Category Archives: Spain

Aging a Wine for 14 Years – Garnaxa, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon, Laurel, Daphne Glorian, Clos i Terrasses, DOQ Priorat, Spain, 2012, 15% abv.

When I received my WSET Diploma at the graduation ceremony in London, England in 2015, we took a trip following the big event to Priorat DOQ in Spain. Take a moment to read at this link how I managed, against … Continue reading →

Posted in cabernet sauvignon, Cabernet Sauvignon / Blends, Grenache / Garnacha, RED, Red, red wine, Shiraz / Syrah, Spain | Leave a comment

Why Tracking Your Wine Journey Matters – Viura, Viña Gravonia, White Crianza, López de Heredia, Rioja DOC, Spain, 2004, 12.5% abv.

This is EXACTLY why I keep track of the wines I enjoy. I opened a bottle of this wine 11 years ago in 2015 – and then again in February 2026.  Now I can compare the two – and congratulate … Continue reading →

Posted in Spain, Viura / White Rioja, WHITE | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Tempranillo, López de Heredia – Viña Tondonia Rioja Reserva, Rioja DOCa, Spain, 13% abv., 2008, C$100

My heart dropped. I had opened the López de Heredia – Viña Tondonia Rioja Reserva 2008 for a dinner with some German guests and was hoping it may still be in a drinking window. It wasn’t even close. The 2008 … Continue reading →

Posted in Graciano, Grenache / Garnacha, Mazuelo, OTHER, RED, red wine, Spain, Tempranillo | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Some Spanish Wines to Start the Year

Everyone has one of those moments – either they enjoy a special bottle, travel to a specific wine region, or they have a wine experience that helps them decide that this wine thing is their new passion.  Mine was a … Continue reading →

Posted in Carignan, FORTIFIED WINE, Grenache / Garnacha, OTHER, Palomino, Pedro Ximenez / Pedro Gimenez, RED, red wine, Sherry, Spain, Viura / White Rioja, WHITE | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Discover New Grapes: A Global Wine Adventure

Recently I had the opportunity to introduce 20 lovely people to 9 different grapes from 5 different countries, in 3 different sparkling wines, and 2 still ones. I am not a fan of boring wines, nor of showing people what … Continue reading →

Posted in Austria, British Columbia, Cava, Chardonnay, Cinsault, Lambrusco, Lebanon, Macabeu, Macabeu/Viura, OTHER, Parellada, RED, Shiraz / Syrah, Spain, Sparkling Wine, WHITE, Xarel-lo | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Spreading the Love; Wine and Whiskey Tastings

So far, 2025 has been the year of monthly wine and whiskey tastings, plus the second installment of a something we call ‘Gin’Mas’ around these parts. I’ve been a frequently invited volunteer at one of the local long term care … Continue reading →

Posted in Chardonnay, Grenache / Garnacha, Red, red wine, Savagnin, Spain, SPIRITS, Vernaccia, Whiskey/Whisky | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Viura, Viña Otano, Gran Reserva Blanco, Rioja DOC, Spain, 2015, 13% abv., US$29

I bought two of these, but now wish I’d purchased two cases. A white Rioja made of 85% Viura with 10% Garnacha Blanca and 5% Maturana Blanca, this wine is a definite treat and can be held for a long … Continue reading →

Posted in Grenache blanc, Oregon, OTHER, Spain, WHITE, White Grenache / Garnacha / Garnaxa | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Tempranillo, Flor de Pingus, Ribera del Duero DO, Spain, 15% abv. 2014, US$100

I cannot afford the top line of Pingus wines, but the Flor de Pingus, Peter Sisseck’s almost equally famous second label wines from Ribera del Duero, are within reach. Pingus is slang for Peter – the Danish owner and winemaker … Continue reading →

Posted in RED, red wine, Spain, Tempranillo | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Garnaxa / Syrah, Clos Erasmus, Priorat DOQ, Spain, 2010, 15% abv, 139€

In January 2015, we made a trip to Priorat DOQ in Spain and met the indomitable Daphne Glorian, owner of, and winemaker with her friend and colleague Ester Nin, at Clos Erasmus. It really was the tasting of a lifetime … Continue reading →

Posted in Grenache / Garnacha, OTHER, RED, Shiraz / Syrah, Spain | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Blanc de Pacs, Parés Baltà, Organic, Penedes DO, Spain, 2014, 11.5% abv, C$21++

In keeping with my recent attempts to let you know about well-priced AND delicious wines, here is another one to try. I often go to Everything Wine because of their always impressive selection of easy-on-the-pocket-book, unusual varietal, Spanish wines. The … Continue reading →

Posted in Macabeu, OTHER, Parellada, Spain, WHITE, Xarel-lo | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments