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Home , Albillo, Alella (DO), Binissalem (DOP), Cabernet Sauvignon, Manto negro, Parellada

1 - WFS Awards:Layout 1 19/10/2012 12:20 Page 1 FROM AWARDS2012

FEaTUrES

THE WINNING WINES jUDGES pOSTcarDS

We bring you Spain’s ‘hottest’ wines So where do those ‘in the know’ in the UK at the moment. Over 900 go in Spain? Discover the gems wines tasted ‘blind’ by our top team inside! of professionals and whittled down to 110 with the ‘wow’ factor! 1 - WFS Awards:Layout 1 19/10/2012 12:20 Page 2

In Spain there are almost as many as there are landscapes. The diversity of in the country is reflected in more than 90 varieties from 69 denominations of origin. Our wines mirror our country's infinite beauty. Soil and climatic conditions ensure variety, personality and richness of style to please all discerning palates. 1 - WFS Awards:Layout 1 19/10/2012 12:20 Page 3

cONTENTS

4. Tim Atkin MW Overview 5. Understanding a Spanish Label

The Winners 6 - 7. Sparkling Wines 7 - 12. White Wines 12 - 14. Rosado Wines 14 - 25. Red Wines 25 - 27. Fortified Wines

Maria Jose sevilla 28 - 29. List of Stockists 30 - 31. Map of Regions 32 - 33. Postcards from the Judges INTrODUcTION 34. How Spanish Food and Wine Came of Age… Welcome to the first edition of the Wines from Spain Awards Guide. Within these pages you will discover some of the most exciting Spanish wines currently available in the UK.

These wines have been judged in a gruelling blind tasting of over 900 wines by a panel of judges consisting of some of the UK’s leading wine tasters. Highly respected in their field and very well acquainted with Spanish wine, these judges set the bar very high, with awards only going to a fraction of the wines tasted.

We at Wines from Spain* are very excited by these awards. Wine is an integral part of Spanish culture and each wine is a reflection of its ScaN TO vIEW THE region, caTalOGUE ONlINE of the landscape, climate and cuisine. We believe that wine lovers need look no further than Spain for diverse, quality, unique and delicious wines - this guide will fast track you to the very best in the UK.

Take a look at the ‘Postcards from the Judges’ section for an insight into which area of Spain each judge is passionate about. crEDITS

PR and Marketing by Dillon Morrall Happy browsing! www.dillonmorrall.com

Design and Photography by Hansell María José Sevilla www.hanselldesign.co.uk Director, Foods & Wines from Spain Printed by Avenue Printing www.avenue-printing.co.uk

Landscape and food images Copyright ICEX

*Wines from Spain is a generic promotional body and is the UK arm of ICEX Spain Trade and Investment. Our aim is to increase awa reness of Spanish wines and promote a better understanding and appreciation of Spain’s wonderfully diverse offer here in the UK.

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Chair of JUDGes TIM aTKIN MW A UK WINE JOURNALIST WITH AN INTERNATIONAL FOLLOWING

After seven years as The New Wave Spanish Wine Awards, we changed our name, Prince-like, to the Wines from Spain Awards in 2012. The moniker may be different, but the professionalism, focus and enthusiasm that have defined the competition from the start are undiminished.

We had as many entries as ever (903, for the The categories that over-performed were the statistically minded), drawn from all over Spain. whites (33 out of 110 winners), rosados (9) and I won’t list all of the DOPs and IGPs, but there fortifieds (13), which is encouraging. Spanish @Timatkin were 60 of them in total. Alphabetically, they whites are getting better with every , pink www.timatkin.com ranged from to Yecla, geographically from wines are a growing category and is a Empordà to Jerez. This is a competition that truly traditional drink that is newly fashionable, thanks reflects the breadth, diversity and complexity of to some great bars and restaurants. With 13 the Spanish wine industry. wines in the winners’ enclosure, Sherry was the second most successful region after (18), It’s a tribute to the quality of the entries that I ahead of Ribera (9) and (7). am never short of potential judges. Of the 17 people who selflessly sniffed, tasted and spat There are wines to suit every occasion and pocket their way through all those bottles, only three here, but the majority of the winners are eminently (Joan Torrents, Noel Young and Joe Wadsack) affordable. Two-thirds of them sell for less than were there for the first time. The others were long- £14.99, which is amazing for wines of this quality. term supporters of the awards, a talented blend Spain truly continues to offer some of the best of , buyers, journalists, consultants value for money in the world. and wine merchants. I judge a lot of wine competitions and this is one of the best panels There are some familiar names among the I’ve ever worked with. winners (Torres, Chivit e, Berberana, CVNE, Lustau and González Byass, to cite only a few) but far Our entries were dominated by red wines, which more that will be unfamiliar to many wine represented just over 60% of the total, equivalent drinkers. One of the strengths of these awards is to 550 wines. But that still left plenty of room for that, as the wines are tasted blind, no judge is whites (204), sparkling wines (65), rosados (39), influenced by the sight of a famous label. fortifieds (37) and sweet wines (5). Rioja was the biggest submitter of samples (225), which reflects I’m proud of the wines we’ve chosen and our the region’s enduring popularity in the UK, way hope is that these 110 wines will help to highlight ahead of second placed Cava (64). what is best about Spain.

