Spain was in the wine news in Dublin this week, on Wednesday Wines of Spain celebrated their 10th anniversary in Ireland with a big trade wine tasting in Dublin which featured an unprecedented number of Irish importers, 23, exhibiting the best from their Spanish portfolio with over 350 wines. Ten Spanish wineries from exciting regions around Spain and new to the Irish Market, also showcased their wines. In total, wines from over 30 different Designations of Origin were featured, as well as a Masterclass by one of Spain’s most innovative young winemakers Thelmo Rodriguez.
To celebrate Spanish wine I am featuring two Spanish wines today. The first is innovative and modern in style, made from a French grape and completely organic. The second is more tradition made from 50 year old Spanish vines Garnacha (also known as Grenache).
2012 Dominio De Punctum ‘Finca Fabian’ Chardonnay €11.95
Stockists: Cases Wine Warehouse Galway www.cases.ie
This organic wine hails from one of Spain’s new emerging wine regions Castilla La Mancha; It is a Vino de la Tierra de Castilla which means it is a country wine from the Castilla region. Quite simply this mean that they are growing a grape that is not native to the area, in this case Chardonnay.
This is an unoaked Chardonnay from La Mancha one of Spain’s go to regions for good value these days. Castille-La Mancha DO is located in the centre of Spain. The region is one of Spain’s largest production areas. Within the region there are 9 Denominations of Origin, 4 Estate Wines and of course the “Vinos de la Tierra de Castilla” category
Over twenty six grape varieties cultivated – 15 red and 11 white varieties. The best known are the Spanish red grape Tempranillo and the white grape Airen. The region produced excellent everyday wines; fantastic value-for-money reds and whites as well as outstanding Estate and fine wines.
Chardonnay is a French grape variety, native to Burgundy it typically has tropical fruit flavours. It is also a grape that has a great affinity with wood. The Spanish like to age their wines in oak barrels which is what makes this wine slightly unusual. It has lovely tropical fruit flavours, including ripe peach and pear.
This is modern Spanish winemaking. Good value easy drinking wine. Cases Wine Warehouse sell on line by the case. Price per bottle per case is €9.95. Worth a try.
2012 Pablo Old Vine Garnacha D.O Calatayud €11.99 (on promotion €9.00)
Stockists: SuperValu, Nationwide
This is a really special Spanish wine, made from vines that are between 60 and 100 years old. The vines have long been rooted in the schist (granite) soil in the province of Zaragoza in Aragon in Spain where this wine is made. Red varieties are predominant in Calatayud DO and account for about 83% of the vines planted but by far the most significant one is Garnacha tinta, a red grape, representing over 55% of the vines planted. Grenache is a late ripener so late, so it needs hot, dry conditions such as those found in Spain.
The old bush vines were planted up to 100 years ago in the mountain vineyards of Atea. Lush blackberry and cherry flavours this has a lovely spicy pepperiness. This wine was aged in stainless steel for five months before bottling to retain the fruit and perfume character. It has not been aged in wood.
Grenache is the Spanish name for the Grenache Noir. Grown widely throughout Spain, This medium-bodied Garnacha has well integrated tannin. Interestingly the wine is named after Pablo Picasso, the eye-catching label is in homage to the artist.
A perfect wine to match with roast meat or cheese.
Wine Diary
The autumn season is now in full swing with lots of tastings and wine dinners and wine events on offer. To find a wine event go to the wine diary on www.jeansmullen.com
