Jul
19
Bodegas Y Vinedos Alion 1998
Rioja gets most of the attention for the softer-style of age-worthy Tempranillo. Ribera became infected with over-extraction in the 1990’s and 2000’s that undid much of the regions’ potential for
Sep
5
Of Stump Years and Spaniards or Bordeaux for Regular Folk
Much like Vancouver Real Estate, Bordeaux has been priced out of reach for regular non-wealthy folk. Chinese millionaires are gobbling up ‘culture’ through ‘luxury’ with the appetite of millions of
Feb
22
Tinto Pesquera Ribera del Duero Crianza 2009
One of Spain’s best values is also one of red wine’s most consistent and fairly priced bottles every vintage: pioneering produce Alejandro Fernandez’ Tinto Pesequera Crianza. I love Ribera del
Nov
23
Quinta do Crasto Old Vines Reserva 2005
Quinta do Crasto has long been known as one of the best dry wine producers in Portugal. They are located in the Douro and make modern, highly flavourful wines from
Jul
23
Vinedo Y Bodegas de la Marquesa Valserrano Gran Reserva Rioja 2001
Ah, the Rioja debate. Modernists vs. traditionalists. If you’ve read this blog at all for the past while you’ll know I tend toward the latter. There aren’t really any traditionalists
Mar
28
Psi Ribero del Duero 2009
The story behind this wine is exceptional. Peter Sissek of Pingus fame and an absolute standard bearer for Ribera del Duero, realized that many fantastic sites in the region were
Jul
22
Spotlight on Portuguese Dry Wine: Chryseia Post Scriptum Douro 2004
My new profile holds a place close to my heart. When I visited Spain on vacation one year ago, I happened to be one of those travellers who was stranded
Apr
27
Spotlight on Spain: Rioja or What Makes Good Wine Great
Rioja is Spain’s most famous wine region. In fact, to many Rioja is Spain’s icon wine region, reaching that apotheosis where a place name immediately indicates style and quality. But,
Apr
17
Spotlight on Spain: Bodegas Alion 1999
The recent unexpected volcanic eruption in Iceland has relegated me to another several days in Europe, with ample opportunity to reflect on my experiences in Spain. Over the past couple
Mar
24
Spotlight on Spain: Bodegas Izadi Vetus 2005
Zipping west back into Castile-Leon, today’s wine was made in the Toro region of Spain, sitting several miles west of Ribera del Duero and Rueda (to be profiled soon). The