“THERE ARE WINES TO SUIT EVERY OCCASION AND POCKET ”

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UNDErSTaNDING a SpaNISH ARMED WITH A FEW KEY WORDS, YOU WILL BE ABLE TO GLEAN MORE INFORMATION TO HELP YOU FIND THAT PERFECT BOTTLE OF SPANISH WINE

AGE REGION Most Spanish red wines willingly tell you their age, they’re not shy! Here Where the wine originates from will are the main terms so you can be on the label. If you get to know your main decide on which style you prefer: Spanish regions (visit www.winesfromspainuk.com) you can decide whether you’re faced with a sultry Joven - this means ‘young’ in southern stunner or a cool, elegant North coast Spanish, so this wine is just a baby head-turner. Browse through the wine section with no ageing at all. It will tend to where you will find snippets on the type of be a light, fruity style best drunk wine you can expect to find from key regions young. Sometimes the term ‘Sin across Spain. Crianza’ is also used – this means without maturation.

Crianza – definitely a teenager QUALITY CATEGORY without the sulks! This wine has a little bit of ageing in small There will always be an indication of exactly how to give it just that little extra classy your wine is. Is it just a simple ‘Vino de ‘oomph’. It should be aged at least 6 Mesa’ () a rustic (a months in small oak barrels and a country wine with few pretensions) or maybe a combined total of 24 months D.O. (Denominacion de Origen) wine (‘suited including the bottle ageing. and booted’ and adhering to the strict quality criteria laid down by the wine region it comes Reserva – has to be a 30 from) or the ultimate status sym bol a D.O. Pago something! More age than the which means this wine comes from its own Estate Cria nza so a greater depth of flavour with a capital E and doesn’t rough it with the and complexity. At least 12 months in other categories! small oak barrels and a total of 36 months including the bottle ageing.

Gran Reserva – top of the range and aged the longest this is the wise GRAPE VARIETY old man, smooth, mellow and So many so little time! Spain has a content. This wine must be aged for veritable treasure trove of native grape varieties. at least 18 months in oak and a These lend a wine its individuality. Look out for combined total of 60 months , Garnacha, (red) Albariño, including bottle ageing. (white) amongst others.

A comprehensive list of the most popular varieties COLOUR can be found at www.winesfromspainuk.com. Some wines may use ‘international’ varieties such As you know wine comes in a choice as , , of three colours – white (blanco), red and . (tinto) and pink (rosado).

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sparklinG

CHAMPION

1 2 3 4 5

Best Cava

Segura Viudas Castillo Perelada Marqués de Monistrol Pere Ventura Castillo Perelada Vintage Reserva 2008 Reserva NV Rosado 2009 Tresor Reserva NV Gran Claustro 2008 12% 11.5% 11.5% 11.5% 12%

