Spain beckons wine lovers for its diversity, with its often complex and always drinkable offerings dialing in outstanding quality and great value with focused terroir transparency. Our Top 100 Wines of Spain list is a blend of established names and emerging projects interspersed with a selection of smart buys, all with dynamic winemakers behind them.
There are four wines from Galicia in our Top 10 and 16 in our Top 100, highlighting a region known for its temperate Atlantic climate, expansive coastline and complex landscapes, characterized by dramatic cliffs, fragmented mountain ranges and an array of meandering rivers.
For a thorough drenching in Spain’s diversity, try out the nervy, gastronomic and saline albariños from Rías Baixas on this list, like the Rodrigo Méndez Rías Baixas Sálvora 2023 (No. 5) and Bodegas Fulcro Rías Baixas a Cesteira 2022 (No. 12), or the elegant and intriguing Mencia-based blends from Bierzo, such as the César Marquez Mencia Bierzo Sufreiral Vino de Paraje 2021 (No. 7).
We hope you enjoy exploring this list. You’re spoiled for choice here, but finding great value with eminent drinkability won’t be a difficult proposition.
November 11, 2024
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Galicia 2024 Tasting Report: A Return to Heritage
Jacobo García Andrade
Nestled in the northwestern corner of Spain directly above Portugal, Galicia has long been a reliable source for exceptional white wines, particularly its prized albariño. With the Atlantic Ocean on its western and northern borders, the region is celebrated for distinctive offerings that embody freshness and salinity –qualities that have stood the test of time.
But Galicia has become a more captivating region for wine enthusiasts as it comes on strong with its red wines, from the compelling and approachable Ribeiro and Valdeorras offerings that draw comparisons to a combination of Northern Rhone with Beaujolais, to the delicate, incisive and charismatic reds produced in Rías Baixas. In all, it offers a promising vinous journey, like the one I took over the course of two weeks this summer, when I tasted 349 wines from the 2021, 2022 and 2023 vintages.
Galicia is home to five appellations: Rias Baixas, Ribeiro, Ribeira Sacra, Monterrei and Valdeorras. The dominating factor for all of them is the influence of theAtlantic Ocean, with Rias Baixas most affected since it is closest to the ocean, with the effect gradually waning as one ventures inland. Monterrei, Ribeira Sacra andValdeorras experiencemore continental climates, reflectingthe effects ofrivers as well as bigger diurnal swings and usually lower preciptation.
“The contrast can be striking – today, while it rains on the Miño River, the sun shines over the Sil River,” Fernando Gonzalez, the owner and winemaker ofAlgueira, said of the winding rivers that shape the diverse
microclimates within Ribeira Sacra, which is renowned for its stunning terraced vineyards that line the riverbanks of the Sil, Miño, and Cabe rivers.
Rodrigo Mendez, the co-owner and winemaker of Forjas del Salnes, who works across 40 parcels in the village of Meaño in Rias Baixas, said that until the early 1990s most of the wine produced in Rias Baixas was sold locally. It wasn’t until the early 2000s, with the arrival of the celebrated enologist Raul Perez from Bierzo, who then became Mendez’s business partner, that singular parcels began to be recognized, leading to significant improvements in quality. The introduction of thoughtful barrel aging and a more refined production sensibility contributed to this evolution.
Because of slightly warmer conditions, the 2022 vintage in Rias Baixas yielded whites that beautifully balance concentration with freshness, including the Rodrigo Méndez Rías Baixas Sálvora 2023 and Bodegas Fulcro Rías Baixas A Cesteira 2022. Mendez’s Forjas del Salnés Rías Baixas Finca Genoveva 2022 is also one of the country’s top whites, originating from a single two-hectare vineyard planted 180 years ago. It is an austere yet captivating wine, marked by concentration and depth, and it ages extraordinarily well.
TESTING TIMES
The climate has become a genuine challenge for vineyards in Galicia, with conditions testing the resilience of local producers. As one grower in Rías Baixas succinctly put it, “If it doesn’t have mildew, it’s not Rias Baixas.” This reflects the persistent struggle against mildew that defines viticulture in Galicia.
According to Alberto Nanclares, of Bodega Nanclares y Prieto in Rias Baixas, mildew issues typically peak between June and July; however, this year the first outbreaks came in April, complicating matters in the region. Many veteran winemakers lament that out of fear of losing their crops, they must use anti-mildew treatments that can weaken the plants. But they have little choice, saying that “it remains our greatest battle here.”
Xurxo Alba, the owner and winemaker of Albamar in Rias Baixas, has taken a different approach: he manages at least one of his vineyards without treating it for mildew, but that tack came with a cost this year, as he lost over 80 percent of the crop in that vineyard. In his other vineyards, he limits the use of treatments.
A COMEBACK IN REDS
Although Ribeira Sacra has been Galicia’s most reliable supplier of unique and characterful red wines, particularly mencia-based blends, Ribeiro, Rias Baixas and Valdeorras have also been coming on strong. But production remains limited because many vineyards that had been planted to red grapes were ripped out and replaced with competitive white varieties.
