High return wines: the oenological map that you should know
Mencía, Godello, Valdeorras, Monastrell, Garnacha, Bonicaire... it is possible that you are still not very familiar with these resounding names, but almost certainly you have already had the pleasure of trying them at one of the tables most committed to offering the best of the national trend. They are the new varietals on the Spanish wine map , protagonists of cheerful, tempestuous, colorful and in many cases tremendously affordable wines. What more could you want?
before the almighty Ribera and Rioja , the new strains provide a touch of freshness that in many cases dates back to Roman times, when the whole of Spain produced wine. recovered by a generation of young winemakers extol the best of our wine history.
The fad for varietals started about 40 years ago, but has started to become a trend thanks to the attachment that the new winemakers have for the terroir (terrain, in French) . For this reason, many terruñista producers understand that a caste or varietal explains without much effort the character and flavor of the land, in other words, its unique aspects. This is how the new Spanish oenological map is configured.
1. ARAGON: THE EMPIRE OF GARNACHA
Deep red, fragrant and forceful, with few tannins and a lot of glycerin, the Grenache stands out for its respect in Aragon, a land deeply linked to its history. Enoturismo Aragón is the new brand under which three wine routes are grouped that you cannot miss.
Borgia field
Centennial Garnachas cared for with care to offer a young and risky wine but with an extensive list of awards , and some emblematic reds such as Fagus, a creation of Bodegas Aragoneas. Be sure to visit the Bodega de Borsao, one of the award-winning wineries, with velvet-finish wines that will leave you wanting more. Another essential winery is Bordejé, a family winery that began its journey in 1962 and since then has maintained a rigorous commitment to quality. Don't come back without trying Don Pablo Reserve and Payment of Huechaseca.
Grenache in Campo de Borja
Carignan Field
Mixed Grenache that offers juicy results, with fruity and refreshing wines, among which some very powerful rosés stand out. Here is everything to discover, but in Spain, because its producers export to the US with growing success. Solar de Urbezo deserves a must see. If you like white, do not forget to try its delicious Chardonnay and Urbezo Grenache 2012 if you fancy a caress on the palate. For a chill out sunset, nothing better than the terrace of Bodegas Care, a young promise.
Somontano
The air becomes colder and the aromas of the Pyrenees they slip between the breeze of its beautiful mountain villages. It is essential to calmly visit the medieval town of Alquézar, stay at the Hotel San Ramón de Barbastro and treat yourself to a romantic dinner at the Frutería del Vero restaurant.
Then there are two must-see stops. Bodegas Enate, pioneers in publicizing the exquisite D.O of Somontano and one of the first in the area designed to see and be seen. The exhibition dedicated to its labels will leave you speechless , the same as its reds, and if you want to investigate, don't leave without a bottle of 2012 rosé, it will change your concept of pink. Blecua It is another dream winery. just admire the charming yellow chateaux surrounded by vineyards to begin to succumb to the charms of some signature wines, which await their big break in a vat room worthy of starring in a movie.
The aroma of the Pyrenees in the glass
two. BIERZO AND GALICIA: LAND OF MENCIA AND VALDEORRAS
If it is traditionally said that the Miño loves whites , everything seems to indicate that the affluent of him, the Sil loves reds , particularly as it passes through Bercian lands, right in what could be called the gate of Galicia. This triangle has been El Dorado for winegrowers since the last few years.
If you like powerful wines, with powerful tannins, with body and color, you are in the right place. Do not forget to visit the cellars of the first visionaries, some in love with the land and its main varietals: Mencía and Valdeorras for the reds, and Godello for the first whites that are already beginning to stand out. Domain of Tares, with Amancio Fernández at the helm, Bodegas Peique, with Jorge Peique, and Ricardo Pérez Palacios, with the acclaimed Bierzo petals.
El Bierzo and Galicia: El Dorado for winegrowers
3. CASTELLÓN: REDISCOVERING THE PLEASURE OF WINE
The interior of Castellón, the unexplored and wild Mastership , land with a rough appearance and warm essence is a challenge for wine lovers. In 1960, eighty-six viticulturists had a dream, ensure that the province of Castellón recovers its winemaking tradition and, incidentally, ensure that the Wine Route existed on his land.
Thus the Bodegas Les Useres were born and thus these visionaries began to open a gap in the Maestrazgo. Today they can be satisfied. Their wines are respected by experts and their value for money is excellent. They cultivate autochthonous strains such as Tempranillo and Bonicaire for the reds, which blend with Cabernet Sauvignon on many occasions, achieving that appetizing softness.
For the whites, another varietal from the area, the Macabeo, which is combined with the powerful Chardonnay. Special mention deserves the red from Bodegas Di Vinos y Viñas, the perdition, that with such a name you already want to try. The fault lies with the banker who granted a loan to Carmina and Tofol, two oenologists willing to conquer Castellón. He predicted that wine would be his downfall, but the truth is that today it is one of the most sought after, acclaimed and enjoyed. A festival of seduction that will capture all your senses. This time, the banker was wrong.
Castellón: rediscovering the pleasure of wine
Four. LA ALPUJARRA GRANADINA: HIGH-ALTITUDE WINES
The extreme landscape The Alpujarras , matching its climate, always under the auspices of Sierra Nevada, is an ideal breeding ground for experimenting with new and more daring mixtures. AND he result comes in the form of wines with their own personality and extreme flavor , forceful and unforgettable.
To get to know them better, we suggest three fundamental wineries: Dominio Buenavista, in Ugíjar, a remote town on the southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada that knows how to get all the flavor of the land. Very poor lands and young wines where it stands out the Viogner varietal , a recent mutation of Chardonnay.
The BarrancoDark Winery is another experiment with touches of genius. One hundred percent organic wines raised in the highest vineyards in Europe. Manuel Valenzuela He experimented a lot with all kinds of varietals until he found the perfect alchemy for some of the most unusual wines you'll ever taste. The native Vigiriega stands out for whites , again on the crest of the wave. Among the reds we recommend Rubaiyat and of course 1368, Cerro de las Monjas, which refers to the altitude at which the vines grow.
La Alquería de Moraima, is another excellent place to stop and eat, and pair an excellent Alpujarreño red on its appetizing terrace, white usually runs out immediately, from its own cellar, small but massive, definitely a delight if you like slow travel.
Stop and fonda between wines and grapes
5. EXTREMADURA: A ROUTE THROUGH THE RIBERA DEL GUADIANA
The Tierra de Barros captures all the attention of the wines of the Ribera del Guadiana , grouping wineries around their capital: Almendralejo . It is not surprising, the fertile landscape full of vineyards invites the most authentic and simple wine tourism, that which is enjoyed slowly and without great fuss.
To begin with, there is nothing better than a visit to the brand new Museum of Wine Sciences, and with the clearest ideas, launch ourselves to taste the delicacies that the land promises. There are many varietals and the winemakers strive to make them all shine in their new creations. It is essential to visit the Marcelino Diaz Winery , with excellent wines and cavas, such as Puerta Palma , one of the most traditional wineries that keeps and practices the secrets of a long family history.
And when it comes to varietals, there is nothing better than visiting them all at the ** Bodegas Martínez Payva ,** a pioneer in the introduction of new cultivation techniques and native grapes such as the hairy tempranillo, the macabeo, the muscatel or the viura. In Vía de la Plata Wineries you will discover an extensive and surprising production of cava, without a doubt the best promise of a land committed to renewing its commitment to quality.
To take the best panoramic photo you can always book a place in a balloon and discover the fantastic landscape of vineyards that Tierra de Barros draws from the air. A toast in style.
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