Spanish Wine

Producer Description 

Medium deep amber colour. Rather fruity nose of prune, fig with earl grey tea and candied orange. Rather sweet palate with a creamy texture, some nutty complexity, and rather long finish. 

Remelluri Reserva — Rioja Alavesa, Spain 2018

Remelluri is one of Rioja's most historic and prestigious single-estate producers — a benchmark for classical, terroir-driven Rioja that has no equal at its price. The estate farms 86 hectares of vineyards in the Sierra Cantabria mountains of Rioja Alavesa at extraordinary altitude: 590 to 805 meters above sea level, on limestone, sandstone, and marl soils that impart the mineral precision and structural elegance that define the Remelluri style. The estate is certified organic and biodynamic, fermented exclusively with natural yeasts in stainless steel and open-top oak vats, and aged 22 to 24 months in oak containers of varying sizes. The 2018 Reserva earned 95 points from both Robert Parker's Wine Advocate and James Suckling — a dual 95 that places it among the finest Rioja Reservas of the decade.

The nose is serious and captivating: dark cherry, blackberry, dried plum, cedar, tobacco, and iron-laced mineral, with a subtle herbal lift from the high-altitude vineyards. On the palate, the wine is beautifully structured and balanced — very fine tannins, a poised mouthfeel, and enough power and concentration to show genuine elegance and nuance. Almost salty on the finish, with a long, classical persistence of dark fruit, spice, and stone. Decant one hour before serving. Will age with ease for 15 years or more.

Wine Advocate 95 (Luis Gutiérrez) — "A very good classical wine, serious and balanced, with very fine tannins, a balanced mouthfeel, and enough power and concentration to show elegance and nuance. Very tasty, almost salty." (Vintage 2018).

James Suckling 95 — "A beautifully structured Rioja Reserva with refined tannins, layered complexity, and a balanced elegance that will age gracefully." (Vintage 2018). 

• Producer: Remelluri, Rioja Alavesa, Spain
• Vintage: 2018
• Appellation: Rioja Reserva DOCa, Rioja Alavesa
• Vineyards: 86 ha, 590–805m altitude, Sierra Cantabria
• Soils: Limestone, sandstone, marl
• Varietal: Tempranillo, Garnacha, Graciano and others
• Farming: Certified organic & biodynamic
• Aging: 22–24 months in oak
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Dark cherry, blackberry, cedar, tobacco, mineral, fine tannins, almost salty finish
• Best Paired With: Roast lamb, Iberian pork, braised short ribs, aged Manchego, classic Spanish preparations

Dual 95-point Rioja Reserva from one of the appellation’s most celebrated organic estates — Remelluri 2018 is the benchmark for what high-altitude, biodynamic Sierra Cantabria Tempranillo can deliver.

Understanding Mas Blanc i Jove 

Winemaker Description 

Petit Saó Blanc is a young white wine from Catalonia, Spain that contains Garnatxa, Macabeu, Viogner and Riesling.

Costers del Segre is a region in northwestern Catalonia. It's hilly and therefore a little cooler. This makes the area very suitable for different grape varieties than those grown in the rest of the province.

Macabeo and white Grenache are naturally abundant, but Viognier and even Riesling are also planted—for this wine, for example. 

Memo Summary Notes

Primary Varietals - Macabeu, Grenache Blanc, Viogner, Riesling

The Mas Blanch i Jové Petit Saó Blanc 2023 (often listed as Petit Blanc Saó) is a vibrant, organic white blend from the high-altitude vineyards of the Costers del Segre DO in Catalonia, Spain. It is known for its "mountain wine" freshness and unique blend of Mediterranean and continental grape varieties.

Types of Alcohol and Their Characteristics

Alcohol comes in various forms, including beer, wine, and spirits. Each type has distinct characteristics, flavors, and alcohol content. For instance, beer is typically lower in alcohol and often enjoyed casually, while spirits like vodka or whiskey have a higher concentration. Understanding these differences helps people select the right drink for each occasion.

