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
Feb
6
Palacio de Fefinanes ‘1583’ Albarino de Fefinanes 2016
Palacio de Fefinanes is among the top produces of Albarino in Rias Baixas. They have been a mainstay go-to producer for me for at least a decade. With the ‘1583’
Jun
9
The New Spain Emerging
My previous article on Priorat explained the context of the Spain most of us have come to know, derived from the globalized influence of a limited number of palates seeking
Jun
1
Priorat: Globalization, Terroir, and The New Wines of Spain
A contradiction lies deep in the heart of wine’s globalization. The standard narrative is that globalization leads to homogenization of wine style and increasing monopolization of distribution. The counter-narrative has
Oct
22
On Reductive Ageing, Or A Few Great Bottles of Champagne and Sherry
Champagne and Fino Sherry share two great commonalities. First, they both grow in calcareous clay and limestone soils. Second, they are (generally) both made with uncommon highly reductive wine-making techniques.
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
Jun
20
Dominio de Tares Godello Bierzo 2013
Godello is one of Spain’s great white grapes. The best can take on the weight and length of high quality Chardonnay but with their own unique minerality. The grape is
Mar
25
Bodegas Valduero Garcia Viadero Bianco de Albillo 2012
While much attention is given to the value of Spanish red wine, far less ink is spilled over the whites. That’s a shame as in my opinion, Spain makes some
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
Sep
29
Suertes del Marques Valle de la Orotava La Solana 2010
The Canary Islands are making some of my favourites wines in Spain, with an increasing number of producers that are taking advantage of the island chain’s ancient, ungrafted indigenous vines