Region: D.O. Cava Region: D.O. Cava Region: D.O. Cava Region: D.O. Cava Region: D.O. Cava Price: £11.99 Price: £8.00-£10.00 Price: £12.00 Price: £17.00 Price: £19.99 Grapes: , Grapes: Macabeo, Grapes: Monastrell, Pinot Grapes: Xarel.lo, Macabeo, Grapes: Pinot Noir, Parellada, Xarel.lo Noir Parellada Chardonnay, Parellada Stockists: Not yet available Stockists: Amps Fine Wines, Stockists: Tesco.com Stockists: Not yet available Stockists: Field & Fawcett, at retail The Oxford Wine Company at retail The Oxford Wine Company, Whitebridge Wines

reGion foCUs - D.O. CAVA The Experts Say “Ripe aromas of toasted The Spanish word cava means cellar and it was hazelnut and melon. adopted in the early days of the EU to differentiate Attractive developed Spain’s sparkling wines from . Most complexity with a broad cava is made in the Penedés region of creamy palate and rich finish.” and production centres on the town of Sant Sadurni d’Anoia near . This explains the presence of elegant cafés and bars in and around the city where you can enjoy a glass of Spain’s bubbly.

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WhiTe

CHAMPION

6 7 8 9 10

Best Value Sweet

Llopart Gramona Bodegas Murviedro Bodegas San Valero Miguel Torres Reserva Brut Gran Reserva Celler Estrella de Murviedro Finca Valero 2011 Viña Esmeralda 2011 Nature 2009 Batlle 2002 Frizzante NV 12.5% 11.5% 11.5% 12% 7.5%

Region: D.O. Cava Region: D.O. Cava Region: D.O. Valencia Region: D.O. Cariñena Region: D.O. Cataluña Price: £27.95 Price: £50.00 Price: £4.99 Price: £6.00 Price: £8.49-£9.00 Grapes: Xarel.lo, Macabeo, Grapes: Xarel.lo, Macabeo Grapes: Moscatel Grapes: Macabeo Grapes: , Parellada, Chardonnay Stockists: Brothers & Stockists: Not yet available Stockists: Gewürztraminer Stockists: Not yet available Rudd at retail bibendumfinewine.com Stockists: George Hill, at retail Majestic Wine, Noel Young Wines, Waitrose

Want to know more? The Experts Say “Pale golden yellow in colour Follow us on www.twitter.com/WinesfromSpainUK with an intense aroma for up to date news and views on Spanish wine. reminiscent of orange peel and lychees. A gentle, sweet refreshing palate.” Visit us at www.winesfromspainuk.com to learn more about our 65+ different wine regions, where to buy Spanish wine and other useful information for wine lovers…

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WhiTe

CHAMPION

11 12 13 14 15

Best White Under £10

Raimat Bodega Pazos del Rey Parxet Bo degas La Val Bodegas Terras Gauda Castell de Raimat 2011 M&S 2011 Marqués de Alella 2011 Viña Ludy 2011 Abadía de San Campio 13% 13% 12.5% 12.5% 2011 12.5%

Region: D.O. Costers del Region: D.O. Monterrei Region: D.O. Alella Region: D.O. Rías Baixas Region: D.O. Rías Baixas Segre Price: £9.99 Price: £8.00-£12.00 Price: £9.99 Price: £13.50-£16.00 Price: £10.00 Grapes: Godello Grapes: Pansa Blanca Grapes: Albariño Grapes: Albariño Grapes: Xarel.lo, Stockists: M&S Stockists: Harrogate Fine Stockists: Morrisons Stockists: Ellis Wharton Chardonnay Wines, The Wine Society Wines, George Hill, Stockists: Noel Young Wines The Smiling Grape

The Experts Say reGion foCUs - D.O. ALELLA “A superb, fragrant, limey and fresh banana driven white, Since it gained DO status over 50 years ago Alella has been up delightfully juicy and moreish. against a fierce competitor: urbanization. The thriving city of Perfect re-vitalising aperitif.” Barcelona has invaded its space but this bijou region is well worth exploring for both character and quality of its wines especially if you are looking for variety in your Spanish repertoire.