Health Benefits of Moderate Alcohol Consumption

Many studies indicate that moderate alcohol consumption can offer some health benefits, such as improved heart health. However, moderation is key, because excessive drinking can lead to serious health risks. Therefore, enjoying a glass of red wine with dinner might be beneficial, but overindulgence can negate those advantages.

Social Aspects of Alcohol Consumption

Alcohol often plays a significant role in social gatherings and celebrations. It can enhance the enjoyment of events, bringing people together. However, it's important to consume responsibly. Alcohol should be enjoyed in moderation, ensuring everyone can have a good time while prioritizing safety and wellbeing.

Types of Alcoholic Beverages

There are various types of alcohol that cater to different tastes and preferences. The most common types include beer, wine, and spirits, each offering unique flavors and experiences. For instance, beer is often enjoyed for its refreshing nature and comes in various styles, such as lagers and ales. Wine, made from fermented grapes, offers a wide range of tastes, from sweet to dry. Spirits, which are distilled beverages like whiskey, vodka, and rum, present a stronger alcohol content, making them versatile for cocktails. Understanding these different types of alcohol can enhance your drinking experience and help you choose the right beverage for any occasion.

The Benefits of Moderate Consumption

When consumed in moderation, different types of alcohol can offer certain benefits. Research suggests that moderate wine consumption, particularly red wine, may be associated with heart health due to its antioxidants. Beer, rich in B vitamins and silica, can contribute to bone health. However, it's essential to note that moderation is key because overconsumption can lead to adverse effects. Therefore, knowing the right amount can allow you to enjoy these benefits while minimizing risks associated with excessive drinking.

Making Informed Choices

Understanding the different types of alcohol and their effects is vital for responsible drinking. It’s important to know your limits and the impact each type of alcohol can have on your body. For example, spirits can have higher alcohol concentration compared to beer or wine, so pacing yourself and choosing lighter options may sometimes be wiser. This knowledge not only helps you enjoy alcohol safely but also enriches your social experiences. As a result, you can navigate the world of alcohol with confidence and enjoyment.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

The Wine Advocate 95 Points | One of the best new Garnacha bottlings from Rioja, the 2022 Pancrudo keeps the poise, balance and floral character in a warm and dry year like 2022. It does show a little more ripeness and some dusty tannins, but that's expected after the hurried ripeness. It comes in at 14.5% alcohol, with a pH of 3.42 denoting freshness. It's a triumph over the adverse conditions of the year. This is a neoclassical Garnacha, produced by fermenting the uncrushed grapes with indigenous yeasts and a short-ish macerating and aging the wine in a combination of foudre, concrete egg and used barrique. 8,717 bottles and 250 magnums produced. It was bottled in June 2024. Drinking Window: 2025 - 2035.

Winemaker Description

100% Garnacha from old bush-trained vines planted in Badarán (Upper Najerilla) with north orientation at 650m above the sea level.

Traditional elaboration. Fermented in stainless steel gently plunging the cap to extract the noble compounds from the skins. Malolactic fermentation 65% in new French oak, barriques and foudre, and 35% in egg-shaped cocrete tanks.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

James Suckling 91 Points | Spiced plums, dark cherries and a touch of hazelnuts and chocolate. Juicy and fine-grained with medium to full body and a plump, fruity finish showing a hint of vanilla and plenty of strawberries at the end. Vegan. Drink now but can hold for a few years.

Decanter 89 Points | The oak here is well integrated, supporting the wine and bringing balsamic, minty notes. It is classic in style with red fruits on the finish and fresh acidity.

Memo Summary Notes

The Ramon Bilbao Rioja Crianza 2022 is a quintessential expression of modern Rioja. It is widely regarded as a "reliable classic"—a wine that balances the traditional influence of American oak with a vibrant, fruit-forward profile.

Producer Description

With a deep yellow color, Yzaguirre Blanco Reserva Vermouth is highly aromatic, velvety and pleasant on the palate, with woody, herby and spicy notes reminiscent of ripe fruit. Its initial flavor is very tasty and balanced, in perfect harmony with its acidity. Twelve months in oak barrels give it consistency and character.

