, enjoying aconversation with friends, orsimply listening to the soundof swifts hunting flies in thelate afternoon sun. I neverfeel more relaxed as I dowhen I am there.

PIERRE MANSOURWine Buyer The WineSociety

My favourite place in Spain isthe charming coastal town ofGetaria in the Basquecountry. Life is so completehere: beautiful rollingvineyards, facing thedramatic Atlantic Ocean andlong sandy beaches. And atthe end of the day endlessquantities of refreshingTxacoli on tap to revitalizeyou. Furthermore fans ofgreat Spanish wine andseafood will find one of thecountry’s best restaurantswith a cellar of wine sold atgreat value historic prices.

CHARLES METCALFEWine Writer

My favourite wine place inSpain is the stretch of barsand restaurants along thebeach at Sanlúcar deBarrameda. It’s not especiallybeautiful, but here you’ll findthe perfect marriagesbetween a unique product,manzanilla, and food. Cruisefrom bar to bar, trying adifferent manzanilla in each,and sampling a tapa offreshest seafood or fish.Heaven!

RICHARD BIGGOwner of Camino and Bar Pepito

Navarra: this is a beautifullydiverse region, ranging fromthe foothills of the Pyrenees tonear desert. Astonishinglygood wines are made here,including Bordeaux grapes,brought down 800 years agowhen it used to be theKingdom of Navarra. Myfavourite wines however aremade from old vineGarnacha, complex, balancedand deeply rewarding.

NICK ROOMWine Buyer Waitrose

Priorat is an area steeped inmonastic history, with fabuloussoils of slate and quartzsupporting some remarkableold vines. Since the 1990'sinspirational wines have beenmade from Garnacha andCarignan by some of theSpanish trade's luminaries.Any visitor to the regioncannot help but be captivatedby the hauntingly wild, ruggedterrain and the passion ofnumerous small producers".

TIM ATKIN MWWine Writer

I could choose half a dozenSpanish regions, but ifpushed I’d pick Empordà.I’ve been going on holiday tothe region since the mid-1970s, as my family has ahouse in Empuries. Thecoastline is utterly beautifuland there are several goodgolf courses nearby. Morerecently, the area hasbecome known forgastronomy (first El Bulli andnow Can Roca, Compartirand Villa Mas) and thequality of the local wines.There are two great winemerchants (El Celler Petit inEmpuries) and Els Barrils (LaEscala) near the house, so Ialways drink local.

PETER MCCOMBIE MWWine Writer

I dream of the greenness ofAsturias, with its stunningPicos de Europa andunspoiled Atlantic beaches.They are Celts with bagpipes,who eat and drink well, usingfantastic raw ingredients,especially fish and seafood,not to mention cheeses, fromthe ubiquitous cows. I lovethe ritual of pouring andsharing cider, just one cupbetween friends.

BEN CAHILLWine Buyer Co-op

If I could go back only onceit would be to Madrid. I’d goback to revisit an ancient andatmospheric sherry bar whereseemingly neither the pricesnor the décor have changedsince the nineteenth century.After a refreshing fino and alunch of interminable lengthI’d head to the Prado and itsextraordinary collection ofart. I would meanderrespectfully past Velazquezand Picasso towards themesmerizing ‘Black Paintings’attributed to Goya. And then,selflessly, I’d head back tothe sherry bar…

JOAN TORRENTSHead Wine Buyer Enotria

The Costa Brava in theNorth East of Catalonia bringsme plenty of memories:passing most of my childhoodschool holidays in Llafranc, asa teenager discovering theirdiverse cuisine fromthe traditional fishermen'srecipes in Palafrugell to theexquisite madness from El Bulliand as a grown up followingthe World Rally competition onthe region's roads. All of thiswith also being exposed togreat Catalan wines from thedelicate Alella and Cava tothe warmth of Emporda andPriorat wines.

JO AHEARNE MWWine Buyer Harrods

My favourite place in Spain iswherever I touch down on theplane….As soon as you putyour feet on the ground andsmell the change in the air(even with the jet engines) it’slike a wave of happinessdescending. My secondfavourite place is the firsttapas bar with ice cold finoand waxy anchovies or finestjamon. My third favouriteplace is the first restaurantserving baby kid with adelicately extractedTempranillo…

How to Get There Spain is incredibly accessible from the UK and the modes of transport varied and exciting. You can fly from all major airports, you can cruise from our south coast to Spain’s northwest coast, you can even set off from St Pancras International to’snooze’ your way to Madridvia an overnighter from Paris. The journey is half the adventure and once you’re therewww.spain.info lays out the opportunities which await you.


From a British point of view, the food tastedtoo much of garlic and olive oil and thewines, with some great exceptions, weretoo ‘rustic’. However Spanish bodegaswere already investing. Furthermore theolder generation was listening to theyounger generation who were already intune with the global changes that wereputting Australia and the wines of theAmericas on the map. At the same time anumber of Basque chefs such as Juan MariArzak and Pedro Subijana had launched anew professional cooking movement called“La Nueva Cocina Vasca”, their new dishesbeing lighter and simpler, having leftbehind the traditional French influence ofcream and sauces that had dominated thekitchens of grand hotels and restaurants allover the country.