Forjas del Salnes is one producer helping to lead a comeback of red varieties in Rias Baixas. Winemaker Manuel Moldes and his wife, Silvia, are turning heads with their exceptional pure espadeiro, which is crafted from old vines. This transparent and aromatic wine, which is completely destemmed and fermented in vats before aging for about 11 months in used barrels, originates from a single vineyard thought to be approximately 190 years old. Its unique planting in clay and schist is a rarity in a region predominantly characterized by granite.
As producers work to increase red wine production, it remains important to acknowledge the region’s reputation for exceptional white wines. Albariños from Rías Baixas are celebrated as some of the finest whites in Spain, and its potential in the region has wineries like Vega Sicilia setting up operations there. The vibrant, saline quality of these wines underscores the region’s diverse viticultural potential.
Driving from Asturias toward Rias Baixas, I was intrigued by small patches of vineyards along the banks of the Navia River. Curiosity got the better of me, prompting a detour off the main road to explore these vineyards. The landscape is similar to Ribeira Sacra, with gentler slopes.
November 3, 2024
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Grandes Pagos de España: Pioneering Innovation Through Single Vineyard Excellence
Melanie Ofenloch
In the ever-evolving world of wine, Spain’s Grandes Pagos de España (GPE) is leading a revolution that’s as much about innovation as it is about tradition. This association of elite Spanish wineries is redefining quality and terroir expression through their commitment to single-vineyard wines. While I have been to Spain on several press trips, the single vineyard was not the discussion.This differs from traditional Spanish Appellations of Origin (AOCs) or Denominaciones de Origen (DOs).
I had the opportunity to attend a “Terroir Workshop” at The Dallas Wine Education Center/Blind Bishop focusing on the Grandes Pagos de España, the “Grands Crus” of Spain, led by Master of Wine Dilek Caner and Winemaker Adolfo Hornos of Pago Vallegarcía. There’s a reason why Dilek has trained most of my Dallas friends on getting WSET certified. She’s a great teacher.
The Single Vineyard Philosophy.
At the heart of GPE’s innovation is the focus on single vineyard wines. This approach, known as “Vino de Pago,” celebrates the characteristics of individual plots of land and what makes them special. By concentrating on specific terroirs, GPE members can craft wines that are true expressions of their origin, showcasing the personality imparted by soil, subsoil, and microclimate.
This approach focuses on the unique characteristics of individual plots of land, allowing for wines that are true expressions of their specific terroir. Traditional Spanish AOCs, on the other hand, typically cover broader geographical areas and may include multiple vineyards and producers. Spain has many different climates and geographies that cultivate different varietals of grapes producing great signature wines.
A Growing Movement
What started as a small group of visionary producers in 2000 has blossomed into a formidable force in Spanish wine. Today, GPE boasts 34 wineries, cultivating a total of 1,868 hectares. It’s a bold new direction in Spanish winemaking. By focusing on single vineyard wines, embracing diversity, committing to sustainability, and fostering a culture of innovation and knowledge sharing the best wines can be crafted in the style of the Grand Cru’s of other regions. Diversity in Unity
One of the most innovative aspects of GPE is its embrace of diversity within a unified vision. The association’s members work with over 60 grape varieties.. This variety allows for a stunning array of wines that reflect Spain’s rich viticultural heritage while experimenting with lesser-known varietals.
Sustainability at the Forefront
Innovation for GPE isn’t just about what’s in the bottle; it’s about how that wine gets from the vineyard until production. Today 26 out of 34 vineyards practice ecological viticulture, with 13 that are certified.
Research and Development
GPE’s innovative spirit is evident in its dedication to research and development – with 24 out of 34 members investing in R&D. This focus on advancement ensures that GPE wines are rooted in tradition and at the cutting edge of winemaking technology and techniques. Over sixty grape varieties are cultivated including tempranillo, Garnacha, Cariñena, Bobal, Monastrell, Syrah, Verdejo, Viura, Petit Verdot, Albariño, Parellada, Moscatel, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
A Global Perspective
While deeply committed to their Spanish roots, GPE wineries are not insular 23 of the member wineries export more than 50% of their production. International wine trends are being looked at closely to see if they could be used by the GPE.
The Knowledge Network
One of GPE’s most innovative features is its internal “Knowledge Network.” This committee of technicians, including winemakers, technical directors, and vineyard managers, meets regularly to exchange knowledge, promote discussion, and collaborate on R&D. To qualify, the wineries must come from an exceptional single vineyard, the winery should be recognized for the wines produced for at least five years and have received awards in national and international competitions.Atechnical auditing committee affirms the wine meets criteria in a vertical tasting and inspects the winery.
In addition, an external committee of expert tasters are responsible for evaluating all wines certified by the group. The committee consists of sommeliers, consultants and trainers who meet several times a year to blind taste the wines.
Looking to the Future
The association is actively planning with initiatives like their Training Plan, which creates ambassadors for Spanish terroir culture worldwide, and the GPE talent program, which trains professionals in various aspects of the wine industry.
