Richmond and Teddington Wine Societies visited Spain last week in what was deliberately a Rioja Free occasion. The theme was Spanish innovation and we took a good look at a number of lesser known regions and some wonderful local grapes.
No one can dispute the success of Rioja and their importance to the Spanish wine industry. As a result, wine regions across Spain have been energised to invest and develop their local industries and promote indigenous grape varieties as a point of difference.
The tastings highlighted Denominacion Origen (DO) areas such as Rias Baixas, Monterrei and Bierzo to the north west, Cigars, Toro and Rueda in north central, Priorat in Catalonia and Yecla and Malaga in the south east.
Quality was high – perhaps higher than some people expected – and the highlights were the Albariño from Martin Codax showing an amazing freshness and depth; the Finca Museum Reserva which was terrific value given its quality, the Priorat Reserva 2008 Les Pusses which was terrific value given its status and quality and finally the Oloroso sherry and the late harvest Garnacha from Clos Mont Blanc – sweet delights in a glass!
At Richmond the Britannia served a great two course meal, and at Teddington we incorporated some regional cheeses, tortilla and a delicious chicken, bean and chorizo hot main course that made for a truly authentic evening.
All the wines we tasted are available for sale – contact me if you would like to place an order:
| Godello 2015 Mara Martin DO Monterrei | £16.00 |
| Albillo 2015 Valduero | £11.50 |
| Albariño 2013 Lias Martin Codax DO Rias Baixas | £10.50 |
| Verdejo 2015 Vetus DO Rueda | £11.50 |
| Mencia 2012 Cuatro Pasos Black DO Bierzo | £14.00 |
| Flor de Vetus DO Toro 2014 | £13.00 |
| Reserva 2011 Finca Museum DO Cigales | £16.00 |
| Sedelia 2012 DO Sierras de Malaga | £27.50 |
| Reserva 2009 Valduero Ribera del Duero | £35.00 |
| Priorat 2008 Les Pusses DOCa Priorat | £25.00 |
| Priorat 2011 Mas La Mola | £30.00 |
| Corimbo I 2010 La Horra DO Ribera de Duero | £40.00 |
| Oloroso 1842 Valdespino (37.5cl) | £22.00 |
| Monastrell Dulce 2013 Castano DO Yecla (50cl) | £16.50 |
| Late harvest Garnacha 2013 Montr Blanc (37.5cl) | £16.50 |
Thank you to everyone for coming!