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CHAMPION

16 17 18 19 20

Best White Over £10

Bodegas La Val Valdamor Fillaboa Palacio de Fefiñanes Maior de Mendoza Finca de Arantei 2011 Namorío 2011 Albariño 2011 Albariño de Fefiñanes 3 Crianzas 2010 12.5% 12.5% 13% 2011 13% 12.5%

Region: D.O. Rías Baixas Region: D.O. Rías Baixas Region: D.O. Rías Baixas Region: D.O. Rías Baixas Region: D.O. Rías Baixas Price: £11.00-£12.00 Price: £12.99 Price: £14.99 Price: £15.00-£18.00 Price: £24.90 Grapes: Albariño Grapes: Albariño Grapes: Albariño Grapes: Albariño Grapes: Albariño Stockists: All About Wine, Stockists: Corking Wines, Stockists: Amps Fine Wines, Stockists: Alexander Wines, Stockists: Moreno Wines Butlers Forth Wines The Gener al Wine Company, Butlers Wine Cellar, The Ox House Handford Wines, The Wine reGion foCUs - Society D.O. RIAS BAIXAS The Experts Say The , pine forests lining hills that overlook “This is an excellent Albariño fjord-like inlets, vines trained on pergolas and light, with a great dose of minerality fresh, aromatic wines to complement the finest array of on the nose along with pear, seafood. Welcome to , green Spain and the lime, , nettles, straw and home of one of the country’s most sought-after quality herbs. The palate follows suit wine: Albariño from the D.O. of coastal Rías Baixas. with a surprising length for this style of wine. Beautiful.”

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WhiTe

21 22 23 24 25

Pazo de Señorans Coto de Gomariz Diez Siglos de Verdejo Finca Constancia Avelino Vegas Selección de Añada Gomariz X 2011 El Tesoro 2011 Parcela 52 2011 Vega de Castilla 2011 2005 13.5% 13.5% 13% 13% 13%

Region: D.O. Rías Baixas Region: D.O. Ribeiro Region: VdlT Castilla y León Region: VdlT Castilla y León Region: D.O. Rueda Price: £30.00 Price: £14.00 Price: £6.25 Price: £9.69 Price: £6.99 Grapes: Albariño Grapes: Albariño Grapes: Verdejo Grapes: Verdejo Grapes: Verdejo Stockists: Georges Barbier Stockists: The Stockists: Woodwinters Stockists: Hanslope Wines Stockists: Morrisons of , The Wine Society Shop Wines & Whiskies

reGion foCUs - D.O. RUEDA

Rueda, which is located in the heart of Castilla y León to the north west of , emerged as a welcome addition to Spain’s quality white wines when D.O. status was granted in 1980. The region’s producers had demonstrated that the cooler climate here coupled with modern technology which avoided oxidation could result in fresh, fruity white wines based on Verdejo, and Viura grapes.

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CHAMPION

26 27 28 29 30

Best Premium White £20+

Cillar de Silos Bodegas Terna La Báscula Bodegas Edetària Bodegas Valdesil El Quintanal 2011 V3 Viñas Viejas 2010 Catalan Eagle 2011 Vinya d'Irto 2011 Montenovo 2011 13% 13% 13.5% 12.8% 13%

Region: D.O. Rueda Region: D.O. Rueda Region: D.O. Terra Alta Region: D.O. Terra Alta Region: D.O. Valdeorras Price: £9.95 Price: £24.50-£26.50 Price: £11.00 Price: £11.50 Price: £7.50-£9.99 Grapes: Verdejo Grapes: Verdejo Grapes: Garnacha Blanca, Grapes: Garnacha Blanca Grapes: Godello Stockists: Berry Brothers & Stockists: Dunnottar Wines , Roussane Stockists: Spirited Wines Stockists: Majestic Wine, Rudd & Spirits, The Wineman of Stockists: George Hill, The Wine Society Teddington Highbury Vintners THE GO N D O E The Experts Say L T Godello is found in L “A bright and lively pale gold h the region of Valdeorras O colour. Rich peach, apricot G (Galicia) for the main part and and citrus aromas with i neighbouring Bierzo. It is capable G

intense honeyed yet crisp, l of producing quite rich but fresh R

refreshing palate with an T powerful wines with charming A

undercurrent of light spice.” o honey and citric flavours. Godello P

E

p is now ranked as a high quality s grape and its star is firmly in the ascendancy.

