Three inspiring wine books
Spain is continuously evolving as a wine country and that is reflected by many written publications. It is interesting to read about the efforts winemakers put in reviving old and almost forgotten grapes, new and often fresher wine styles or in general the enormous variety in wines that Spain has to offer. In addition there are regions that although their wine history goes back a long time, for one reason or another are not on the radar. I have selected three different books that inspire to discover wine, wine regions & wine stories and as such promote and celebrate Spanish wines.
Enomaníacos – 5Barricas
This recently published book by 5Barricas is completely focused on the wines regions in the Comunidad Valenciana: Utiel-Requena, Valencia, Castellón and Alicante. It is a detailed enotourism guide that introduces almost all bodegas and their winemakers in these four regions, the options to visit the bodega plus places to stay and eat. Importantly, it also shows the close by wine villages with the nature and historic sites they offer. An excellent and up to date overview of Valencian bodegas with added cultural and historic context. A must have for wine lovers who want to explore the Valencia wine region in more detail. Written in Spanish.
Los Nuevos Viñadores – Luis Gutiérrez
Luis Gutiérrez is a Spanish wine writer who publishes for the Wine Advocate. In this illustrated book with lovely photos made by Estanis Nuñez, 14 winemakers from across Spain are portraited. In these portraits, the winemakers introduce themselves and talk about history, landscape and nature, vines and gastronomy. The book is not about their wines as such, but more about the personal story behind the wines and their life as a winemaker, including local gastronomy. Great stories from many famous winemakers with an inspiring drive and vision. To name a few: Pablo Calatayud (Celler del Roure – Valencia), Ricardo Pérez Palacios (Descendientes de J. Palacios – Bierzo) and Telmo Rodríguez (Compañía de Vinos Telmo Rodríguez – Rioja). Written in Spanish.
The Wines of Northern Spain – Sarah Jane Evans MW
Sarah Jane Evans is a Master of Wine and a Spanish wine specialist. In this book, Sarah takes us to Northern Spain which is broadly defined as it includes Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, Castilla y Léon, Ribera del Duero, Rioja as well as Navarra and Aragón. The book introduces many producers via an extensive profile, both established bodegas as well as smaller and new winemakers and as such gives a detailed picture of the dynamic viticulture in the large northern part of wine country Spain. As she mentions: ‘Across the country, a new generation is joining established producers in a remarkable blossoming of fine wines’. Written in 2018, this is (still) a great book for those who want to learn more about interesting wines from interesting producers. Written in English.
Salud!
Cover photo: ripening Bobal grapes in Utiel-Requena (Communidad Valenciana)
About Ivan Wines
Spain is home to many beautiful, but also lesser-known quality wines. With Ivan Wines, I focus on discovering and promoting these wines, the makers and the regions. As a Dutch Registered Vinologist and WSET Level 3 Wines Certified, I organise tastings and wine tours from Valencia. To subscribe to my newsletter, click the button on this page.