Paris1972-Versailles2003

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, I have taken again on the series and coming back at you with my wines news of Spain XVIII. Of course post No 18 or the non Romans, Hope you enjoy the post as I.

The 12 wines, four with 100 points, and eight with 99, are the most notable in the Peñín Guide to the Wines of Spain 2024. The 34th edition of the Peñín Guide, in which they tasted nearly 10,000 wines from more than 2,000 Spanish wineries, reflects the good moment that the sector is experiencing in Spain, The 100 points were given to Vega Sicilia Único Reserva Especial (2010, 2011 and 2012), Pingus 2021, La Rioja Alta Gran Reserva 890 2010, and Pazo Señorans Vintage Selection 2013, The 99 points were given to 1902 Tossal d’en Bou Gran Vinya Classificado 2021, Mas Doix, Priorat, Amontillado Tradición VORS, Bodegas Tradición, Jerez, Artadi El Carretil 2021, from Bodegas y Viñedos Artadi, Álava, El Val 2021, by César Márquez Bodegas y Viñedos, Godello, Bierzo, Enoteca Gramona 2009, Gramona, Corpinnat, La Riva Amontillado Superiorísimo, De la Riva, Jerez, Sorte O Soro 2021, Rafael Palacios, Godello, Valdeorras and Turó d’en Mota 2009 , Recaredo, Corpinnat, Official Guia Peñin : https://guiapenin.wine/magazine-noticias-cuatro-vinos-consiguen-100-puntos-guia-penin-2024

The Decanter magazine participated in a year-long tastings for the sale of still white wines made 100% with albariño, They chose 34 wines, xplained in an article by Sarah Jane Evans MW. However, I will narrow it down further on my favorites (used to be subscriber in my wine beginnings) , Pazo Señorans, Selección de Añada Albariño, Rías Baixas, 2013, Pazo Barrantes, Gran Vino Albariño, Val do Salnés, Rías Baixas, 2020, Pazo Barrantes, La Comtesse Albariño, Val do Salnés, Rías Baixas, 2018, Granbazán, Don Álvaro de Bazán Albariño, Val do Salnés, Rías Baixas, 2020, Martín Códax, Vindel Albariño, Val do Salnés, Rías Baixas, 2020, Santiago Ruiz, Rosa Ruiz Albariño, Rías Baixas , 2022, Entrecanales Domecq & Hijos, La Poda Albariño, Rías Baixas, 2022, Familia Torres, Pazo Torre Penelas Blanco Granito Albariño, Rías Baixas, 2019 ,Lagar de Cervera, Albariño, Rías Baixas, 2022, and Palacio de Fefiñanes, III Año Albariño, Val do Salnés, Rías Baixas, 2022 The whole lineup at the Official Decanter magazine :https://www.decanter.com/premium/albarino-panel-tasting-results-513220/

The Spanish wine exports face a complex panorama in 2023, marked by fluctuations in the main destination markets, changes in the types of wine exported and challenges in product categories. Nevertheless, Spain has shown notable growth in its wine exports, with an increase of 4.2% in value and 6% in volume during the first eight months of 2023, compared to the same period in 2022. This growth translates into 1.2 billion euros and 1.5 billion liters exported, respectively. Regarding the type of wine, wines with protected designation of origin (DOP) lead the table, accumulating 45% of total exports. Sparkling wines have shown particular strength, with a 13% increase in value. A relevant aspect is the increase in demand for organic wines, which have grown by 20% in value and 22% in volume. Rosé wines have also seen significant growth, with an increase of 8% in value and 11% in volume , The 5% increase in exports to Portugal, placing it as the main destination in volume, could respond to a combination of factors , such as geographical proximity and bilateral trade agreements. The UK has also seen a significant increase, overtaking Germany which has seen a slight drop. These changes could be related to Brexit and other political-economic factors. On the negative side, exports to the US, Netherlands, Canada, Japan and Mexico have decreased, which could be due to a variety of reasons, from trade barriers to increasing competition from other producing countries. Ultimately, the key for continued success in Spanish wine exports will be a combination of quality, innovation and a well-executed market strategy. Of course.

