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+--- Thread: Spanish wines (/thread-19556.html)
- Spanishchica - 11-11-2006
Hello all,
I'm faced with the amazing opportunity of living in Spain for several months and I would like to explore some of Spain's wines while I'm there. I have no knowledge of wine and I don't really drink alcohol at all right now. I would, however, like to get to know different varieties and flavors before I leave. Does anyone have any recommendations for a novice wine drinker, specifically Spanish wines?
- TheEngineer - 11-12-2006
I found a few websites for you. Where abouts are you going to be? These sites all have maps and some have even suggestions on wineries. I loved travelling through Spain. Word of advice, get tickets to the Alhambra in Grenada prior to your arrival (limited). Have fun!
http://www.thewinedoctor.com/regionalguides/spain.shtml
http://www.travelenvoy.com/wine/spain_la_rioja.htm
http://www.idealspain.com/Pages/Food/wine.htm
- Innkeeper - 11-12-2006
Hi Spanishchica and welcome to the Wine Board. Engineer give very good advice. You might also peruse the Spanish thread of this board. A good book would also be useful. I have and have read through and frequently refer to Jerem Watson's "The Wines and Landscapes of Spain." It is also beautifully illustrated by Murray Zanoni.
- Spanishchica - 11-13-2006
Thanks for the quick responses! I'll be living in Sevilla, but will probably have the time to travel to many different areas throughout Spain. I looked through those websites and they were very enlightening. Does anyone have any specific recommendations though?
Gracias,
Spanishchica
- wondersofwine - 11-13-2006
Rioja red wines are based on the Tempranillo grape. I like the products of Baroja and Muga. Muga at least makes several styles of wine and I prefer the more traditional style that does not use a lot of new oak barrels. You might ask a knowledgeable wine retailer if you could have a taste of a "new world style" Rioja and a more traditional one to see which you prefer. I've enjoyed a rose' or blush wine from Alarba recently. Others on the board are more familiar with the wines made from Grenache (the grape is called Garnacha in Spain) and Mourvedre (called Monastrell in Spain). I believe these wines are more common in southern Spain. They can suggest some names there or look at the Spanish wines thread for suggestions. You may also want to explore sherries (centered around the village of Jerez). White wine grapes include the Albarino are often very refreshing. The following is from the website www.winepros.org
Albariño
Albariño is the primary grape used to make dry white wine in the Rias Baixes (Lower Inlets) section of the Galicia region of Northwestern Spain. Considered by many to be Spain's premier quality white wine, Albariño is also known in Portugal as Alvarinho and often used as a component of Vinho Verde.
Weather conditions in the Rias Baixes are generally cool, windy and rainy. Vines must be trained high and open to allow winds to dry them out and avoid the ongoing threat of rot, mildew and other fungal diseases. Notably, Albariño grapes develop thick skins here, contributing to their intense aromas.
Typically, wines made from Albariño are very aromatic, often described as having scents of almonds or almond paste, apples, peaches, citrus, and flowers or grass. Albariño wines are particularly suited to seafood due to their bracing acidity (Jancis Robinson calls it "razor-sharp."). This grape's inherent tartness should be embraced in youth, for wines made from albariño do not age well, and the vibrant aromas begin to noticeably fade within months of bottling.
[This message has been edited by wondersofwine (edited 11-13-2006).]
- TheEngineer - 11-14-2006
I agree with what WOW said about Muga but here are a few more just in case you are looking for specific wineries. Also, I suspect that Spanish wineries will need appointments so call ahead. I've never been to a spanish winery so please take this with a grain of salt.
(1) Bodegas Vega Sicilia is probably the best known winery in Spain (subjective always) and the most expensive (http://www.vega-sicilia.com/ but no mention of tours)
(2) Marques de Caceres is a large company probably with a tour (http://www.marquesdecaceres.com/)
(3) Pesquera
(4) Faustino is another large commercial size winery.
Not sure if his fits your bit or if you are looking for even more out of the way trips.
[This message has been edited by TheEngineer (edited 11-14-2006).]