Sometimes I go through phases. Right now, Spain is constantly on tip of my tongue. It may be the tapas culture that suits my summer mood and fits my desire to graze and nibble rather than sit down to a complicated meal. Whatever it is, I’m enjoying my Spanish summer fling for many reasons.
Bubbles
Because summer is the reason to celebrate... I have proclaimed loud and proud that Spain is where I look to first when I need an inexpensive bubble fix. I can count on Cava, even at $15, to deliver good quality sparkling wine. But I’m not always racing to the bottom of this category. When craving a bit more finesse and nuance, I’m willing to spend a few more bucks.
2012 Alta Alella, Privat Brut Reserva • Cava DO, Spain • $29*
This Cava had me at the initial smoky, flinty sniff. One sip sealed the deal. Emphatically dry with invigorating lemon peel and juicy pear, it’s sure to cleanse the palate between fried tapas bites.
Sherry
Sherry deserves an entire article, which I promise to fulfill. In the meantime, cast aside any negative connotations of sweet swill you might have. There are many different styles of sherry but these fortified wines from southwest Spain were traditionally made dry, like this one.
Hidalgo, ‘La Gitana’ Manzanilla • Sherry DO, Spain • $22.59
Manzanilla is aged for several years under a protective yeast called Flor giving unique flavours of bread dough, blanched almonds and a salty tang. I know it sounds weird but it will make sense if you drink a chilled glass of La Gitana while snacking on almonds and green olives.
Indigenous grapes
Spain's characterful native grapes please my palate year round. However, in the summer I’m thankful that the roster includes some thirst-quenching whites. For the ultimate refresher, check out Albariño. Crisp and aromatic, it thrives in the cool wet northeastern region of Rías Baixas.
2013 Luzada, Albariño • Val do Salnés, Rías Baixas DO, Spain • $15.99
This new find could easily become my house white. Luscious and ripe with guava, peach and melon balanced by zesty lime and a steely minerally backbone. It begs for the freshest of fish perhaps prepared with a Thai twist.
Affordability
I never, ever want to pigeonhole Spain into the cheap and cheerful category. So let it be known that this prolific giant produces great wines at ALL prices. That said, when I am down to my last few dollars, I turn to Spain to cheer me up with inexpensive yet distinctive wines.
2011 Navarro López ‘Pergolas’ Old Vines, Tempranillo • Valdepeñas DO, Spain • $11.99
From the arid plains of Valdepeñas, the Pergolas Tempranillo exudes ripe raspberry and strawberry with clove, orange and a slight earthiness. Soft in the middle but finishes firm. Try with saucy barbequed ribs.
Friendly reds for the barbeque
I could have chosen many wines here. Whether you’re grilling steak or flipping burgers, Spain has plenty of reds to match. However, I wanted to prove the point I was trying to make above. Besides succeeding in the immediately drinkable, under $15 category, Spain also boasts serious age-worthy wines that are no less charming.
2010 Muga, Rioja Reserva DOCa $26.29
Complex aromas of smoke, meat, vanilla and coffee. Dense and full yet elegant and polished, this Rioja is totally appealing now especially with grilled lamb but has the stuffing to keep going for five-10 years.
