Few wines regions have had such a meteoric rise from virtual anonymity to a reference point for European white wines as Rías Baixas. The region was previously known as Albariño but became officially Rías Baixas in 1988, when the EU ruled that wine regions could not carry the name of a grape.
To start this series of articles on Spanish wine, I have chosen a wine region you may never have heard of – Somontano. Why? Because anyone who professes to have more than a passing interest in wine should already be aware that there are more than 60 officially-registered areas that have their own special rules and regulations – and La Rioja and Ribera del Duero are but two of them
A full body wine with spiced plumy fruit, acidity and notable barrel tannins prevail… the potent finish is long and dry.
A pleasant aromatic nose with fresh notes of spiced pepper, dark ripe fruits and vanilla oak essence.
This fruity white from Mallorca is an international award winner.
A Chardonnay aroma of banana, blossoms and pineapple with a hint of toasted almonds and a slight zest of citric fruit.
A robust, dark and fruity wine; perfect as an accompaniment to roasted red meats and game.
This rose is full of flavour; more suited as an accompaniment to food than for sipping by the pool.
A brilliant full red with light fringes demonstrating its age.
Other bodegas have made Blanc Noirs, but the Mant Blanc 2010 is the only one in the world made from Manto Negro grapes.
An elegant and robust medium body wine.
Subtle aromas of ripe currants, raspberries and blackberries. Light aniseed notes give way to nuances of toasted oak deriving from the barrel ageing.
Clean flavours with a bright finish and aromas of toasted almonds, butter and hints of citric.
Floral notes in the aroma while in the mouth citric notes of lemon prevail, with fresh fruits and a buttery long finish.