Sustainability
The GPE has launched a sustainability committee to exchange ideas and promote advances in sustainability. Sustainability is at the core of Grandes Pagos’ philosophy, as wineries commit to employing eco-friendly practices such as organic farming and solar power to minimize their environmental footprint, using traditional winemaking techniques that highlight character without compromising quality or the land.
The Wineries That Make Up the GPE
The wineries that are members and participated in our tasting include Astobiza, Mustigullo, Clos D’Agon, Bodegas Alvear, Secastilla, Finca Sandoval SA,Abadía Retuerta, Mas Doix, Pago De Vallegarcía, Gramona, Bodega Fillaboa, Belondrade, Finca Montepedroso, Finca Élez, Can Ràfols Del Caus, Cérvoles, Ribas, Enrique Mendoza, Palacio Quemado, Finca Moncloa, Cortijo Los Aguilares, Dehesa Del Carrizal, Marques de Griñon, J. Chivite Family Estates, Valencisco, Finca Valpiedra, Fuentes Del Silencio, Viñedos Alonso Del Yerro, Sei Solo Bodegas Y Viñedos, Aalto, Bodega Numanthia and Valdespino. AltaAlella is also a member but wasn’t part of our tasting.
The innovative approach proves that Grandes Pagos is more than an appellation; it encapsulates the spirit and authenticity of Spanish winemaking.
The ABCs of Chardonnay
Brianne Cohen
October 29, 2024
Circulation: 5,151
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The reputation of Chardonnay precedes it. A white grape from the Burgundy region of France, it makes wines of varying styles and is the most commonly grown white grape for wine, from light unoaked versions to “oaky and buttery” versions and everything in between. The oaky and buttery version of Chardonnay is so popular that some think those flavors are inherent in the Chardonnay grape, but that’s not correct. These aromas and flavors come from the hands of the winemaker and their winemaking decisions. The oaky part comes from using oak barrels for fermentation and/or aging. The buttery part comes from a winemaking process called malolactic fermentation or MLF, in which the naturally occurring harsh malic acid present in the grapes is converted to a softer, rounder lactic acid. This can give the wines a round, creamy, and dairylike character, hence the buttery” notion. Fun fact: Chardonnay made in a light crisp style with no oak use and no MLF, actually tastes like tart crab apples.
The thing about Chardonnay is that people either love it or hate it. It’s quite polarizing. There are those who relish in the oaky and buttery notes and those who steer clear of it. We call those the “ABC” crowd those who seek out Anything But Chardonnay.
If you find yourself in the ABC camp, have no fear I have a few white wine recommendations with nary a Chardonnay in sight! White wine doesn’t have to be full-bodied and cloying. It can be light, refreshing, and palate-cleansing.
Below are some of our favorite non-Chardonnay white wines.
Granbazán Albariño Etiqueta Ámbar 2022
$26 (Rías Baixas, Spain)
If you love Sauvignon Blanc, you’ll love Albariño.Highacidityandpalate-cleansingare the hallmarks of this wine from Granbazán.
Grapes are grown in a high rainfall region near the ocean, so the wines tend to exhibit a minerality and salinity from this influence.
September 7, 2024
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Spain's White Wine Revolution: How Albariño Is Leading The Charge
Rachel King
Spain's white wine landscape is undergoing a notable transformation, emerging from the shadows of its celebrated reds. Historically, regions like Rioja and Ribera del Duero have been synonymous with Spain's winemaking prowess, especially for their robust and age-worthy red wines.
However, recent years have seen a shift with white wines, particularly from regions like Galicia, gaining prominence and reshaping perceptions.
At the forefront of this revolution is the albariño grape, native to the Rías Baixas region in Galicia in northwestern Spain. Albariño has become synonymous with crisp, refreshing white wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region.
"The country offers a large diversity of wines, and there has been a strong focus on enhancing the quality and identity of its white wines," Arthur De Lencquesaing, international director of the Marqués de Murrieta winery, tells Forbes. “In the specific case of Rias Baixas, we need iconic producers to help create a new dynamic.”
This renewed focus on Spanish white wines is not just a fleeting trend but a shift towards recognizing their potential on the global stage.
The United States, in particular, remains interested as it is the leading global export market for albariño; in 2022, the U.S. represented 30% of total export share by volume, according to the Consejo Regulador of D.O. Rías Baixas, the region’s official governing body.
De Lencquesaing is confident in the future of Spanish white winemaking, particularly thanks to albariño.
“Today, most wine collectors and top restaurants have understood that Spanish white wines could have a very nice presence within their finest wine selections,” he says. "Spain is certainly moving to another age for its white wines.”
September 5, 2024 Circulation: 153,719,372 Digital
10 Dynamic Wines From Spain to Drink Now
Great bottles are being made all over the world, but right now no country’s are as exciting or compelling as Spain’s.
Eric Asimov
Spain is the most dynamic wine-producing country in the world. Anywhere you look, from Galicia in the northwest to Catalonia in the northeast,Andalusia in the south to Rioja in the north, Spain is full of energetic winemakers drawing inspiration from the country’s traditions and pushing into the future with fresh approaches.
