It’s been a while since I’ve talked about wine. Many things have been happening and time is moving pretty fast for me at the moment.
So, you’re going to ask me…Katrina, what have you been drinking these past few months? What information about new wines and styles have you brought us today? Well my friends, I have been drinking and I have been learning new information.
I recently learned that the LCBO in my area has the biggest selection of Spanish wines in the city. So I’ve taken advantage of that, and I have been diving deep into different styles of Spanish wines.
If anyone is familiar with Spain, they know how delicious the wine and food are. Each region is unique and has gastronomic specialties of their own to sample. The climate and culture changes dramatically as you travel from province to province.
There are so many styles of wine that are available in our market, so there is a range of price and style for everyone. It all depends on what you are looking for, but there are some great finds that you may not be able to locate in other locations.
By getting to know Spanish varietals in wine class a bit better, I have become more familiar with the different types of grapes. Some examples could be light and refreshing like Albariño from Astorias or big and bold red wines from Ribera del Duero. There are even some great examples of Fino Sherry and small production sparkling Cava.
I recently have fallen in love with some new wines that I had never tried before or even heard of before learning about the country. Discovering new things that make me happy gives me a lot of joy and I hope to impart some of that joy onto you guys.
I’m going to give you some examples of what you can look out for if you are on the hunt for Spanish wine. These are some basic styles that are really great with many types of food. Each varietal may be offered at varied price point and style. It’s beneficial to know a few things about the types of wine, before buying them.
Grenacha: Also known as Grenache in France, this is fruit forward and approachable varietal. Prices can range from low to high and quality can vary greatly. Higher end Granacha will have more dark fruit and bolder tannins. It can also be made as a varietal wine or in a blend.
Tempranillo: A wine that can age well, Tempranillo is also one of those wines that can come at different price points. Younger wines will be juicier and lighter body, while older styles will be less spicy and have a rounder mouthfeel.
Monastrell: The often looked down upon, Monastrell can make beautiful wines. Some people will not agree, but if you like bold, dark wines at an approachable price, these are the ones for you.
Albariño: Grown in vineyards where the fruit hangs high from the trellises, you will find the sea breeze blowing grape bunches back and forth. Albariño from Galicia are fresh and lively with citrus flavours and subtle hints of floral tones. Their wine is lively and goes well with all types of creatures from the sea.
Cava: The sometimes overlooked and underappreciated wine from Penedes is easier on your wallet, but made in the same style as Champagne. Made from a blend of Macabeo, Xarello, and Parellada grapes, Cava is a great wine to have to celebrate and to eat with. Look for a Reserve or Grand Reserve on the label to give you a higher quality designation.
This is just a basic overview, so that I don’t give you a bunch of overwhelming info about some wines you will never drink. I wanted to keep it short and light, so you have some basic information for the next time you are in the store or purchasing something from a restaurant.
If you want to learn more about Spanish wine, I would suggest reading Wine Folly or looking at Jancis Robinson’s website. You can also take a look at this site for more information. Cheers!
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