Spain



Tesco Finest* Viñas Del Rey Albariño 2016 (Felix Solis), Rias Baixas, Spain (£8 Tesco) Age has given a hint of creaminess but this is still lip-smackingly fresh, with pear and custard apple flavours pepped up by pithy citrus acidity and a hint of herbs. B+ Marimar Estate Albariño 2015, Russian […]

Albariño from Spain & California


Jeroboams Rioja Reserva 2013 (Marques de Reinosa), Spain (£13.95 Jeroboams) 2013 wasn’t the greatest of Rioja vintages, and there’s a slight earthy greenness in the background here. But thankfully, it’s reasonably concealed by classic vanilla/coconutty oak notes, and generous orange peel, red berry and plum flavours. Good, and even better […]

Tempranillo from Rioja & South Australia



…beginning with sherry Barbadillo Manzanilla Pasada Pastora En Rama (2017 bottling), Spain (£9.99 per half Amazon, Cambridge Wine Merchants, Taurus Wines, Roberts and Speight, The Dorset Wine Co, Mumbles Fine Wine) Has the classic bracing briny edge of Manzanilla, but this is deeper in colour, and weightier, with pungest yeasty […]

A selection of sweet and fortified wines…


Beginning in Italy with Prosecco. Or not… Rivolto Zanotto Vino Bianco Spumante Extra Dry NV, Veneto, Italy (£10 Vino Beano) Fresh, satisfying fizz, not massively complex but scores for its dry caramel and green apple flavours, dangerously moreish… B+   And another Italian I didn’t film… Il Serraglio Saliceto Buzzalino […]

Sparkling Wine Round-Up


Half Cabernet, with Merlot and Tempranillo making up the balance Paso-Primero Tinto 2016, Somontano, Spain (£8.90 Tanners) No shortage of gutsy berry and damson flesh here, but the flavours veer towards the jammy and there’s a slightly drying edge of underripe tannin. Not so much that it’s unpleasant, but a […]

Paso-Primero Tinto 2016, Somontano, Spain