I don’t single out Spain to demean other countries. Even as the wine world feels besieged by falling sales, health concerns and the climate crisis, it is experiencing a global surge of creativity. Great wine is being made the world over. So why single out Spain?
Nowhere else do I see such a concentration of thoughtful, talented and inventive winemakers from all parts of a country offering such a profusion of exceptional wines that are both true to tradition yet innovative.
Spain’s rejuvenation has been going on for a while now. I’ve chronicled it over the last 15 years, writing from Ribeira Sacra, Basque Country, Rías Baixas, Manchuela, the Penedès, Sierra de Gredos and Sherry Country, just to name a few. Other regions, too, deserve a more concentrated examination. It’s a long way from the 1980s and ’90s, when the vanguard in Spain was trying to move ahead by planting international grapes and making oaky, powerful wines. It takes a great deal of confidence for a country entering the global market to embrace its own traditions, which might have been accepted locally but not internationally. Many others have gone through similar phases of emulating established, successful regions before they gain the assurance to look inward.
July 29, 2024
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Wine Press: 3 Albarino wines from Spain’s Rias-Baixas region
Ken Ross
While most Spanish wines prominently feature the name of the region when the wine is made, Albarino wine labels are often different. That’s because Albarino isn’t a place. It’s the name of the grape used to make these Spanish white wines. And while you can find Albarino wines from many regions in Spain and other countries, some of the best ones come from Rias-Baixas in northwestern Spain’s Galicia region. This week, you can learn a bit more aboutAlbarino wines, the Rias-Baixas region and find tasting notes for three Albarinos from Rias-Baixas.
I have raved before about these lovely, subtle white wines. What makes these Albarinos so great? They’re often bright, lively and filled with crisp, refreshing citrus flavors perfect for warm afternoons and cooler summer nights.
Let me add that many Albarinos from Spain cost less than $25 a bottle. And you honestly can’t go wrong with ones from Spain’s Rias-Baixas region. This area in particular consistently produces many crisp, refreshing affordable Alabrinos.
What makes these Albarinos so great? They’re often bright, lively and filled with crisp, refreshing citrus flavors perfect for warm afternoons and cooler summer nights.
Let me add that many Albarinos from Spain cost less than $25 a bottle. And you honestly can’t go wrong with ones from Spain’s Rias-Baixas region. This area in particular consistently produces many crisp, refreshing affordable Alabrinos. And if you decide to spend a bit more on some Spanish Albarinos, there are many outstanding ones like one of the wines recommended this week. Hope you enjoy.
ALBARINO
WINE-GROWING REGIONS
Albarino grapes are widely used to make wine in northwest Portugal and northwest Spain, particularly in the Galicia region of Spain. Nowadays, winemakers in other regions including California, Uruguay and New Zealand make wines usingAlbarino grapes. But in most cases,if you see a wine madewithAlbarino orAlvarinho grapes, odds are the wine is from Spain or Portugal.
RIAS BAIXAS REGION
All three wines recommended this week come from Spain’s Rias Baixas region. Located within Galicia, Rias Baixas is located right near the Atlantic Ocean in Spain just north of the Portuguese border. Nearly all of the wines from Rias Baixas (94 percent) are made with Albarino grapes. So if you see Rias Baixas on the wine label, odds are the wine is anAlbarino. The region’s cool climate and nearby ocean play a huge role in shaping how wines from Rias Baixas taste. Specifically, many Albarino wines from Rias Baixas have a crisp, dry, lemon-like finish with a hint of brine thanks to the fog and cool ocean water nearby.
May 1, 2024
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Raise a glass to the 10 best Dallas restaurants and shops for wine
By Teresa Gubbins
The countdown is on for CultureMap Dallas' 2024 Tastemaker Awards, our annual awards event honoring the best in Dallas food and drink.
Restaurant industry stars have been nominated for awards in 10 categories, spotlighted in a special editorial series. We've already celebrated candidates for Rising Star Chef, Pastry Chef, Neighborhood Restaurant, Patios, Bars, and Bartender of the Year, as voted by our panel of esteemed judges.
There is also our Best New Restaurants category, the only one where the winner gets decided not by judges but instead by readers, in a bracket-style tournament where nominees go head to head. Voting is still open at this link.
One winner will be announced at the awards ceremony on May 16 at the Fashion Industry Gallery, where we'll toast the nominees while indulging in bites and sips. Tickets are on sale now.
This entry pays tribute to the top wine programs in town: everything from casual wine bars to shops with unique selections to acclaimed restaurants with stellar selections.
Here are our nominees for 2024 Wine Program of the Year:
Fig & Favor
Grab-and-go market from the Harwood Hospitality Group features wines from top producers and emerging winemakers. They have labels you don’t find at other retailers, including wines generally available only at restaurants, some so small they don’t even have bar codes. You can get a generous 5ounce glass of their house brand for $5 on-site, and they run a wine club with two levels ($125 or $250).
Leela's Wine Bar
Low key neighborhood wine and pizza spot with eco-friendly wines on tap debuted in 2018 on Greenville Avenue and has since spun off locations in Uptown and Trophy Club. Their wine selection is compact and user-friendly, with a quirky selection of about two dozen wines that check off each varietal: chardonnay, malbec, zinfandel, and pinot noir. Keeping the user-friendly theme, they offer every bottle in 6-ounce pours, 9-ounce pours, or the whole bottle.