Great as an everyday aperitif or early evening drink. Excellent in a long drink with a few drops of Campari, 3 or 4 ice cubes, a slice of orange, a twist of orange peel and fresh mint leaves. Perfect for use in the kitchen to add another dimension to your dishes.

Memo Summary Notes

That is a great choice! The Yzaguirre DRY RESERVA Vermouth WHITE is a distinctive and highly-regarded Spanish vermouth, known for its unique aging process which sets it apart from typical dry vermouths.

The oak aging softens the vermouth and adds complexity that you don't find in stainless-steel-aged dry vermouths, making it excellent for sipping or mixing.

Critical Acclaim

• Tim Atkin – 95 Points | “Impressive finesse in a hot growing season, succulent tannins, flavours of blackberry, red cherry and ginger spice and a violet top note.”
• Vinous – 94–95 Points | “Violets, fresh plum and a delicate touch of oak open on the nose. Fine-grained reactive tannins define the texture. A red with charming nuances and evolving character.”
• Wine Advocate – 93–94 Points | “Pretty, juicy, ripe and approachable — really balanced and integrated with good purity. An approachable vintage of Flor.”

Tasting Notes

Aromas of blackberry, red cherry, violet, and ginger spice with a delicate touch of oak. On the palate, fine-grained, succulent tannins frame flavors of fresh plum and dark fruit with charming nuances and evolving character. Beautifully balanced and integrated, with impressive finesse for the vintage.

About the Wine

Flor de Pingus is the celebrated second wine of Dominio de Pingus, the legendary Ribera del Duero estate founded by Danish oenologist Peter Sisseck — widely regarded as one of Spain’s greatest winemakers and the visionary behind the cult flagship Pingus. Far more than a second label, Flor consistently ranks among Spain’s finest wines in its own right. The 2023 is sourced from five parcels — Barroso, El Castillo, El Pino, Fuentenarro, and Fuentes — totalling 49 hectares of 35+ year old Tinta del País and Garnacha vines farmed biodynamically. Aged in 10–15% new oak with a portion matured in 2,000-liter oak vats for added freshness and texture. Approximately 92,000 bottles produced.

Food Pairing

Pairs magnificently with roasted lamb, Wagyu beef, Iberian charcuterie, and complex mushroom dishes. A regional classic combination.

Product Details

• Appellation: Ribera del Duero, Castilla y León, Spain
• Varietal: Tinta del País (Tempranillo) & Garnacha
• Vintage: 2023
• Format: 750ml
• Farming: Biodynamic
• Producer: Dominio de Pingus (Peter Sisseck)

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2019

The Wine Advocate 92 Points | The young, creamy and juicy 2019 Petra is pure Garnacha that fermented in concrete with indigenous yeasts and matured in well-seasoned, neutral oak barrels for 15 months, including malolactic. There is a lactic touch and some notes of cereals here that interferes a bit with the purity of Garnacha. It's medium-bodied and has moderate ripeness at 13.5% alcohol, revealing good freshness and acidity and a pH of 3.6.

The Wine Enthusiast 92 Points | Deep garnet in color, this single-varietal Garnacha has a nose of black cherry, caramel and nutmeg. Bright fruit and soft baking spice flavors wrapped in silky tannins enliven the palate and drift into a cranberry and orange-zest finish.

Vinous 92 Points | The 2019 Petra de Valpiedra is 100% Garnacha sourced from a single vineyard next to the Ebro River, in the Cenicero area of Rioja Alta. Aged for 1nine months in American and French oak barrels, it displays a garnet hue and presents aromas reminiscent of liqueur, with hints of herbs and ash overlaying a fruit layer. On the palate, it is dry and edgy, with tannins that are fairly searing, leaving a lingering impression of balsamic notes.

James Suckling 92 Points | Aromas of baked raspberries and strawberries with spicy and earthy touches. Medium- to full-bodied with powdery tannins and a soft texture. Firm finish. Drink or hold.

