Every couple of months we've been rotating our 'Country of the Month'...which we know sounds like an oxymoron. Throughout June and July we unpacked Italian Reds which took us on an exciting journey spanning the entire country. We're going to challenge and excite you with our next edition...SPANISH WINES.
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, we'll be hosting a Country of the Month tasting at Old Bridge Cellars Como this Thursday 10th and North Fremantle this Friday 11th August between 4pm - 7pm so you can try-before-you-buy.
Join us as we embark on a journey to Spain, a land with a deep-rooted winemaking tradition dating back thousands of years. Spanish wines have been enchanting palates worldwide with their unique identity and distinctive characteristics that set them apart from other wines.
A brief history...winemaking in Spain dates back to the time of the Phoenicians and the Greeks, who introduced grape cultivation to the Iberian Peninsula more than 3,000 years ago. With the subsequent Roman occupation, viticulture continued to flourish and Spain became one of the largest wine-producing regions in the ancient world.
Throughout the Middle Ages, Spanish wine found favour among the European nobility, and the industry thrived. However, during the 19th and early 20th centuries, the industry faced significant challenges, including the phylloxera epidemic (an aphid-like insect which ultimately led to the destruction of many vineyards across the globe). Despite the setbacks, Spanish winemakers persevered, and by the late 20th century, they experienced a renaissance that saw the revival of traditional winemaking techniques alongside modern innovations.
One of the key points of difference of Spanish wines is the use of indigenous grape varieties, some of which are rarely found elsewhere. Iconic red grape varieties such as Tempranillo, Garnacha and Monastrell are integral to Spanish winemaking, producing wines with depth, complexity and a generous fruitiness. Similarly, Spanish white wines are often made from grape varieties like Albariño, Verdejo and Viura, which display freshness, crispness and a vibrant range of flavours.
The Australian wine scene has evolved significantly over the years, with consumers showing an increasing interest in wines from around the world. Spanish wines have become an appealing choice for Aussie wine enthusiasts seeking something a bit different to our local drops.
Here at Old Bridge Cellars we are HUGE fans of Spanish wine, so as always we've pulled together the ultimate 6-pack which includes two whites, three reds and a Sherry....an absolute bargain at just $145. Here's a bit about each of the wines.
Artomaña Txakolina 'Xarmant' Txakoli: Grapefruit, green apple, white petals and chalky mineralty. The palate is fresh with pear, golden delicious and herb fleck with a moreish crisp saline-sourness.
Genio Y Figura Albariño: With a pronounced peachy nose, the palate is bursting full of ripe fruit flavours of apples, peach and nectarine with a fresh, citrus acidity and a subtle mineral character on the finish.
Tilenus Mencía Roble: This wine has aromas of red fruit, spiced notes and toasted hints from the barrel ageing yet the palate it’s very fresh, light and enveloping. Fine tannins and well integrated acidity.
CDA Corona de Aragón Garnacha Viñas Viejas: Intensely smoky and spicy aromas of thyme, paprika and clove. Fruity blackberries and cherries are looming beneath. It has a medium density with intense flavours of raspberry jam and cinnamon.
Matsu El Picaro Tempranillo: Brooding dark fruits such as blackberries and blueberries with a graphite mineral notes appear, creating this fresh wine with complexity. Old vine gernerosity of Toro Tempranillo this is a winner.
Valdespino Pedro Ximenez Sherry: Produced using late harvest Pedro Ximenez grapes then oxidative ageing using the “Solera and Criaderas” system. Think figs, spices (cinnamon, vanilla) and raisins aromas, rich and velvety on the palate. Enjoy slightly chilled, with desserts, blue cheese or poured over vanilla ice cream (delicious!).
Adios,
Old Bridge Cellars
