We are in Winter 2023, its time to tell you once again on the wines of my dear Spain, As said, this goes back from my beginnings ,and I still go for them everywhere, Therefore, will try the monumental task of telling you about my favorites anecdotes and news of Spanish wines and hope to continue this series as my others with your blessing and likes. Here it is ,again coming back at you mywines news of Spain V !!
The Riojan winery Bodega Marqués de Murrieta has managed to position one of its wines, Marqués de Murrieta Reserva, in fourth place in its Top 10 Wine Values of 2022 ranking prepared by Wine Spectator magazine, recognized for being one of the most influential in the industry, and which usually drink French, American and Italian wines. This recognition of Marqués de Murrieta Reserva comes months after the pioneering Rioja winery was recognized in November last year with the Best Of 2023 award, which ranks it as the best winery in the world and was awarded by the World Network of Large Wine Capitals. In 2020, Wine Spectator had already chosen another of the Marqués de Murrieta wines as the best wine in the world, on this occasion Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial. Webpage : https://marquesdemurrieta.com/en/
The Familia Fernández Rivera, a family wine group led by women, whose iconic Tinto Pesquera winery celebrates 50 years of history. The Fernández Rivera family includes the Hotel AF Pesquera and the Condado de Haza wineries; Dehesa La Granja; El Vínculo y Tinto Pesquera, promoter of the DO Ribera del Duero and flagship that celebrates 50 years of history. Lucía Fernández Rivera, daughter of the founder, Alejandro and Esperanza, who I met them ! The work soon paid off, because in the 80s they began to export Tinto Pesquera. “That the first country we sent wines to was the US meant everything, it opened doors for us; also Robert Parker’s points, although no one around here knew him…”, Lucia says with a smile. Indeed I was there when it poured in Coral Gables Biltmore Hotel Fl USA !! Memories forever !!! webpage : https://familiafernandezrivera.com/en/history/#
The Remírez de Ganuza’s Reserva 2009 has been chosen as one of the best wines of 2022 by the prestigious wine magazine The Drinks Business. The news serves to highlight the great moment the winery is experiencing, which in 2022 has managed to reach the goal of selling 50,000 bottles over €50. Until now Vega Sicilia was the only Spanish winery to achieve this. Located in the small town of Samaniego in Alava, it was founded in 1989 by Fernando Remírez de Ganuza. In 2010, his Gran Reserva 2004 obtained the coveted 100 Parker points. That same year, the Urtasun family became part of the winery, first as Fernando’s partners but since 2019 they own the entirety. Of its Reserva 2009, it stands out that with more than ten years of age, it is at its best moment, with ripe notes, leather and sweet balsamic, along with stewed fruit. Complementing these aromas is a touch of cedar, dark chocolate and spices, as well as a lovely texture, which starts out meaty, ending chewy and fresh. With a price of 90 euros, some bottles can still be found in specialized points of sale ! Webpage : https://www.remirezdeganuza.com/eng-vinos-remirez-ganuza.html
The prestige and recognition achieved by Bodega Fillaboa and its elaborations follow one another without rest. It is one of the three spirits and Orujo that the brand makes that is now attracting attention. The Spanish Association of Wine Journalists and Writers (AEPEV) awards in its XIV edition of Best Wines and Spirits of Spain 2022 the Aged Orujo Fillaboa in the category of Orujos Spirits, Grape Spirits and Liqueurs. The Aged Fillaboa Orujo of the I.G. Orujo de Galicia has been presented since last year 2022 in a new and stylish bottle. This brandy is obtained from the aging of the Orujo Blanco. The brandy ages for at least seven years in 225L French Limousine oak barrels. located in the warehouse. Of an amber color, this distillate is clean and bright. On the nose it gives off aromas of vanilla, toast and hints of French oak. It has notes of orange peel, dried fruit and hints of toffee. On the palate it is complex, unctuous and soft. It is recommended to serve at a temperature of 15-18º and it has a potential aging of 20 years. Fillaboa is a historic estate that has remained indivisible throughout the centuries, being one of the largest, most beautiful and oldest in Galicia and the only one that, due to its special characteristics, it belongs to Grandes Pagos de España. Behind the 1,600 meter thick stone wall that protects the property, in addition to the vineyards, the winery and a spectacular rebuilt manor house are hidden. 50 hectares of Albariño grape vineyards planted on undulating slopes make up the Fillaboa estate, which is located in Salvaterra do Miño, on the natural border with Portugal, next to the Tea and Miño rivers, and comprises a total of 74 hectares spread over 12 different pagos, Webpage Fillaboa with the orujo : https://bodegasfillaboa.com/fillaboa-aged-brandy/?lang=en