Memo Summary Notes

The Finca Valpiedra Rioja Garnacha Petra de Valpiedra 2019 is a highly praised, single-varietal Garnacha (Grenache) from the Rioja Alta sub-region. It is part of a premium, limited-edition line from the respected Finca Valpiedra winery.

The 2019 vintage is noted for combining the power of Garnacha with great freshness and elegance, making it an excellent example of modern, high-quality Rioja.

The wine's silky texture and savory complexity make it versatile:

• Meat: Grilled lamb, roast duck, or white meats such as turkey and pheasant.

• Spanish Classics: Aged Manchego cheese.

• Other: Fish stews (like tuna marmitako), rice dishes, and mushroom risotto.

The Finca Valpiedra Rioja Garnacha Petra de Valpiedra 2019 is an outstanding example of premium, single-vineyard Garnacha from Rioja, praised for its elegance, freshness, and complexity.

Winemaker Description 

With a straw yellow colour, Yzaguirre Blanco Clasico Vermouth has an intense aroma with herby and spicy notes. Mild balsamic touches give it a pleasant and very unique structure. Fresh and smooth in the mouth and very well balanced, it has notes of vanilla and cinnamon.

Excellent as an everyday aperitif. Serve with 2 anchovy-stuffed olives, 2 or 3 ice cubes and a twist of orange. Serve very chilled.

Memo Summary Notes

The Yzaguirre Blanco Clásico Vermouth is a well-regarded example of the Spanish style of white vermouth, produced by Bodegas Yzaguirre, a house with a long history in the Catalan region (between Reus and Tarragona) dating back to 1884.

Yzaguirre's vermouths are made using traditional, artisanal methods and a blend of over 80 aromatic herbs and spices that are macerated (soaked) in a white wine base.

Cocktails: It works excellently as the Bianco/Blanc component in various cocktails, often where a sweet, less bitter white vermouth is desired:

• White Negroni (often with Gin, and a bitter like Suze or Luxardo Bitter Bianco).

• Martini variations (as a sweeter alternative to Dry Vermouth).

• V&S (Vermouth and Soda): Simple, refreshing, and popular in Spain.

  
  

   

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021

James Suckling 92 Points | Restrained and ambitiously structured, showing some roasted coffee beans, pine cones and sweet spices to the rich blackberries and cherries. Juicy and chewy on the palate with fine-grained tannins and a tight, lengthy finish. Drink from 2025.

Decanter 91 Points | Plummy fruit on the nose, with smoky bacon fat nuances and jammy fruit notes. Powerful and textural, long and pleasant.

Winemaker Description 

Bright wine with good herb and fruit intensity across the palate. Notes of boxwood, coriander, and tomato leaf with richer tropical fruits framed by citrus lime. Fresh, bright finish.

Enjoy on its own or with an array of appetizers, soft cheeses, grilled fish and seasonal salads.

Bodegas Portia is Grupo Faustino’s most recent winery project and is the 7th winery in the group. Located in the heart of Ribera del Duero, the Portia winery is a display of modern design, winemaking function and artistic detail. The brand offers very small production wines - intense, energetic & balanced. 

Harvesting at night allows the grapes to maintain all of their organoleptic qualities, as well as a balance between alcohol content and acidity. Once in the winery, the grapes are cold-macerated for a few hours before being pressed. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks at a low temperature to maintain all the characteristics of the best Verdejo white wine.

Winemaker Description 

Fruit aromas follow into the palate with a fresh acidity balanced by a lot of baking spices and a chalky tannin structure. The finish is long and smoky with a note of black pepper.

Winemaker Description

Nuanced, fruity taste with hints of barrels, wild raspberries, plums, nougat, blackberries, cedar, black tea, pepper and bay leaves.

Originally from Cádiz, the restless winemaker Verónica Ortega arrived in Bierzo after training for years with some of the greats, such as Álvaro Palacios and Daphne Glorian in Priorat, and Raúl Pérez in Bierzo.

She also worked at legendary Burgundy wineries, such as Domaine de la Romanée-Conti and Domaine Combier in Crôzes-Hermitage. She eventually settled in Valtuille de Abajo, where she founded her own winery in 2010.