Locals / Farmers Branch
Wine shop-cocktail lounge hybrid in Farmers Branch houses Locals Craft Beer & Fine Wine, a retail market with 250 wines, including selections from small and/or natural vineyards. Sommelier Britt Wallace, who spent several years as wine buyer for a a Texas grocery chain, emphasizes fun and accessibility, and that can be seen in the helpful categories they offer, such as price and wine style. They also have a wine club with quarterly shipments.
Mansion on Turtle Creek
Like the iconic Turtle Creek hotel in which it resides, the Mansion on Turtle Creek has won innumerable awards for its service, food, and wine, most recently winning an Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator magazine in 2023. Its massive wine cellar houses hundreds of selections, including treasures from Bordeaux and Burgundy - currently overseen by capable and highly personable wine director and advanced sommelier Brian Huynh.
Neighborhood Cellar
Bishop Arts wine shop and wine bar founded by sommelier Ian Montgomery and his wife Lindsey offers wine by the glass, flights, tastings, charcuterie, and snacks, plus a wine club and natural wines. Prices are about average, but you get a discount if you join their ultra-flexible wine club. They have bites and flights, bring in winemakers, and host generous tastings every month or so - really putting the "neighborhood" in Neighborhood Cellar.
Nick & Sam's
Dallas steakhouse, which recently celebrated its 25th anniversary, features a classic steakhouse wine cabinet with more than 500 labels, including exclusives, world-famous options, and all the old world Cabs you'd ever want to pair with your steak. The thing here is their by-the-glass list, because it offers a relatively affordable way to sample those labels which you could probably not buy or afford by the bottle.
Postino Addison
Sophisticated wine bar founded in Phoenix made its DFW debut in 2021, and currently has locations in Addison and Southlake. In addition to a menu of bites and shareable dishes, they have a small but respectable list of about 30 options, each available not only by the bottle but also by the glass, dominated by Postino private labels such as Perfekt Riesling, Nevermind rose, and Stagedive pinot noir, priced from $11 to $14.
Sister
As part of Duro Hospitality (The Charles, El Carlos), it's a given that this Italian-inspired trattoria on Greenville Avenue is going to have exemplary food, service, atmosphere and wine. The list is compact, but every bottle counts, with hard-to-come-by treasures, most from Italy, one or two from California, that they weave in and out, like the Cesarini Brut Rose, a refined sparkler from northeast Italy, or the Fattoria Montellori Moro, a complex red blend from Tuscany. It would be silly to go to Sister and not eat, but the wine is really good enough to just go and drink.
Sixty Vines
Wine-obsessed restaurant with two locations (Uptown and Plano) from the FB Society restaurant group is a return nominee, and justly so. They feature a collection of 60 wines on tap, an approach that is both user-friendly and eco-friendly, which you can order in different sizes, from a 2.5-ounce sip to a 5-ounce mid-size to an 8-ounce big pour, plus thematic flights that let you sample and compare.
Via Triozzi
The wine list at this small Italian restaurant on Greenville Avenue is notable for its single-minded focus on Italian wines: spumanti, bianchi, rossi, all from Italy, to match the cuisine. Some such as the Barbera Del Monferrato cantine valpane, a red from the Piedmont region, are natural wines, grown organically and fermented without additives. Their list includes a dozen wines by the glass, priced from $12 to $21.
The 2024 Wine Program of the Year award is presented by Rías Baixas Albariño.
March 19, 2024
March 30, 2024
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Wine News You Can Use In April 2024
Lana Bortolot
A roundup of wine news, that this month includes orange trends, better bottles, wine digs and spills, and lots of ways to sip through the eclipse.
PROVENCE GETS [MORE] STAR POWER George and Amal Clooney will join the ranks of super-rich superstars making wine in southern France, joining the likes of Brad Pitt (who released wine under the Miraval label with former wife Angelina Jolie), filmmaker George Lucas at Château Margüi, NBA stars Tony Parker and Carmelo Anthony (respectively, Chateau La Mascaronne and The Seventh Estate), and John Malkovich at Les Quelles de la Coste. The Clooneys bought the Provence estate Domaine du Canadel in 2021, and will release two wines under the Coteaux Varois en Provence Appellation d'Origine Contrôllée (AOC). The estates red and white grapes were previously sold to a cooperative and Wine Spectator reports the Clooneys will start from scratch with new branding for their upcoming rose and white bottlings.
TRENDS LOOKOUT Each year the wine trade heads to Dusseldorf, Germany for ProWein, one of Europe’s largest wine fairs, where old standbys, current upstarts and new trends are on display. This year, Drinks Business, the UK trade publication reports on low-cal/low-al beverages were trending high, as were orange-hued drinks such as Mionetto Aperitivo and a spritz product by the Cava brand, Hola; and Glitter Spritz Aperitivo, from the Flaschenpost Gin brand.
