CataloniaThis is a tiny, predominantly white appellation just north of Barcelona, where grapes are traditionally grown on windy granite hills, but due to urban development the DO was extended in 1989 into the colder, limestone vallès of the Cordillera Catalana. The red wines of Alella have good color, medium body, and a soft, fruity flavor. White and rosado are palecolored, fresh, and delicate, with good acidity when made with...
ALMANSA DO
Castilla-La ManchaThis red and rosado appellation, which lies north of Jumilla and Yecla, bridges the heights of the central plains of La Mancha and the lowlands of Valencia. The red wines produced here are full-bodied and richly colored, with the best examples being quite smooth and fruity. Good examples of rosado can be fruity and clean.Airén, Garnacha, Meseguera, Monastrell, Tempranillo3–10 years (red), 1–3 years (rosado)Alfonso...
ALICANTE DO
ValenciaThese mild-climate red, white, and rosado wines are grown on dark, limey soil in the hills behind Alicante. The red wines are naturally deep in color and, when made in a doble pasta style, they can be ink-black and astringent, but younger, fruitier styles are emerging, as indeed they are among rosados and whites. Fortified Moscatels from this region are light and refreshing. A fortified wine of local repute called Fondillón...
ABONA DO
Canary IslandsThis new appellation was established in 1996 for white wines made in the south of Tenerife, where the vines are grown on terraces that are also planted with potatoes. Before they gained DO status, these wines were sold under the names of Granadilla, San Miguel, and Vilaflor.Listán, MalvasiaViña Per...
SPAIN’S BEST WINES AND ITS APPELLATION SYSTEM
Vega Sicilia in the Ribera del Duero was once definitively Spain’s most expensive wine, leading many to believe that it must be Spain’s greatest. Others can now lay equal claim to be the most expensive and greatest of Spanish wines (Clos l’Ermita, Dominio de Pingus, and Cirsión are likely candidates), and many more are equal in quality if not quite as ridiculously priced, including Pesquera, Rioja Contino, Barón de Ley, Muga...
The WINES of SPAIN
SPAIN CONTINUES TO OVERPERFORM, providing more wines of real interest and quality than the most optimistic critic could reasonably hope for. Why do I say that? For a start, as indigenous grape varieties go, Tempranillo is Spain’s only class act. Furthermore, although most Spanish vineyards are not totally lacking in potential (otherwise we would not have witnessed the revolution in Spanish wines that we have), there are no really...
BLANC DE BLANCS
Non-vintage, vintage, and prestige Literally meaning “white of whites,” this wine is produced entirely from white Chardonnay grapes and possesses the greatest aging potential of all Champagnes. Blanc...
BLANC DE NOIRS
Nonvintage, vintage, and prestige Literally translated as “white of blacks,” these Champagnes are made entirely from black grapes, either Pinot Noir or Pinot Meunier, or a blend of the two. The most famous and most expensive is Bollinger’s Vieilles Vignes Françaises, which is a unique example of pure Pinot Noir Champagne made from two tiny plots of ungrafted vines, which between them cannot produce more than 3,000 bottles, hence...
CHÂTEAU CARONNE STE. GEMME
AOC Haut-Médoc Cru Bourgeois SupérieurThis property is situated south of Château Lagrange—a superb island of vines on a gravel plateau. Matured in wood for 12 months, with 25 percent new oak.RED Full-bodied...
CHÂTEAU CHANTELYS
AOC Médoc Cru BourgeoisOwner Christine Courrian Braquissac brings a gentle touch to the naturally firm wines of this district.RED Well-colored, medium-bodied, gently rich-flavored wines of some elegance.Cabernet...
Posts
