Three tips for your wine cellar
When you open a bottle of wine during a home dinner you have likely bought it for the occasion, or you are lucky to have a small collection of wines at home. The big advantage of the second option is that the wine may have spent some extra time in bottle, which will help to bring its best to the table. Though more years in a bottle is not required for most wines, some of the more complex wines in particular reds will improve if you allow them some extra time. Better integrated flavors and aromas including the oaky elements plus softer tannins can make a red wine more enjoyable. So, if you start to build your Spanish red wine collection to be able to select your right wine at the right time, here are some suggestions to make a start.
Bierzo Mencia
Driven by innovative winemakers such as Raúl Pérez and the Palacios family in the Bierzo, Mencía’s star continues to rise. This region has a continental climate, but it also has maritime influences as to the Atlantic. The combination of warm days combined with these cooling effects from the ocean gives Mencía wines red fruit, good acidity and sufficient tannins that lead to wines with aging potential. Great examples are the wines from Raúl Pérez, Descendientes de J. Palacios and Losada.
Rioja Tempranillo
A classic choice that should be part of any wine collection! Continuous evolution in Rioja has led to a wider range of styles including ones that are more fruit driven compared to the classics from the past. Personally, I have become a Rioja lover over time as I started to appreciate the complexity the wines can have, and in particular their freshness. The wines are not that bold and overly tannic but more often elegant, fresh and seducing. Though typically the wines are brought to market not before they are ready to drink, many have excellent aging potential. Just a few examples to try: Roda, López de Heredia and Remelluri.
Utiel-Requena Bobal
You may have noticed that I have written about Bobal before and I will continue to make a case for Bobal in my blogs. I believe this grape – home to Utiel-Requena- should get more attention, though surely it is starting to receive it. Hopefully more awareness will correct its image of modest grape, a heritage from the past when Bobal used to be grown for bulk wine. Bobal most certainly can give high quality wines that can last, helped by the higher altitudes of Utiel-Requena in the western part of the Valencia region. With good tannins and acidity levels some of these wines are capable to age nicely, so well worth a place in your cellar in my opinion. Try El Terrerazo (Mustiguillo), Las Mercedes or Cherubino Valsangiacomo.
Would you like advice on the composition of your Spanish wine collection? Contact me for more information. Salud!
Cover photo: old tinajas at Mustiguillo
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.
