It’s been quite a Summer for the sportsmen of Spain - after the country’s Euro 2008 final victory in Vienna and Rafael Nadal’s historic win at Wimbledon this past weekend, we may all want to join in for a toast. And what better way to toast these sports heroes than with the wonderful wines of Spain?
Rightfully very popular in the U.K., Spanish wines are both pleasing to the tastebuds and the wallet. Why not stock up on a few cases for your still-to-come Summer soiree. Here are a few tips for choosing the right wine for you:
There are a number of wine regions in Spain, spanning the entire country from top to bottom and East to West. Probably the best known is Rioja. From a deep Tempranillo grape to a lazy Rose, Rioja produces wines that are popular year round. On the lighter side, the Muga Rioja Rosado 2007 is a fresh wine with a salmon colour that can accompany everything from tapas to salads. And at just £82 for a case of 12 bottles, planning ahead will save you a considerable amount over your local off license.
On the darker, richer side of Rioja are also some great affordable wines to choose from: The Campo Bravo Vino Joven, Rioja DOC and Rioja Campo Aldea Tempranillo 2007 will both run you under £50 for a case of 12 bottles. The Tempranillo grape, grown in the northern part of the Rioja region, is a great choice to accompany burgers, sausages and pasta salads.
And why stop at Rioja? There are 67 regions that produce hundreds of quality red, white and sparkling wines.
The increasingly popular region of Rueda in the Northwest is marked by long hot summers with cold nights that produce a grape that is popular with white wine drinkers. While Jumilla, located in the southeast of Spain produce a wine that can sometimes be quite tannic, but is currently tasting soft and fruity. The best way to take a wine tasting trip around Spain from home is with a mixed case of wine. Mixed Tapas Tipples is a great choice at £62 as is Fine Spanish Reds at £79 for a case of six.
And a quick tip on how Spanish wines are categorised: ‘DOCa’ means Denominación de Origen Calificada and is the highest distinction for a Spanish wine. Only Rioja and the Priorat regions have secured this status. While, ‘DO’ means Denominación de Origen and is the next category of wine (capturing many of the other popular varietals). The Consejo Regulador (Supervision of the individual wine regions) decides if a local wine maker can use the DO of the region.
Viva la Espana!