Verónica works five hectares of old vines, primarily planted with Mencía grapes using organic methods, with a touch of Palomino, Garnacha Tintorera, Merenzao, and Valenciana. In crafting her wines, Verónica Ortega seeks balance and transparency, aiming to express the most elegant side of Bierzo while preserving the character of the terroir.

Fresh, playful, and aged in clay amphorae, Quite is a light, juicy, and cheerful wine. It has a short aging period of 8 months. 

Wine Advocate 93 Points 2020 vintage.

Winemaker Description 

With the name Bàrbara Forés, the marriage of Carmen Ferrer and Manuel Sanmartín wanted to pay tribute to their great-grandmother Bárbara Forés, who was born in Gandesa on February 7, 1828.

Bárbara Forés, the daughter of a wine merchant (Rafael Forés) and an agricultural owner (Maria Figueras), was a person of great character and had a decisive influence on her son Rafael.

Rafael Ferrer Forés, a pharmacist and illustrious winegrower, constructed the cellar of the manor house where he began bottling wine at the end of the 19th century.

Bárbara Forés, therefore, represents respect and tradition in the production of wines, passed down from generation to generation for more than a hundred years in their house.

Expert Reviews- Vintage 2020 

The Wine Enthusiast by Mike DeSimone 94 Points | This deep garnet-colored wine has a nose of black currant, sage leaf and cherry pipe tobacco. It is smooth at first sip and then bold tannins settle in and coat the tongue and gums. Blackberry, raspberry, cocoa powder, crème brûlée and orange zest flavors are accompanied by a note of butterscotch that endures on the palate.

James Suckling 92 Points | Spicy oak to the fresh blackberries with some vanilla, smoke, walnut and dried orange peel. Chewy and pretty tannic with juicy fruit on the tight, medium- to full-bodied palate. Long and grippy finish. Needs at least two years to come around. Better from 2025.

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

Bright and clean, with lemon-yellow color and greenish glints. On the nose, it has medium high intensity, flowery aromas and notes of pineapple, green apple, white flowers and fresh cut hay. This is a voluminous wine that develops a silky fresh mouthfeel and a lingering finish.

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

Earthy aromas of black cherry and cranberry with subtle smoky overtones. The palate shows flavors of juicy black raspberry and mulberry with hints of bramble and herb. The finish is long and mineral-tinged.

Winemaker Description 

The grapes were harvested by hand in 15 kg boxes, selecting the best bunches in the vineyard. After the harvest, the grapes underwent a pre-fermentative cold cryomaceration process and were then pressed and racked after 24 hours. This must fermented in French oak barrels and remained there together with its lees for 6 months. After that, the wine was aged in French oak barrels for 15 months and bottled in August 2022.

Golden colour and medium intensity. Clean and bright. Medium-high aromatic intensity and very complex Notes of citrus rind (mandarin), stone fruits such as ripe peach. Hints of almonds and aniseed, brioche, vanilla and a fine toffee. Volume on the palate, very sweet, silky and medium acidity. Saline notes on the palate, where citrus and toasted notes are present again. Sweet and long finish. 

Expert Review

Michael Schachner of The Wine Enthusiast 89 Points | A cloudy brown color along with nutty, slightly fiery aromas of caramel and cocoa open this aggressive oloroso with somewhat sharp acidity. A narrow flavor profile includes toffee, mushroom and orange peel, while saltiness drives a tannic finish.

Winemaker Description 

An organic wine born in Priorat with its own personality Gratavinum GV5 is born from the Cusine family´s desire to make quality wines in the well reputed region of Priorat, bringing together the special terroir and their passion for wine. Their philosophy is based on respect for the environment, passion for nature and the enjoyment of making this exciting project succeed.

With GV5 we strive to produce a unique wine with personality; a balanced, elegant, fine and fruity wine combined with the minerals and touch of the terroir of Priorat.