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WhiTe rosaDo

31 32 33 34 35

Adega a Coroa Miguel Torres Bodegas Chivite Miguel Torres Bodegas Borsao A Coroa 2011 Fransola 2010 Finca de Villatuerta Milmanda 2008 Gran Vega 2011 13.5% 13% 2010 13.5% 13.5% 13%

Region: D.O. Valdeorras Region: D.O. Penedès Region: D.O. Navarra Region: D.O. Conca de Region: D.O. Campo de Price: £13.20 Price: £17.00-£18.50 Price: £13.00 Barberà Borja Grapes: Godello Grapes: Sauvignon Blanc, Grapes: Chardonnay Price: £28.49 Price: £4.99 Stockists: slurp.co.uk Parellada Stockists: Not yet available Grapes: Chardonnay Grapes: Garnacha Stockists: Ann et Vin, at retail Stockists: Hailsham Cellars, Stockists: Virgin Wines George Hill, Mitchells Old Chapel Cellars Vintners, Yorkshire Vintners

faCT WHITE WINE Traditionally outshone by their red counterparts Spanish white wines are coming into their own and are gradually notching up more recognition. 30% of the 2012 winners are white, which is higher than the overall percentage of whites entered into the competition.

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CHAMPION

36 37 38 39 40

Best Value Rosado

Solar Viejo Bodegas Coviñas Vicente Gandía Bodegas Gordonzello Bodegas Lezcano-Lacalle Rosado 2011 Marqués de Verdellano Marqués del Turia 2011 Peregrino 2011 Docetañidos 2011 13% 2011 12% 13.5% 13% 12.5% Region: D.O. Region: D.O.Ca. Rioja Region: D.O. Utiel Requena Region: D.O. Valencia Region: D.O. Tierra de León Price: £9.95 Price: £5.99 Price: £6.20 Price: £6.60 Price: £7.25 Grapes: Tempranillo, Grapes: Tempranillo, Grapes: Grapes: Bobal Grapes: Prieto Picudo Sauvignon Blanc, , Stockists: A&A Wines Stockists: Bowland Forest Stockists: Bush Vines Verdejo Stockists: Not yet available Vintners Stockists: Great Western Wine at retail

The Experts Say “Brilliant value. An enjoyable redcurrant and red cherry flavoured Rosado with an Did you know...? easy-drinking fruity finish.” That to make ‘pink’ wine the skins of black grapes are left to ‘macerate’ in the grape juice for 2-3 days just long enough to extract the right amount of colour. The longer the ‘’ the deeper the colour.

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rosaDo reD

41 42 43 44 45

Celler Masroig Macià Batle Artiga Fustel Pazo das Tapias Descendientes de J. Palacios Les Sorts Rosat 2011 Macià Batle Rosado Mariona 2011 Alma de Tinto 2011 Pétalos 2010 13.5% 2011 13.5% 13.5% 14% 13.5%

Region: D.O. Montsant Region: D.O. Binissalem - Region: D.O. Alicante Region: D.O. Monterrei Region: D.O. Bierzo Price: £9.95 Price: £8.00-£9.00 Price: £10.25 Price: £16.00-£17.00 Grapes: Garnacha, Price: £10.99 Grapes: Grapes: Mencía Grapes: Mencía Cariñena Grapes: , Stockists: Blanco & Gomez Stockists: winedirect.co.uk Stockists: Highbury Vintners, Stockists: Indigo Wine Callet Wine Merchants, Great Majestic Wine Stockists: All About Wine Wes tern Wine

faCT MAJORCA Majorca’s and particularly its long, hot and dry summers make it ideal for vine growing just as the same conditions make the island a popular destination for holidays. Indeed much of the island’s wine production is enjoyed by visitors to the island. Some of their lovely wines are making it off the island however!

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CHAMPION

46 47 48 49 50

Best Red Under £10

Bodegas Abanico Bodegas Borsao Bodegas Borsao Bodegas Borsao Bodegas Ateca Manium 2008 Gran Vega 2011 Viña Borgia 2011 Borsao Selección Tinto Honoro Vera 2011 14.5% 13.5% 13.5% 2011 14.5% 14.5%

Region: D.O. Bierzo Region: D.O. Campo de Region: D.O. Campo de Region: D.O. Campo de Region: D.O. Calatayud Price: £14.25 Borja Borja Borja Price: £8.99 Grapes: Mencía Price: £4.99 Price: £7.20 Price: £7.00-£8.00 Grapes: Garnacha Stockists: Bijou Bottles Grapes: Garnacha Grapes: Garnacha Grapes: Garnacha, , Stockists: Booths Stockists: Virgin Wines Stockists: John Hattersley Tempranillo Wines Stockists: Flourish & Prosper, Highbury Vintners

reGion foCUs - The Experts Say “Rich, red colour. Meaty, THE THREE C’S! spicy with explosive bright, sweet strawberry . Campo de Borja, Calatayud and Cariñena are three wine Impressive with its clean lines regions near the city of Zaragoza in the region of . and hint of pepper and Here the grape Garnacha dominates and all three areas powerful yet soft textured not only produce well-priced everyday wines but are also structure.” growing in stature and attracting international attention for more sophisticated styles. Definitely ‘watch this space’!