Lightweight bottles are getting attention and gaining approval a big move toward sustainability, as it’s reported that the bottle weight comprises at least 56% of the carbon footprint of wine, with glass contributing 85% of that (more info here from the Spanish GrupoARCE).
DB reports Albariño is trending (again!) With its spiritual home in Spain’s Rías Baixas, where 90% of vineyards are planted to the variety, new styles are emerging, such as aged Albariño. But the wine’s rise in popularity is also sparked by its success in other wine regions, especially in the Southern Hemisphere. Well, hola (again) and ole!
SABOTAGE IN THE CELLAR. The latest act of violence against wine involved the loss of more than 6,600 cases of wine, as it was intentionally spilled from three tanks in the cellars of Cepa 21, an iconic winery in Spain’s Ribera del Duero region. The loss is valued at $2.7 million. You can see the chilling video of the vandal here
ELSEWHERE, ‘DIGGING’ WINE. Archaeologists in France’s Rhône Valley discovered the remains of an ancient winery near the town of Laveyron. While researchers are still studying the site, reports estimate the winery could date back to the first century A.D. Conducted by Institut National de Recherches Archéologiques Preventives, the dig dug up fragments of terracotta that would have been used to store wine in amphorae, and evidence of wood casks. The site is in a region known for ancient winemaking culture, notably by the Allobroges, a Gallic group, loving between the Rhône river and the Alps during the Iron Age and the Roman period. Images of the dig, here, at myscience.org
ECLIPSE SIPS. Numerous wineries are planning are planning special events around the upcoming total eclipse of the sun on April 8. In Hye, Texas, the Ron Yates Winery, saying they are in the “direct path of totality,” will host a day-long party of music, food games and wine. Solar Eclipse Party Farmhouse Vineyards in Texas will offer "The Observer," a limited-edition GSM blend made with grapes harvested during the last total solar eclipse on August 21, 2017. Only 16 cases were produced and you have to be on site with a VIP ticket to sip. The Tiny Vineyards Wine Company in Sonoma made 78 cases of “Eclipse Malbec” to commemorate the event. You can order online, first-come, first served ($40 SRP). IN New York’s Finger Lakes, the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail has created “Sips to the Eclipse,” an assembly of 10 wineries hosting events over the weekend preceding the eclipse. Likewise, the Seneca Lake Wine Trail has organized events on the 7th and 8th.
April 18, 2024
Circulation: 1,099.763 Magazine
The Best Side for a Sandwich? Wine
Kate Dingwall
If you’re settling in for a nice dinner, there are plenty of classic wine pairings that dictate what you should be drinking: oysters go with Chablis, lamb with Syrah, Champagne with caviar. But the majority of us aren’t eating any of the above on an everyday basis. So, how do you pair wine with your daily breads (and everything that fits between them)? We’re talking your lunchtime cheesesteak, your late-night grilled cheese or your sauce-slicked meatball sub. You know, sandwiches.
To help pair the perfect bottle with your favorite sammie, we asked sommeliers to offer their insights. The Best Wine for a Cubano: California Chardonnay and Albariño
Joel Gott, a vintner and proprietor of Gott’s Roadside in St. Helena, speaks from experience he has a Niman Ranch smoked ham Cubano on the menu when says that Chardonnay works best with the rich pork, briny pickles and spicy mustard of a Cubano. His preference is Duckhorn Chardonnay.
Pack prefers Spanish Albariño. “The bright acid in an Albariño hits on the same flavor plane as the yellow mustard and pickles and let’s be honest those are the defining ingredients of a balanced Cubano,” she says. “Albariño is a thick-skinned grape, so it will have plenty of oomph to match the sweet, juicy roundness of the braised pork.” She also finds the notes of lemon, grapefruit and juicy melon pair “beautifully” with the Swiss cheese and buttery notes of that delightfully warm baguette or Cuban bread.
You May Also Like: The Best Albariños to Drink Right Now
Faucheaux, on the other hand, leans towards bubbles specifically those from Bugey-Cerdon, a mountainous region in the French Alps. “There’s lots of rich flavors from the pork, and the mustard and pickle presence is enough to want something fun, fruity and refreshing.” He notes that wines from this region are just that full of bright red fruits, effervescence and a noticeable sweetness. Wine Enthusiast recommends:
Golden yellow to the eye, this wine offers a bouquet of yuzu, fresh sage and saline. It is full-textured with flavors of peach jam, caramelized pineapple, rose water, dried mountainside herbs and oyster shell. Peach and saline notes endure on the palate. 94 Points Mike DeSimone
Forjas del Salnés 2021 Cos Pés Vino Blanco Albariño (Rías Baixas)
In Rías Baixas, Women Winemakers Take the Helm
Samantha Maxwell
April 17, 2024
Circulation: 1,910,284
When you think of Spanish wine, your mind might first land on the full-bodied Tempranillo of Rioja or the salty aged sherries of Jerez de la Frontera. But Spain also boasts options for lovers of light and refreshing albeit concentrated and complex white wines, perfect for enjoying alongside Spain’s coastal, seafoodforward fare. Perhaps the best-known of these whites is Albariño, grown in Galicia, located in the coastal northwest of Spain, immediately north of Portugal. One of the appellations here is known as Rías Baixas, and in addition to its crisp, undeniably delicious white wines, it’s famous for its high proportion of female winemakers over 50% of the winemakers in the region are women.