The first Lifestyle, Diet, Wine & Health Congress and its conclusions on health and well-being that put the relationship between wine, diet and longevity into perspective, The recent Lifestyle, Diet, Wine & Health 2023 Congress, held in Toledo on the 19th and October 20, 2023 has served as the stage to delve into a discussion that transcends mere nutrition: the impact of our lifestyles on general health. Organized by the Foundation for Wine and Nutrition Research (FIVIN) and the Wine Information Council (WIC), the event has brought together more than 30 speakers and 250 international members, to address from a multidisciplinary perspective the connection between diet, style of life and well-being. One of the key points of the meeting was the reaffirmation of the value of the Mediterranean Diet as one of the most beneficial dietary patterns for human health. Moderate consumption of wine, always in the context of meals, was one of the most debated topics at the congress, supported by an update of scientific evidence. The results of a recent Global Burden of Diseases (GBD) study were presented, which partly rectifies previous research that denied any level of safe alcohol consumption. According to this latest study, the risk in young people is practically non-existent and in people over 40 years of age a “J” curve is observed, which indicates that moderate drinkers have a lower risk of mortality compared to both abstainers and excessive drinkers. This “J” curve phenomenon is particularly notable in wine consumption. Furthermore, it was highlighted that the reduction in the incidence of myocardial infarctions could be related to both an antiatherosclerotic effect and an antithrombotic effect of wine polyphenols. To conclude, the congress resulted in the drafting of the “Lifestyle Matters” declaration, signed by more than 50 scientists, researchers and doctors, which emphasizes, based on scientific evidence, the importance of maintaining a healthy diet and a balanced lifestyle. Official Lifestyle, Diet,Wine and Health Congress : https://www.lifestylewine2023.com/

Cambados will be the first Spanish Wine City of ACEVI. During 2024, Cambados will hold the title of Spanish Wine City created by the Spanish Association of Wine Cities as a new insignia with which to continue promoting wine tourism and wine culture linked to towns and cities around the world. the country. Cambados was elected during the Extraordinary Assembly of ACEVIN held on October 16 in Madrid. Official ACEVI: https://www.acevin.es/

ICEX España Exportación e Inversiones (from which I got my certificate on Spanish wine knowledge!!) organizes the participation of Spanish companies in the Food&Wine Classic Festival in Aspen Colorado USA, One of the largest food and beverage festivals in the United States, which will be held between June 14 and 16, 2024. In its 41st edition, by the prestigious magazine ‘Food & Wine’, in an iconic enclave such as the city of Aspen, the most exclusive annual festival around the world of food, wine, gastronomy and lifestyle in the United States. More info to come in the official Aspen Chamber of Commerce : https://aspenchamber.org/events/food-wine-classic