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reD

CHAMPION

51 52 53 54 55

Best Value Red

AXIAL Bodegas San Valero Covinca S. Coop. Bodegas Esteban Martín Bodegas y Viñedos Monfil Marqués de Montañana Finca Valero 2011 Torrelongares 2011 Vinem 2011 Monfil 2011 Selección Especial 2010 12.5% 13.5% 13.5% 13.5% 14.5%

Region: D.O. Calatayud Region: D.O. Cariñena Region: D.O. Cariñena Region: D.O. Cariñena Region: D.O. Cariñena Price: £8.99 Price: £6.05 Price: £4.99 Price: £7.74 Price: £7.50 Grapes: Garnacha Grapes: Tempranillo, Grapes: Garnacha Grapes: Garnacha, Syrah, Grapes: Garnacha Stockists: Adnams Garnacha Stockists: Not yet available Merlot Stockists: Lea & Stockists: at retail Stockists: George Hill of bibendumfinewine.com Loughborough

The Experts Say “Restrained savoury nose with hints of kirsch and liquorice. The palate has lovely texture with bright cherry and bramble fruit. Velvety, meaty finish.”

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56 57 58 59 60

Bodegas Esteban Martín Bodegas Monte la Reina Bodegas San Marcos Bodeg a Sierra Norte Vinem Crianza 2008 Spanish Steps 2011 Toronegro 2011 Fuenteseca 2011 Mia Signature Blend 14% 13.5% 14% 13.5% No.1 2011 14%

Region: D.O. Cariñena Region: D.O. Toro Region: VdlT Region: D.O. Utiel-Requena Region: VdlT Castilla y León Price: £6.50-£8.00 Price: £6.99 Price: £6.99 Price: £7.25-£8.70 Price: £8.00 Grapes: Garnacha, Grapes: Tempranillo Grapes: Mazuelo, Shiraz Grapes: Bobal, Cabernet Grapes: Tempranillo Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Stockists: Sainsbury's Stockists: Co-op Sauvignon Stockists: Tesco.com Merlot Stockists: Bennetts Fine Stockists: Frank Stainton, Wine, Noble Green Wines Spirited Wines reGion foCUs - D.O. TORO

Named after the town of Toro this region has made great strides over the last 20 years based on the success of the powerful and impressive Tinta de Toro grape, a local take on Tempranillo.

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reD

CHAMPION

61 62 63 64 65

Best New Discovery

Bodegas Viña Elena Bodegas Atalaya Celler Masroig Vinyes d'Olivardots Ponce Familia Pacheco Laya 2010 Castell de Les Pinyeres Finca Olivardots 2011 Pie Franco 2010 Organic 2010 14.5% 2008 14.5% 14.5% 14.5% 14.5%

Region: D.O. Jumilla Region: D.O. Almansa Region: D.O. Montsant Region: D.O. Empordà Region: D.O. Manchuela Price: £7.99 Price: £8.99 Price: £12.75-£14.00 Price: £14.00 Price: £17-£18.50 Grapes: Monastrell, Grapes: Garnacha Gra pes: Cariñena, Grapes: Syrah, Garnacha, Grapes: Bobal Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah Tintorera, Monastrell Garnacha, Tempranillo, Cariñena Stockists: Bottle Apostle, Stockists: Cambridge Wine Stockists: Not yet available Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon Stockists: No UK distributor Handford Wines, Roberson Merchants, Wild Ferment at retail Stockists: Jeroboams, Wine Roberson Wine

The Experts Say reGion foCUs - “Intensely aromatic, very ripe forest , with an underlying D.O. MANCHUELA potency. The herbal notes of Manchuela is a relative newcomer to the rosemary and thyme are also Spanish wine scene having been made a D.O. present. On the palate there is in 2000 (the first D.O. of Rioja was formed in a surprising level of acidity 1925). The principal grape here is Bobal, which and minerality, which adds is grown in traditional bush vines. freshness to the wine. Long, elegant and juicy.”