This phenomenon isn’t anything new, according to Paula Fandiño, winemaker at Mar de Frades. “In Galicia, especially along the Galician coast, women have historically taken on significant responsibilities due to men being away at sea for months at a time,” she explains. Winemaking is a finicky, time-intensive process, and seafaring certainly isn’t a part-time job. Therefore, women took the winemaking helm and have never looked back. This historical reality, Fandiño says, “has fostered leadership skills in women, enabling them to lead major projects today.”
The wine industry is a famously male-dominated space, which makes Rías Baixas a pioneer in this regard. But just because women play a leading role in the region’s wine industry doesn’t mean they are immune to the difficulties that women experience in any professional setting. “The current barrier we face lies within the vineyard,” explains Fandiño. “The viticulturists don’t always pay as much attention to the advice and recommendations that a woman offers regarding vineyard cultivation as opposed to if this
advice were shared by a man.” Despite a long history of women’s winemaking success in the region, sexism still plays a role in shaping the industry. “I would say there is still progress to be made in this area,” says Fandiño.
wholly on their work instead of dealing with sexism. But this is an especially significant challenge for the region, Fandiño says, because the vineyards in Rías Baixas are very fragmented. “We have over 6,000 viticulturists for 4,300 hectares of vineyards, which entails extensive and lengthy efforts in awarenessbuilding and training.”
But even despite the struggles that wine industry women face in Rías Baixas, the region is known for its innovation. “We are an innovative region because it is in our DNA, we carry the spirit of ‘making a way for ourselves’, and this always involves innovation, creativity and improvement,” says Fandiño. “In this regard, women have always stood out; we contribute significantly and push for the region to be a pioneer in new initiatives.” Some of these initiatives include the production of the first wine in th
Albariño wine.
of the innovation and focus the region’s women winemakers bring to the bottle. Their perspective is worth pondering as you reach the bottom of your glass.
March 14, 2024
Circulation: 1,099.763 Magazine
The
Best Dry White Wines to Buy Right Now
Images Courtesy of Fattoria le Pupille, Vinopuro, Wine.com, Millesima, Gruppomeregalli
Dry whites are a quintessential, all-occasion style of wine.
Need to enhance the flavor of a pan sauce or linguine with clams? Check. What about a bottle to pair with a seafood dinner? No problem. A wine to elevate Vietnamese cuisine or even nachos? You got it. Or how about something to bring along to a picnic? Yes, there’s a dry white wine for that, too.
This is because there’s a wide array of styles and flavor profiles that fall under the category of dry white wine, which is essentially any bottle of white that contains little to no sugar and lacks discernable sweetness.
How does one go about picking the right bottle?
Sara Ventiera
“It depends on the mood or occasion,” says Wine Enthusiast Tasting Director Anna-Christina Cabrales. “If I’m going to the beach I want something refreshing with high acidity and maybe some texture or dry extract to keep things interesting. If I’m going to a potluck I want something that has enough complexity and versatility to go with several dishes. If it’s cheese and charcuterie night, something with saline minerality and/or well-integrated oak is fun.”
However, this wide breadth of bottles and styles can make narrowing down one to buy a difficult task. That’s where we come in. From vibrant, easy-drinking Albariño and creamy Chardonnay to electric Riesling that will continue to develop for decades to come, here’s a list of some of Wine Enthusiast’s highest-scoring dry white wines.
Aromas of ripe summer peach, lemon zest, wet river rocks and honeysuckle waft from the glass. This wine is full in the mouth and has brilliant acidity. It offers flavors of orange marmalade, peach pie, lemon, and dried herbs de Provence. Editor’s Choice. 94 Points — Mike DeSimone
$27 Wine.com
12 Budget
Amy Beth Wright
February 7, 2024 Magazine
Whether you're looking forward to a romantic dinner, a girls' night out, or a quiet evening alone, a great bottle of wine is the cherry on top. Here are some delicious, budget-friendly picks for the week to come.
Today’s article comes to us from Amy Beth Wright, a wine, food, and travel journalist most often contributing to Wine Enthusiast, Garden & Gun, The Cheese Professor, and of course, StyleBlueprint. Amy is working towards her certification with the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET). These are the budget-friendly wines she’s excited about right now!
No matter what form your Valentine’s Day takes, February 14th is a day to savor connection whether that’s over a romantic dinner, a fun night with the girls, or a quiet night alone. And a beautiful wine is the perfect accompaniment! To that end, I’m sharing a diverse range of wines to capture Valentine’s Day’s different moods and grooves. These selections all of which I personally have tasted and love are available at consumer-friendly price points and can be found at most local wine shops and online retailers. The first nine picks can usually be found under $20, but in the spirit of indulgence, I included some slightly higher-end splurges, too. Enjoy!