In 2018, the group that today is called the Fernández Rivera Family (and that was better known by the name of its most emblematic winery, Tinto Pesquera : indeed started with it) was involved in a bitter conflict that at times endangered the harvest and the production of the house wines due to the differences between the patriarch, Alejandro Fernández, and his daughter Eva, on the one hand, and his ex-wife, Esperanza Rivera, and her daughters Lucía, Olga and Mari Cruz. This vintage will most likely be one of the most difficult in its history for the family due to the events surrounding the harvest. Fortunately, the climate was kind to the Fernández Rivera properties and provided, as it generally did in the Ribera del Duero, one of the best vintages in recent years. Tinto Pesquera: Alenza, Millenium and Janus 2018, three different expressions of Ribereña Tempranillo, are released to the market for the first time in their history in the same vintage. Alenza is a wine that ferments with stems, as was traditionally done and comes from the Maricalva plot, with 3.6 hectares of vineyards on clay soils and located about 800 meters above sea level. It spends 27 months in the barrel and is now a red with marked acidity and presence of the barrel, especially at the beginning, later giving way to smoky, chocolate and roasted notes. The name Alenza comes from combining those of the two founders, Alejandro and Esperanza. Millenium 2018 is a wine whose first harvest was in 1996 and which was released in 2000, hence its name. It comes from a plot called Viña Alta Cascajo and will be from this vintage, like Alenza and Janus, a parcel wine. , a relevant change in their profile. This vineyard, located at an altitude of 770 meters, has pebble soils and a sandy base. It is made with the winery’s own yeasts and ferments spontaneously, just like the rest of the group’s wines. The difference is made by the aging, which is carried out in French oak, when the house’s preference leans more towards the use of American oak. It spends 26 months in the barrel and its production reaches 11,300 75 cl and 363 magnum bottles. It gives off sweet notes of oak and hints of red fruits and balsamic, good acidity and freshness and a fluid palate, despite the intensity of its tannins., Janus 2018 is the beginning of a new era and its first vintage was that of ’82, the year in which Alejandro Fernández decided to make half of the wine in a traditional way, in the traditional winepress and without destemming, and the other without stemming. The name, in honor of the Roman god of doors and thresholds, indicates that alliance between the past and the future. an especially warm year and not exactly easy to make a wine of the size of this red. The 2018 comes from the La Rendeja estate, a six-hectare estate, a vineyard on limestone soil with the presence of clay and silt, which is aged for 28 months in American barrels and from which 7,400 75 cl and 96 magnum bottles have been produced. It is a tremendously serious wine, with notes of coconut, coffee, black fruit and smoky touches, opulent in the mouth, tasty and with a fresh finish, with a more fluid texture at the end than it suggests at the beginning. The decision on whether these high-end wines are released is made through tasting, since they are made no matter what, and it is almost at the end of the process when it is decided whether or not they will see the light of day. If they are not sold, they become part of the reserves of their respective wineries. The official Fernandez Rivera Family : https://familiafernandezrivera.com/en/history/

With a glorious past marked by laurels and international awards since the end of the 19C, this century-old house has been making wine since 1890, caring for soils and vineyards and chiselling a unique methodology with a classical pattern. Reinforcing the foundation of prestige and that guarantee of sustainable quality over time, Santiago Frías Monje today serves as president of Bodegas Riojanas, S.A., fifth generation of the founding Frías Artacho family. There are 1,700 vineyard plots, with 800 hectares of which 200 are their own vineyards and the rest are small plots of winegrowers who have been working with such an emblematic house for generations. 95% of what enters the winery is harvested by hand. The best vineyards of the Rioja label have their roots in the areas of Cenicero, San Vicente de la Sonsierra and the towns near these two Rioja towns. There they grow the varieties Tempranillo, Mazuelo and Graciano. In addition, Bodegas Riojanas has successfully carried out the first Viticulturist School with the aim of highlighting the decisive role of the work of viticulturists in the final quality of the wines. The Monte Real range symbolizes the authenticity and essence of the century-old winery, and reflects the most valuable family legacy. The grape from the El Monte area defines the personality of the wines that proudly speak of their Rioja origin and their uniqueness. It was the French winemaker Gabriel Larrentant who in 1933 identified the potential of this terroir. This is how wines are made that come from small plots of old vines whose low yield provides the desired value. During the last three years, it has launched four new labels that demonstrate its powerful adaptation to new times. Monte Real Cuvée, Monte Real Cepas Viejas, Monte Real Garnacha and Monte Real Tempranillo Blanco were then born. Four wines that demonstrate his broad vision. With Cuvée, the initial vision of Larrentant is recovered, an essential terroir wine; With Cepas Viejas a tribute is made to the old vineyard owners; Tempranillo Garnacha recovers the character of the legendary Garnachas from the Alto Najerilla area; and Monte Real Tempranillo Blanco emphasizes a little-known grape variety, seeking and demonstrating its full potential. Four wines that tell the story of a winery with an eye always on the times to come. The official Bodegas Riojanas : https://www.bodegasriojanas.com/en/home/

