Old and new, ancient and modern
A plethora of styles, a basketful of grape varieties, a diversity of regions
Justly celebrated for Rioja and sherry, its most heralded contributions to the world of wine, there is also much more to Spanish wine which doesn't get the attention it deserves. Young Turks following the latest trends in the world of wine jostle shoulders with traditional producers. Areas almost given up to viticulture and grape varieties on the fast track to oblivion are being recultivated. New discoveries and local varieties abound.
The Uncorked Spanish range has never looked healthier… so not only do we have four fine exponents of our Spanish selection on tasting today (see the line-up below), we've also put together a full mixed case selection to help you get to grips with some of the diversity this country has to offer. As well as showcasing different Rioja styles and two remarkable and very different examples of the Mencia grape, we are also touching on corners of the country as diverse as Barcelona, Mallorca, Galicia and Tenerife. /NT
THE UNCORKED SPANISH TASTING CASE
12 bottle Spanish mixed case offer £230 inc duty and VAT saving £21.50 & delivered free
The whites
2017 Palacio de Fefinanes Albariño: Spain's most highly regarded style of dry, unfortified white, from one of the regions oldest, most classical producers. Quince meets greengage.
2016 Mauro Estevez Ribeiro: the river valleys of Ribeiro in Galicia produce remarkable, fragrant, aromatic whites. This little gem offers a soft, green start followed by Muscaty aromas of grape and cinnamon.
2016 Abel Mendoza Viura Rioja: gently kissed by fine oak, Abel Mendoza's Viura straddles modern and traditional styles of white Rioja. White flower and lemon.
2015 Karlos Argiñano K5 Getariako Txakolina: crisp and bone dry, the Basque classic Txakoli (pronounced "chak-olee") is the thing to have with the local cod dishes. Made from the intensely local Hondarribi Zuri variety, from vineyards never touched by phylloxera.
The reds
2016 Ronsel do Sil Vel`Uveyra Mencia: up to 60 year-old vines, peppery red fruits with a hint of smoke and raised, fresh acidity - a remarkable Mencia from Ribeira Sacra.
2016 Tentenublo Rioja: a different kind of Rioja. Luscious dark fruit, a punchy fresh finish and an edge of sour plum. Roberto Olivan is one of the regions most exciting new producers.
2016 Bodegas Vinatigo Negramoll: up to 60 year-old vines, peppery red fruits with a hint of smoke and raised, fresh acidity - a remarkable Mencia from Ribeira Sacra.
2015 Xose Luis Sebio Coios Bierzo: brooding and powerful, from a vineyard packed with galet stones, this Mencia is quite a different beast from the preceding. The elegance and power of Chateauneuf.
2015 Alvaro Palacios Terrasses Velles Vinyes: silky and intense, from ancient vines up in the hills of Priorat. Alvaro Palacios is possibly Spain's greatest modern winemaker, and he is responsible for the modern revival and success of the region of Priorat.
2014 Bodegas Lacus Rioja Inedito S: a Rioja that entirely eschews Tempranillo for a blend of Graciano and Garnacha, this showcases how good those varieties can be. The fruit is still pure Rioja, the terroir shines through.
2013 Capcanes Peraj Petita: from the relatively new DO of Montsant outside Barcelona. Garnacha and Tempranillo vie with Merlot and a touch of local Samso for a dark, blackcherry-and-mocha red.
2013 Bodega Biniagual Memories Negra: from Mallorca, this is a delight of red fruit and spice. Made from the island's own Manto Negro grape variety.
Offered subject to remaining unsold