Winemaker Description 

One hundred per cent Listán Blanco (aka Palomino Fino) from ungrafted vines. These vines are pergola-trained and about one hundred years old on average and planted between 500 and 900 meters of altitude above sea-level. Vinification and aging is done in inox tanks.

Fresh, salty, mineral-driven and hugely refreshing; quintessential island wine.

Winemaker Description 

The Renvivas bottling is from another very old vineyard of Rufete, planted in 1930. These are also bush vines sitting at six hundred and fifty meters of elevation, with a due south exposition on a base of schist, limestone and sand, with the vines having been farmed without any chemicals for their entire lifetimes.

The wine is fermented with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel and aged in older French casks prior to bottling. The 2018 Renvivas offers up a lovely bouquet of dark berries, chicory, woodsmoke, a hint of tree bark and a fine, complex base of soil.

On the palate the wine is bright, pure and full-bodied, with excellent transparency and core, fine-grained tannins and a long, tangy and complex finish. This is first class juice and impressively light on its feet. 2020-2040+.  

Expert Review - Vintage 2018

93 Points View from the Cellar-John Gilman of The Wine Advocate | The 2018 Renvivas is a 0.5-hectare vineyard planted 80 years ago with Rufete and a little Rufete Blanco in the middle of a chestnut tree forest. The destemmed grapes fermented with some added stems with indigenous yeasts in open-top vats at low temperature, and the wine matured in second and third use Stockinger barrels. There is a little more ripeness here, a mixture of red and black fruit, some herbs and spices and an earthy touch. The palate is medium-bodied, with a soft texture, fine tannins and integrated acidity. Only 850 bottles were filled in August 2019. 

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.

Winemaker Description 

La Comarcal Viticultores Ambulantes DelMoro Tinto 2023 is a red wine with a surprising Mediterranean profile. On the nose, it boasts aromas of red fruits such as strawberries and cherries. On the palate, it is juicy and flavorful, with a velvety texture and a dry, lingering finish. Easy to drink and suitable for all consumers, wine lovers or not. Its quality-price ratio is excellent, offering a fluid and balanced profile.

Tinto is a Mediterranean red with great freshness and balance, and afruit- driven, approachable palate perfect for just about any food pairing.

Expert Review 

Michael Schachner of The Wine Enthusiast writes 90 Points | A tan-gold color and oily aromas of almond and walnut open this surprisingly refined Fino. Flavors of butter, peanut and baked apple turn smokier and huskier as this sits, while nut flavors control an expansive finish.

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

Wine Spectator 88 Points | A pungent, dry and bracing fino, full of iodine, apple and walnut flavors. Light-bodied, with a clean, walnut aftertaste. Drink now. 1,000 cases imported.

Expert Reviews

Winemaker Description 

Origin Alella, Catalunya.

Varieties 100% Pansa Blanca

From 7 vineyards around Alella, all planted on Saulò (granitic sand) aty 120-300m. The vines were planted between 1939 and 1998.

Vinification Method The grapes were harvested by hand and half were destemmed and crushed by foot, then left to macerate on the skins for 3-4 days; the other half were destemmed, left whole, and macerated on the skins for 9 days. The two parts were pressed and finished fermentation in stainless steel tanks and fiberglass, then rested for 11 months on
the lees in the same vessels. 

Bottled without fining, filtering, or added sulfur. Oriol Artigas, an Alella native and trained enologist, started his project of making non- interventionist wines in 2011. His over-arching philosophy is to “cultivate the vineyards in the most natural and least interventionist way possible, to allow the grapes to express in the most intense way the landscape from which they come.”

He works about 12 hectares in total, mostly of old vines. He allows vegetation to grow between the vines, prunes very little, and works the vineyards primarily along the lunar calendar. In the winery, fermentations are completely spontaneous, aging is primarily done in steel vats, and sulfur is never used at any point in his process. The vineyards of Alella are essentially the vineyards of Barcelona, located just north of the city along the coast of the Mediterranean. 

The primary soil type is a kind of white granite, locally called Sauló, and the main grape grown here is Pansa Blanca (the local clone of Xarel- lo) with a whole slew of other grape varieties inter-planted as well.