The Orujo the skin of the grape, after it has been pressed and all its substance has been removed, A sort of aguardiente from grapes, Aguardiente is an alcoholic beverage distilled from an alcoholic fermentation. It can be sugar cane etc, The orujo is very popular in Galicia which my friends always offered ! To explain a bit on the above words, let me tell you a pagos is a word coming from the Latin pagus, which the Romans used to designate a geographical and territorial unit into which a city was divided and which formed part of the land cadastral organization. However, obtaining great wines associated with specific places was already present in ancient Greece where the pagos of the mountain of Tmolos, those of Fanes or those of Plentia (in Alexandria) were famous. The Great Pagos of Spain are here with Fillaboa : https://grandespagos.com/en/vineyards-and-wineries/
It is known in the DO Toro and elsewhere as Tinto Aragones. It is Garnacha, a variety that has coexisted there with tinta de toro in unequal conditions. Its always interesting participation in coupages was limited to 25% , Now the situation is very different. Not only is the door open to the creation of Garnacha monovarietals protected by the denomination of origin, but a greater pride is perceived among those who use this grape, The tinta de toro in Prima 2020. Abundant fruity memories, finesse and restrained strength -softly wrapped in oak- stand out in this wine. It is made with the youngest vines (although some have exceeded half a century) from his Toro winery. It is easy and comfortable to drink without giving up its seriousness and character. A successful approach to the greatness of a terroir, also present in this brand, which has the blessing of a few drops of Garnacha. Webpage : https://www.bodegasanroman.com/vinos/
Vega Sicilia expanded its legend with a historic tasting in which it quoted the best of the sector’s press and where it honored those present with eight decades of its best vintages. With the act, It celebrated the 40th anniversary since the Álvarez saga acquired the best winery in Spain for around 300 million pesetas and whose origins date back to 1848 when Toribio Lecanda acquired a 2,000-hectare estate from the Marquis of Valbuena. The winery, based in Valbuena de Duero (province of Valladolid, Castilla y Léon) tasted at the Asador Etxebarri (Atxondo, Vizcaya) , two Valbuenas (2018 and 2005 magnum) to give way to a collection of unforgettable Único vintages, some relics that would make more than one collector lose their heads: 2013, 2010, 2009, 2004, 1999 , 1996, 1994, 1991, 1990 magnum, 1989, 1986, 1981 magnum, 1980, 1975, 1974, 1970, 1968, 1962, 1960, 1957, 1953 and 1942. The vineyard has been our obsession for 40 years. And it still is. The vineyard is the biggest and most beautiful thing we have”, endorsed Álvarez. Amen ! Webpage : https://www.temposvegasicilia.com/en/wines
And I cannot leave this post without again mentioning Herederos del Marqués de Riscal, my first taste ever of wine given by my dear maternal grandmother Amparo of Pajarà, Tenerife always remembered abuela Amparo, Her favorite words was in those earlier days , the wine may be sour but is our wine ! (Spain of course), The Marqués de Riscal is one of the oldest wineries in Rioja, founded in Elciego ( province of Álava) in 1858 by Guillermo Hurtado de Amézaga. Since its inception it has been a benchmark in the wine industry, being the first Rioja winery to produce wines according to Bordeaux methods (first winemaker was Jean Pineau of Bordeaux). In 1972 it became the first winery to promote the Rueda Designation of Origin ,where its famous white wines are made ,and in 1991 it launched Barón de Chirel, the first “high expression wine”. In 2006, the Ciudad del Vino or City of wine was inaugurated, with a hotel designed by the architect Frank O. Gehry, which is the most avant-garde work carried out to date by a Spanish winery. Marqués de Riscal has always had a clear export vocation. Today it is present in more than 110 countries to which it exports more than 60% of its production. In 2021 Marqués de Riscal has been named the second best vineyard in the world and the first in Europe in the World’s Best Vineyards 2021 contest. The Ciudad del Vino de Marqués de Riscal offers the experience of going through the history of the winery from its foundation in 1858 to the present day with the possibility of enjoying wine through the five senses: guided tours with which the visitor will visit the most and you will be able to see first-hand how they make their wines. All tours include tasting of their wines and appetizers. Hotel Marqués de Riscal, A Luxury Collection Hotel, designed by Frank O. Gehry. Center for meetings, conventions and events. Caudalie wine therapy spa. Wide gastronomic offer, Gastronomic Restaurant, with a Michelin Star and the advice of the La Rioja chef Francis Paniego, 1860 Tradición Restaurant, Vinoteca y Bistró, Asador Torrea and bar and cafeteria. Sublime ! Webpage : https://www.marquesderiscal.com/en/our-wines