WHITE WINES
Pazo de Lusco Albariño
Albariño, another Spanish grape variety, thrives in the Rías Baixas DO (denominación de origen) in northwest Spain, in Galicia. Albariño tends to express salinity and minerality, reflecting the influence of coastal growing conditions. It often has a beautiful, lemony hue. Pazo de Lusco’s Albariño combines grapes macerated cold for various intervals, some parcels for as long as 12 hours, some for much shorter intervals. The 2022 vintage is bright and refreshing, with aromas of apple and peach in concert with the grape variety’s characteristic saline properties.
Albariño grows in coastal Spain, and proximity to the ocean shapes its refreshing personality. Image: Pazo de Lusco
February 5, 2024
Circulation: 1,099.763 Magazine
How to Pair Wine with Nachos
By Dakota Kim Stocksy
In the 1990s, America’s heartland was obsessed with nacho cheese the golden-yellow, ooey-gooey dip you couldn’t wait to sink your tortilla chips and soft pretzel bites into. Though you couldn’t really call the plastic chip-and-dip platter at the local roller rink, sports game or movie theater “nachos” per se, so many of us cut our teeth on those nacho flavors that it became an unforgettable taste. It seems, too, that it’s back in full force if nachos-centric restaurants like Vamos. Vamos in Santa Monica and fancy snacks like the crab and uni nachos at Empellón in New York City are any indicator.
The ubiquitous dish has so seamlessly assimilated into American culture that many of us forget about its Mexican heritage. The dish was born in the 1940s, in a small town just across the Texas border called Piedras Negras, Coahuila. As the legend goes, a crew of U.S. military wives dropped in and maître d’ Ignacio “Nacho” Anaya couldn’t find the cook, so he hastily threw some fried chips, cheese and jalapeño together under the broiler. The addictive snack spread like wildfire across Texas, and the rest is happy hour history.
Like most bar foods, nachos have been upgraded over the years, from simple renditions topped with cheese and chilis to brisket-crowned versions and even “totchos” that’s tater tot nachos, for those unfamiliar with the lingo. In spite of the dish’s glow-up, it’s still far more common to wash nachos down with beer or a margarita rather than a nice glass of wine a major mistake.
“A beer like Tecate might cleanse the palate and you don’t have to think about it, but for people who love wine and flavor, it’s so much more exciting to layer more flavor,” says Rebecca Phillips, co-owner and wine director of Los Angeles’s Vintage Wine + Eats and Buvette LA. “Wine can have a beginning, a middle and an end with a long finish, and with a beverage that’s so complex and so much on its own, to pair it with a dish like nachos, you’re really cranking the dial. You’ve elevated the whole situation not because it’s fancy, but because of the additional flavor.”
She has a point. If we can dress up nachos with steak and nopales, why can’t we dial it up another level with a well-matched wine? We took to the pros to find out how to do it. Here are the best nacho and wine pairings, according to sommeliers.
WE Recommend
PHOTO BY SCOTT SUCHMAN
The Best Wine for Seafood Nachos: Albariño or Sauvignon Blanc
Seafood nachos can take many forms. Though many versions call on various forms of shellfish shrimp, mussels, scallops and beyond one of the most decadent versions we’ve seen is the crab and uni nachos at Empellón. Noah Small, beverage director at the restaurant, often pairs the dish with sparklers and orange wines. But, if he had to reach for just one varietal or style of wine to match, it would be Albariño. The wine has become a classic seafood pairing because Albariño vines are often planted in soil rich with the remains of old seashells.
“The expressions are bright and crackling with acidity, and those little hints of salinity really tie things together,” says Small. “Albariño is great for anything briny, so uni and oysters are perfect.” Wine Enthusiast recommends:
Do Ferreiro 2021 Albariño (Rías Baixas)
This wine has a bouquet of mango and clementine. It is bright at first sip, with flavors of pink grapefruit, ripe summer peach and a touch of dried Mediterranean herbs that evaporates in a lemon zest finish. 92 Points M.K.
Aromas of ripe summer peach, lemon zest, wet river rocks and honeysuckle waft from the glass. This wine is full in the mouth and has brilliant acidity. It offers flavors of orange marmalade, peach pie, lemon, and dried herbs de Provence. Editor’s Choice. 94 Points M.D.
Not from Rias Baixas but from nearby Ribeiro, this wine has a nose of Fuji apple and freshly chopped parsley and basil. Peach, Granny Smith apple, cocoa-butter, orange-blossom and mint-leaf flavors are set into a full-textured wine that offers a closing note of citrus zest and saline. 93 Points M.D. $ Varies Wine-Searcher
The Best Wine for Spicy Beef and Cheese Nachos: Furmint Spicy is the key word to consider when choosing a pairing for spicy beef and cheese nachos. For Thomas Dunn, general manager and sommelier at LittleMad, a Korean-inspired New American restaurant in New York City, the crisp acidity of a dry Furmint provides an ideal contrast. The varietal, which is best known in decadently sweet Tokaji dessert wines, goes particularly well with those big flavors and all the common toppings.
“The Furmint cuts through the richness of the fats and bold flavors of a spicy, meaty nachos,” he says. Wine Enthusiast recommends:
