A zoom trip to Spain
I had the pleasure to do a zoom tasting for some lovers of Spanish wines. One of my absolutely favorite wine countries right now. So much to discover there, local grapes, hidden gems and all for a great value. Diverse geography, ranging from the warm days and cool nights around Madrid to the wet and cooler Atlantic region of Galicia, to the heat of Andalusia and the volcanic slopes of the Canary Islands.
We started with a Cava from Celler de les Aus from near Barcelona, all organically farmed and super close to the Mediterranean Sea. In the midst of Natural Park this wine is called Bruant - the name of a local bird who lives there. The Style is Brut Nature, very refreshing, super complex and great with seafood, crudo, and cold appetizers. Not your regular Cava, much more refined and elegant.
Next stop was Bierzo in the north west of Spain. Raul Perez is the winemaker and he is a LEGEND! You cannot reach him Via Whatsapp, never answers emails and rarely picks up the phone! He does consulting for many wineries, and has many projects of his own. Born in Bierzo, started wine making when he was a teenager, his family winery goes back to 1752, study viticulture and oenology and his first vintage of his own wine was 1994. He picks old vines from selected sites and uses old native varieties.
Like this Godello, almost extinct at one point its coming back. You can compare it to a Riesling or a white Burgundy. Great with seafood, like grilled dishes, vegetables, or salads.
Last stop was Rioja, a region full of history same as Bordeaux or Barolo! The name is from RIO OJA, a river in the area. Tempranillo and Garnacha been planted as early as the beginning of the the 18th century.
The Producer here is Albert Orte , he was born in Madrid and he started a wine importing company called Ole Imports. In 2003 he and his partner created Vinos Atlantico to fine great vineyard sites with native grape varietals from old vines which are almost extinct and is trying to preserve them for the future.
Smoky, spice, cherry, floral, tabacco, soft on the palate, great energy, fresh and elegant. Perfect with some dear, rabbit, a big roast, lamb, mushroom risotto and Manchego.