From Ribera del Duero, a Spanish region I have had only modest success with, this wine is an intense expression of tempranillo. Recommended producers gratefully received. In the glass, the wine has a deep and saturated red colour. Its aromas are savoury and leathery and not bretty, lest that be taken as a subtle inference. ... Continue Reading →
Correfox Cava Brut Rosé NV Wine Review
I haven't previously come across a Cava rosé. It is not a surprise to see one, with the burgeoning success of rosé as a wine category. The grape varieties do not really matter with Cava. What is to be expected is a reliable minerally wine with a touch of autolytic yeast character and a dry... Continue Reading →
Paco and Lola Ophalum Albariño 2019 Wine Review
This is a good example of an albariño from the coastal Rias Baixas region in north western Spain from Paco and Lola. The wine is saline, minerally, full bodied, unoaked, has medium to high acidity and lemon pith phenolics. It is made in a refreshing style that is ready to drink now. You might consider... Continue Reading →
Cantarranas Verdejo Rueda 2020 Wine Review
This continues a series of recent Spanish wine reviews. Rueda is little seen in Australia, but fits comfortably as an alternative to sauvignon blanc. The grape variety is verdejo, which is not the same as another white, verdelho. The wine opens to floral, herbs and even passionfruit aromas. The palate is dry, medium to full... Continue Reading →
Pujanza Hado 2015 Wine Review
I taste a lot of wines these days that I don’t manage to write up. I am trying to correct this and get them out. This is very good Rioja from Bodegas Pujanza and the 2015 vintage. It will suit new world wine drinkers wanting fruit but coupled with a more old world tannic grip.... Continue Reading →
Hacienda Lopez de Haro Rioja 2019 Wine Review
White Rioja is not easily found in Australia. Made from macabeo (viura), it appears in a couple of styles. This wine is the dry, unoaked and fruity version and is quite floral and aromatic. It might confuse for a sauvignon blanc. The palate however is fuller bodied and the acidity medium, rather than high. The... Continue Reading →
Garnacha Cepa por Cepa de Nekeas 2018 Wine Review
This a pleasant garnacha (grenache) from Navarra in Spain and the 2018 vintage. Lightly coloured as is typical of the variety, the wine is dry, full bodied, has little oak influence (old), has medium and tight tannins that are rocky in texture and red fruit characters. The alcohol is 14.5. This wine is suitable for... Continue Reading →
Remelluri Reserva Rioja 2012
This is a high quality Rioja Reserva from Remelluri. It opens to aromas of game, sweet red fruits and cedar. The palate is medium bodied with mid weight tannins. Its principal feature is its saturated red fruit character interlaced with chocolate. Long length on the finish confirms this to be a very good wine that... Continue Reading →
Pepe Mendoza Casa Agricola Alicante 2018
From Alicante in the south of Spain, this is a full bodied, spicey and edgeless blend. The grape varieties are monastrell (mouvèrdre), syrah, alicante bouschét (a red variety that also unusually has red flesh) and giró (a red variety found in Spain and Sardinia). This pleasant wine is ready to drink now. Rating: Good. Website:... Continue Reading →
Valminor Albariño Rias Baixas 2017
From Rias Baixas in Spain, this proves quite a typical expression of white variety albariño. If you are less familiar with albariño (little is grown in Australia - please chime in if you've found a good one), the style of these wines is typically towards full bodied, with high acidity and a saline overlay. An... Continue Reading →