The real break for Spain came in the early1990’s with the Barcelona Olympics. Bythen Ferrán Adrià was already working atel Bulli and Basque chefs had alreadytrained a new generation of young

professionals who, together with Adrià andother Catalan chefs such as SantiSantamaria were delighting the palates ofthe discerning traveller. Spanish innovationand creativity had started to revolutionizekitchens all over the world. The BBC alsohelped by broadcasting two televisionseries about Spanish food. Floyd in Spainreflected a very individual point of viewwhilst another, Spain on a Plate (that Ihad the privilege to write and present) tooka different and less flamboyant approach,being based on history and regional food.

In the UK the Spanish wine category wasbeginning to expand, importers wereputting their weight behind the winesfrom areas such as Rioja, Navarra, Cava, La Mancha and Penedés. Philip Dimentopened Mesón Don Felipe and MonikaLinton (founder of Brindisa) wasbeginning to supply delicatessens andchefs with outstanding cheeses and oliveoil, pimentón and even membrillo(quince paste).

It has taken another twenty years for theBBC to commission a new TV series inSpain, this time a personal view by thebrilliantly popular Rick Stein. In July 2011viewers enjoyed every second of it. Butthings now are different to how they were in1982, people can relate to the food andthe wine of a country that has achievedsomething I have been dreaming wouldhappen for the last thirty years. All theyhave to do is to go to a Spanish restaurant,a tapas or a Sherry bar in London orbeyond, visit a local delicatessen orsupermarket where they can buy Bombarice, Serrano or Ibérico Ham, Manchegoor even Mahón cheeses. As to the wines,the list now available in the market isgrowing by the day and now includes winesfrom regions of Spain hitherto unknown inthe UK.

To make even further headway, importersand distributors, the Press, our Caballerosdel Vino and of course the team at Winesand Foods from Spain will have to carry onworking with the same enthusiasm,commitment and more for years to come!

But for now I can proudly say thatSpain is firmly on the ‘world-class’ mapboth gastronomically and vinously!

María José SevillaDirector, Foods & Wines from SpainOctober 2012

In the 1980’s the Spanish Government opened Wines from Spainand Foods from Spain. The task was challenging. They had toconvince the British press and the market of the serious qualityand originality of Spanish produce. Until then Spain, an amazingand diverse country already discovered by the tourist industry,was still suffering from having been ignored, historically, by traveland food writers. The country was stunning but the food and thewine enjoyed by the locals were another matter, they wrote.

HOW SpaNISH fooD & WinecaME OF aGE…

SPANISHINNOVATION AND CREATIVITY HAD STARTED TOREVOLUTIONIZEKITCHENS ALL OVERTHE WORLD

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Rioja’s winemakers have a passion for their vines and combinethe best of Old World expertise with a contemporary approach,producing wines that are particularly food-friendly. The Rioja sealguarantees quality and style - any bottle labeled as such will be agreat partner to fine food and fun conversation.

Red wines account for the vast majority of production in Rioja.Tempranillo is the most widely planted grape, with Garnacha,Graciano, and Mazuelo also contributing to the blend. Riojawines undergo extensive ageing, meaning that they leave thewinery ready to drink, with the time in oak giving Rioja itstrademark mellow character.

Although renowned for its red wines, Rioja also produces someexcellent whites and rosés. Whites can be fresh and zesty, ormore traditional – barrel-fermented with prolonged ageing,resulting in a rich, toasty wine - perfect for matching with food.Rosé styles, primarily from Tempranillo and Garnacha tend to bedry, with ripe berry fruit flavours.

Where there’s great wine, great food must be nearby. Riojaboasts some of the best tapas restaurants in Spain. The streets ofthe Old Town of Logroño, the capital of the Rioja region, arelined with tapas bars. Every weekend, Calle Laurel in Logroñofills with people bouncing from bar to bar, enjoying a differenttapa, or pincho as they are known locally, in each, accompaniedby a glass of Rioja.

Despite being Spain’s most celebrated wine region, producingmillions of litres every year, Rioja remains rural and unspoilt. Theculture of tradition and simplicity goes hand in hand with a way

Located in northern Spain along the banks of the River Ebro, and in the shadow of theSierra Cantabria mountains, the region of Rioja is Spain’s flagship wine region.Positioned in the gastronomic heart ofNorthern Spain, it is the number one choicefor travellers seeking traditional living,Spanish cuisine and great wine.

LAND OF ATHOUSAND WINES

of life rooted in land and livestock. Driving through thecountryside, sweeps of vineyards stretch as far as the eye can seeand are scattered with picturesque villages, historic castles andmonasteries; many of which lie along the great pilgrims’ road thatleads to Santiago de Compostela.

There are a number of charming villages worth exploring inRioja. The medieval hamlet of Laguardia, and the hilltopvillages of Briones, San Vincente de la Sonsierra and Elciego toname but a few. The bustling town of Haro is also well worth avisit. Haro has been the centre of Rioja’s viticultural activity forcenturies. Some of the region’s most historic wineries areclustered together in the Barrio de la Estación and the attractivePlaza Mayor is situated in the town centre along with an invitingcollection of local wine shops.

Many of the wineries in Rioja welcome guests andorganize winery tours and tastings. Whether it’s asmall, family run bodega or a large scale, state of the art estate, every winery has a story to tell andgreat wines to enjoy.

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Wines from Spain Awards 2012

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