Tag Archives: spain

Ximenis, Genium Celler, Blanco, Priorat DOQ, Spain, 2012, 14% abv, 12 euros

He drove 2.5 hours from his day job and Barcelona to meet and pour wines  for us at Poboleda. Jordi Ossó i Estivill, Genium Celler’s export manager, is one of six family partners who’ve banded together to bring their wines from this tiny Catalan … Continue reading

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Riu, Trio Infernal, Combier, Fischer and Gerin, Torroja, Priorat DOQ, Spain, 14.5% abv, 2010, 16 Euros

We found this at the Vins i Olis del Priorat store the minute we arrived in Falset.  Nothing was open at 4pm except the town’s two exceptional wine stores. Llorenc and Marc Aguilo quickly ushered us to the tasting bar … Continue reading

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Diez Siglos, Verdejo, Rueda DO, Spain, 2013, 12.5% abv, 9 UK GBP

It’s always slightly depressing to go anywhere outside of Canada and realize the incredibly restricted wine options available on our domestic market. This is even more apparent when one arrives in England, arguably the centre of the wine universe. Every … Continue reading

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Genium Cellers, Costers vi de Guarda, Poboleda, Priorat DOQ, Spain, 2005, 14.5% abv

One thing I have learned about winemakers and winery owners is that showing even a little interest in their work usually yields immensely positive results for anyone wanting to learn more.  Most are keen to share and you realize very quickly … Continue reading

Posted in Carignan, Grenache / Garnacha, Merlot, RED, Shiraz / Syrah, Spain | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Rose, Bodegas Muga, Rioja DOCa, Spain, 2013, 12.5% abv, C$18

Summer is meant for rose wine – or is it the other way around?  I often wonder why rose is not called ‘pink’ wine in English – we have white and red, so why not pink? This pink wine is fresh, … Continue reading

Posted in Grenache / Garnacha, ROSE, Spain, Tempranillo, Viura / White Rioja | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Muga, White, Rioja DOC, Spain, 2012, 13% abv.

Spain recently cracked the code – its wine production numbers surged last year (2013) to make it the world’s largest wine producer. It has officially surpassed second place Italy and (gasp) the French came in at paltry number three. More … Continue reading

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Terras Gauda, O Rosal, Albariño, Rias Baixas, Galicia, Spain, 2012, 12.5% abv, C$41

Albariño, as it’s referred to in Galicia (northwestern Spain), or Alvarinho as it’s called in Portugal’s northern Vinho Verde DOC, is a white grape enjoying a renaissance of sorts amongst those looking for something new and unusual to drink. Galicia … Continue reading

Posted in Albarino / Alvarinho, Blanco Caino, Spain, Treixadura / Trincadero, WHITE | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Freixenet, Cordon Negro, Cava, Método Tradicional, Spain, 12% abv, C$15

It’s Mother’s Day and I’m happy to sit down after a day at the winery to dinner made for me, cookies, roses – the works!  Top it off with some Cava, a bubbly for my possibly-broken-but-can’t-be-sure-about-it toe.  I saved the life … Continue reading

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Viña Gravonia, Crianza, López de Heredia, Rioja Alta, Spain, 2000, 12% abv, C$42 BCLB

It was a sad day for the unusual wines of Rioja, Spain; Pedro Lopez de Heredia passed away today.  This called for the raising of a special glass in his honour and memory. Enter the Viña Gravonia, Crianza 2000. Several years ago … Continue reading

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WSET Diploma Unit 5 – Sparkling Wines of the World – Tasting

Tasting notes from a study group for the WSET Diploma, Unit 5, Sparkling Wines of the World course … Wine #1 Cava, Parés Baltà, Brut, Penedès, Spain, 11.5% abv, C$22.99 Clear and bright, pale gold, bubbles noted. Clean, light intensity aromas of … Continue reading

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