Campeador Rioja Reserva — Rioja, Spain 2020

Campeador is a name rooted in Spanish heritage — a tribute to El Cid, the legendary Castilian knight whose title "El Campeador" meant champion and master of military arts. The Rioja Reserva lives up to that name: a classically structured, age-worthy red built from an equal blend of Tempranillo and Garnacha, with Graciano adding depth and aromatic complexity. Aged to Reserva standards in oak and bottle, the 2020 vintage delivers the kind of rich, nuanced Rioja that rewards patience and pairs beautifully with the table.

The nose is warm and inviting: dark cherry, blackberry, dried plum, vanilla, and cedar, with earthy undertones of leather and dried herbs from the oak aging. On the palate, the wine is medium-to-full-bodied with a supple structure, well-integrated tannins, and a long, spiced finish of red fruit, tobacco, and toasted oak. Tempranillo brings the backbone and dark fruit; Garnacha adds roundness and warmth; Graciano contributes freshness and aromatic lift. Together they create a Reserva of genuine character and depth.

"With an equal presence of Tempranillo and Garnacha, Campeador Reserva highlights the very best of both, creating a range of rich nuances that is bound to please." — Winemaker’s Notes

• Producer: Campeador, Rioja, Spain
• Vintage: 2020
• Appellation: Rioja DOCa, Reserva
• Region: Rioja, Spain
• Varietal: Tempranillo, Garnacha, Graciano
• Aging: Reserva — minimum 3 years, including oak and bottle aging
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Dark cherry, blackberry, dried plum, vanilla, cedar, leather, dried herbs, tobacco, toasted oak
• Best Paired With: Roast lamb, grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, aged Manchego, mushroom risotto

A classically structured Rioja Reserva at an honest price — Campeador is the benchmark for what Tempranillo and Garnacha, aged to Reserva standards, can deliver from one of Spain’s greatest appellations.

Producer Description 

Akutain’s Rioja Reserva — a blend of Tempranillo with a touch of Garnacha and Viura — is fermented in a combination of stainless steel and fiberglass tanks, then aged for 35 months in predominantly neutral American oak with a small amount of French barrels. Mid-Ruby in color, this Reserva possesses a beautiful bouquet of ripe berry fruit mixed with notes of dried herbs, tobacco and rose petals.

The full-bodied palate displays concentrated flavors of black cherry, cooked-down strawberries and earth balanced by velvety, textured tannins. The finish exhibits enduring depth and complexity. The perfect companion to grilled, roasted or braised meats and game.

Expert Review - Vintage 2021 

Luis Gutierrez of the Wine Advocate 96 Points | The 2021 Pegaso Granito has a very clean nose and comes through as very approachable, with an elegant personality. They picked all grapes together (there were some unripe grapes) and fermented it all together. The wine has a medium-bodied palate, the granularity of the tannins is extremely small, and it has a very fine mineral sensation. It has incredible elegance and finesse, with lifted aromatics, high-pitched, acute, fine-boned and with the frontal tannins from the granite soils.

Producer Description 

Cebreros is both the name of the village and the appellation of origin in the southeast of the province of Ávila, within the greater Sierra de Gredos region, the mountainous area located on the continental divide of Spain. The region is unspoiled, wild, rustic, full of energy and light, and as authentic as it gets. It is a transitional zone where northern Spain gives way to southern Spain. The wines from the Sierra de Gredos mountains to the west of Madrid (aka Vinos de Madrid) have finally begun to claim their rightful place alongside other top wine regions focused on producing world-class garnacha. For many insiders, the region is now leading the conversation about this Mediterranean garnacha grape, now understood to be indigenous to Spain. 

Whole clusters are picked by hand in small boxes, with a strict selection made in the vineyard. The clusters are de-stemmed, crushed, and fermented spontaneously with native yeasts in stainless steel tanks and large neutral French oak foudres. The wine is then aged for 18 months in new and used 600L French oak barrels sourced from different forests.