The very name of Bodega Franco-Españolas takes us back to its origins in the urban area of Logroño in 1890, at the time of the phylloxera crisis. Its first owner, the Bordeaux-based Frédéric Anglade Saurat, created a semi-sweet white, Diamante, then groundbreaking ,and a “Burgundy-style” red that he mutated decades later into Bordón. Throughout the 20C, Excelso, Royal, Viña Soledad were born… The current owners, the Eguizábal family, acquired the winery in 1984 and wanted to celebrate its past and present with a commemorative tasting on September 27, 2023 at the Mandarin hotel. Oriental Ritz in Madrid. The session began with three vintages of the house’s great white: Viña Soledad Tête de Cuvée. A name of Burgundian invocations for a Viura varietal from various plots, especially from north-facing plots in the Najerilla area, which fermented in a 30,000 kg wooden vat where it remained for a year, refining, before spending another three and a half in barrel , The series of red wines started with the Excelso Gran Reserva of 1964, the legendary vintage of the 20C. What was then the “top” of the winery still surprises with its fruity raspberry, which opens early and is wrapped in spices on an earthy, leather and floral background, “with mineral notes of gunpowder and pencil lead and the smoky very present. The palate, very long, maintains liveliness and smoothness and in the center of its low layer brick color the ruby still shines. Oh oh oh !!! The official Bodega Franco-Españolas : https://www.francoespanolas.com/en/home/

The D.O.P. Calatayud with the richness of soils ,slate, clay, limestone and stony and, slope exposures and altitude between 800 and 1,000 meters. Although it coexists with other varieties, the one that rules is Garnacha Tinta, which gives us wines of inimitable breed and a diversity that needs to be shown. And it is necessary because more and more producers are making an effort to interpret the plots, seeking the authenticity of the grapes and the landscape. A memorable spot in mydear Spain and enjoyed a lot these wines over the years, The Bodegas Augusta Bilbilis Samitier Garnacha 2020 is a ripe, fruity and sweet profile of the queen variety of the area. The details of ripe fruit, licorice and praline create an aromatic ensemble with good intensity. In the mouth it behaves with great kindness thanks to hints of blue flowers, mountain and some hints of orange peel. Broad in the aftertaste. Bodegas Ateca Atteca 2021 is intense, with a predominance of the nuances of the variety over those of aging. Details of ripe fruit, balsamic, dried flowers, blood orange and spices. In the background, the smoked ones well arranged. Silky on the palate, the sensation of fruit in liquor gives the tour a sweet sensation. And my favorite bodega from the region : Bodegas Langa Marco Valerio Marcial 2019 , the interpretation of Grenache focused on showing its most elegant, refined and precise side. Diverse notes of flowers and ripe red fruit that still retain freshness with an excellent mineral background. Palate with a greater floral weight, noble tannin and a pleasant sensation of freshness. Step with wild touches. The Bodegas Langa Langa Classic 2020, This century-old Grenache and its accurate aging give us a well-balanced classic character, so that there are various nuances with a line of similar intensity. Notes of ripe fruit, spices, cream and smoked notes. Palate with firm tannin and appearance of nuances of mountain and flowers. Broad aftertaste. A bit on this nice wine winery : The Bodegas Langa has been producing quality wines since 1867; They are backed by know-how and more than 150 years of experience cultivating vineyards in the province of Calatayud. It began with a small winery, located in a small town called Morata de Jiloca. For the first time in their history, they have also brought forward the harvest of their Garnacha variety to very unusual dates, starting the harvest last Monday, September 11, 2023. Two weeks ahead of schedule, just as happened with their Chardonnay variety. The Langa family owns more than 70 hectares of vineyards on two estates with totally different conditions, which give rise to a unique aromatic variability. Today this winery is the leader and bastion of Aragonese cava (sparklers). Last year , they planted the first Parrel and Gonfaus grape strains, after being recognized after many years of research, as permitted varieties in Spain. The official Bodega Langa : https://www.bodegas-langa.com/en/

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, Again,hope you enjoy the series of wines news of Spain  as I.

And remember, happy travels, good health,and many cheers to all !!!