The Denominación de Origen Calificada Rioja or Rioja Qualified Designation of Origin will become the epicenter of national and international wine tourism activity by being chosen as the venue for the World’s Best Vineyards 2023 convention, an annual event famous for revealing the ranking of the best experiences offered by vineyards and wineries, enjoyed by of enormous prestige and great worldwide media coverage. The contest, which will take place from July 10 to 13 ,2023, offers the opportunity to show the potential of Rioja before the eyes of the delegation, made up of more than a hundred people including the organization, the jury, national and international journalists, as well as great exponents and experts from the sector, who will have the opportunity to learn first-hand about the Denomination through an extensive program with different itineraries, which will include tastings, visits to wineries and leisure activities, among others, to enjoy the rich diversity of the Region so that they can appreciate all the elements that make Rioja a unique place , Within the program of visits organized in collaboration with the Regulatory Council of the DOCa, the announcement of the 50 Best Vineyards and Wineries occupies a prominent place of the World (World’s Best Vineyards) of 2023, which will take place on July 12, at which time the global ranking will be announced. Rioja, is the oldest Qualified Designation of Origin in Spain, dating back to 1925, and the first to receive Qualified certification in 1991, is positioned as one of the Designations of Origin in the world that offers the best guarantees regarding quality and authenticity. of its wines, thanks to the demanding regulations and self-control developed by its Regulatory Council. With more than 66,000 hectares, the DOCa Rioja is made up of three zones with different wine-growing characteristics ,Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa and Rioja Oriental , which cover 144 towns through which the Denomination extends, with 600 wineries and more than 14,000 winegrowers. Rioja wines webpage : https://www.riojawine.com/en/home-en/
As far as Decanter magazine ( me a former subscriber for many years of learning) the best wines for winter, and my favorites are : R Lopez de Heredia, Viña Gravonia Blanco, Crianza, 2014, La Rioja Alta, Gran Reserva 890, 2005, Remírez de Ganuza, Reserva, 2006, Bodegas Ramón Bilbao, Límite Sur, 2017, Bodegas Riojanas, Monte Real Gran Reserva, 2014 , CVNE, Cune Reserva, 2017, and Faustino, I Gran Reserva, 2011 , You won’t go wrong with any of these fyi, Decanter webpage: https://www.decanter.com/decanter-best/top-riojas-to-enjoy-this-winter-495443/
And why not leave you with a nice recipe of my dear Spain, this time from Burgos, The Cobo Vintage style roast lamb in a convection oven. This roast chooses a piece of Arce Carne IGP, from La Bureba in Burgos, which is macerated with garlic, lemon, salt and white vinegar before being subjected to the most traditional and avant-garde cuisine by Miguel Cobo.
The Ingredients : Piece of Arce lamb Meat IGP 5 liters of water, 1 head of garlic, 150 ml of white vinegar, 1 lemon ,and Salt, The making of it: We put the piece to soak in the water for 12 hours with the garlic, lemon, salt and vinegar. Then we will roast the piece in a convection oven subjecting it to three round and round maneuvers every 40, 30 and 15 minutes, at 160º or 180º., This is the mythical Vallés, in Briviesca; Cobo Vintage opened in 2014, in Burgos; He achieved his Michelin star in 2016 and in 2020 he undertook the ambitious Cobo Estratos project, with two restaurants that share access and two different culinary styles: traditional Burgos and cosmopolitan avant-garde. Now, the new project is called Cobo Evolución, and it is a gastronomic restaurant that is located within the Cobo Estratos space of almost 1,500 square meters. It is located in Plaza de la Libertad ,9, in the historic center of Burgos. Buen provecho ! His webpage : https://coboestratos.com/nosotros/
There you go folks, another wonderful post on my dear Spanish wines, Hoping for a long lasting memories of my dear Spain and its wine news, An area already shining for several years, and getting better me think, Hope you enjoy the new series of wines news from Spain as I
And remember, happy travels, good health,and many cheers to all !!!
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