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
Nov
3
Bodegas Robles Piedra Luenga Pedro Ximenez NV
This is one of the most remarkable wines I’ve had in a while. In the context of Sherry, this copper hued Pedro Ximenez is unlike anything else going on today.
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