Gomez Cruzado El Predilecto — Rioja, Spain 2023

Bodegas Gomez Cruzado is one of Rioja's most exciting modern producers — a historic estate in Haro, the heart of Rioja Alta, that has undergone a remarkable transformation under the direction of winemaker Amanda Klemp, who has brought a precision-focused, terroir-driven approach to the cellar while honoring the estate's deep roots in the region. El Predilecto — "The Favorite" — is a total departure from the Rioja norm: a blend of old vine Garnacha and Tempranillo sourced from two distinct mountain landscapes, united in concrete and crafted to express the full complexity of Rioja's diverse terroir. The Garnacha (65%) comes from Alto Najerilla, in the triangle formed by the towns of Badarán, Cordovín, and Cárdenas in the Sierra Demanda mountains. The Tempranillo (35%) comes from the highest area of Samaniego, near the Sierra Cantabria mountains. Old vines at the foot of both mountain ranges provide greater fruit character and concentration. Fermented separately with native yeast, 100% destemmed without crushing, cold fermented with short maceration, then blended and refined in concrete for approximately five months — a winemaking approach that preserves freshness, precision, and the distinct personality of each site.

The nose bridges two landscapes: red and black fruit intertwine, with cherry and blackberry layered with licorice, a faint balsamic nuance, and an intensity of spice. On the palate, it is juicy and poised — generous, full-bodied warmth with tannins sitting between chalky and plush, freshness carrying the wine forward through a lengthy, supple finish. Precise, modern Rioja that shows two mountain landscapes in one gesture. Age 12–15 years.

Jeb Dunnuck 95 — "A total departure from the norm — intensity of spice and a generous mouthfeel of full-bodied warmth while remaining elegant through the lengthy, supple finish. Age 12-15 years."

Vinous 93 — "Bridges two origins. Cherry and blackberry layered with licorice and a faint balsamic nuance. Juicy and poised — a precise, modern Rioja that shows two landscapes in one gesture."

• Producer: Bodegas Gomez Cruzado, Haro, Rioja Alta, Spain
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Rioja DOCa
• Blend: 65% Garnacha (Alto Najerilla, Sierra Demanda) / 35% Tempranillo (Samaniego, Sierra Cantabria)
• Vines: Old vines at the foot of two mountain ranges
• Winemaking: Native yeast, 100% destemmed, cold fermentation, short maceration, 5 months in concrete
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Cherry, blackberry, licorice, balsamic, spice, chalky-plush tannins, long supple finish
• Style: Full-bodied, precise, modern Rioja
• Drink: Now–2038 (best 2028+)
• Best Paired With: Roast lamb, grilled ribeye, braised short rib, aged Manchego, wild mushroom dishes

Two mountain landscapes, one extraordinary wine — Gomez Cruzado El Predilecto 2023 is modern Rioja at its most compelling.

Winemaker Description 

The Habla la Tierra is a cuvée of Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. The grapes come from quite young vines planted around 2000 on slate soils. After the harvest, the grapes were cool pre-fermented and then fermented in stainless steel fermenters.

This was followed by ageing in French wood for four to five months.  The Habla de la Tierra presents itself juicy ripe, dark and spicy on the nose. The unusual cuvée of Tempranillo, Cabernet and Syrah alternates between the scent of freshly sliced plums, figs, ripe elderberries, peonies and black pepper as well as anise, earthy pray and black tea. In addition, one thinks one can already perceive a trace of extract sweetness in the fragrance.

The Habla la Tierra 2021 shows itself very juicy on the palate. The dark fruit is ripe and accompanied by earthy aromas and herbal spice. In addition, a cool, fresh vein runs through the wine, while the tannin proves to be ripe and delicate. The red wine is down-to-earth in the most pleasant sense, uncomplicated and easy to drink, and at the same time it has character.

Currently, it should be caraffed. Food recommendations by Christoph Raffelt. Spanish blood sausage - with braised apples and onions with mashed potatoes Braised rabbit with sage and piment d'Espelette. Spelt Salad with Roasted Peppers and Feta.