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66 67 68 69 70

4 Kilos Miguel Torres Celler Pasanau Miguel Torres Morlanda 12 Volts 2010 Mas la Plana 2007 Ceps Nous 2010 Salmos 2010 Morlanda Crianza 2007 14% 14.5% 14.5% 14.5% 15%

Region: VdlT Mallorca Region: D.O. Penedès Region: D.O.Ca. Priorat Region: D.O.Ca. Priorat Region: D.O.Ca. Priorat Price: £19.50-£22.00 Price: £33.00 Price: £14.00-£15.00 Price: £17.00-£20.00 Price: £22.50 Grapes: Callet-Fogoneu, Grapes: Cabernet Grapes: Garnacha, Merlot, Grapes: Garnacha, Grapes: Garnacha, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Cariñena, Syrah Cariñena, Syrah Cariñena Merlot Stockists: George Hill, Stockists: The Sampler, Stockists: George Hill, Stockists: Tesco.com Stockists: Roberson Wine, Majestic Wine The Wine Tasting Shop Waitrose The Sampler, Vagabond Wine reGion foCUs - D.O.Ca. PRIORAT

Priorat is located south of Barcelona in Tarragona and is one of Spain’s most acclaimed D.O. regions. It has superior status of D.O.Ca. along with Rioja. Priorat shot to fame (and fortune) in the 1990’s after a group of winemakers teamed up to make around the remote high-lying village of Gratollops. They were particularly attracted by the slate and schist soil, which imparts distinctive flavours on the wine. At their best Priorat wines show incredible concentration and merit bottle ageing to reach their peak.

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reD

CHAMPION CHAMPION

BEST OF SHOW JOINT WINNER

71 72 73 74 75

Best Red Over £10 / Best Best Premium Red £20+ of Show (Joint winner)

Bodegas Trus Bodegas Trus Bodegas Hermanos Hijos de Antonio Polo Pago de los Capellanes Krel Crianza 2009 Trus Crianza 2009 Pérez Pascuas Pagos de Peñafiel Crianza 2008 14% 14% Viña Pedrosa Crianza Vendimia Seleccionada 13.5% 2009 2009 14% 14.5% Region: D.O. Ribera del Region: D.O. Ribera del Region: D.O. Ribera del Region: D.O. Ribera del Region: D.O. Duero Duero Duero Duero Price: £11.00 Price: £14.00 Price: £22.00 Price: £32.99 Price: £20.00-£23.00 Grapes: Tempranillo Grapes: Tempranillo Grapes: Tempranillo Grapes: Tempranillo Grapes: Tempranillo Stockists: Georges Barbier Stockists: Georges Barbier Stockists: The Wine Society Stockists: Ralph's Wines Stockists: Blanco & Gomez of London of London Wine Merchants, Great Western Wine, Harper Wells

The Experts Say The Experts Say HE TEM T PR “Cherry red colour with “This has everything in N A purple hues. Multi-layered, spades and all in O Tempranillo is one N of the best-known quality red I intense nose with hints of ripe proportion. Cedary, T L and cinnamon. The brambly and crunchy grape and it excels in many regions L palate is elegant with layers palate with a long, long h but notably Rioja, Ribera del Duero O where it is known as Tinto Fino, Toro of fruit and .” finish.” G

i where it is known as Tinta de Toro G

l and many of the Catalan D.O.’s R

T

where it is known as Ull de Llebre. A

o The variety is also widely planted P

E

p in central and southern s Spain where it is known as Cencibel.

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76 77 78 79 80

O. Fournier Valdubón Cillar de Silos O. Fournier Solar Viejo Spiga 2008 Valdubón Reserva 2007 de Silos 2007 Alfa Spiga 2006 Solar Viejo 2011 14.5% 13% 14% 15% 14%

Region: D.O. Ribera del Region: D.O. Ribera del Region: D.O. Ribera del Region: D.O. Ribera del Region: D.O.Ca. Rioja Duero Duero Duero Duero Price: £6.99 Price: £22.00-£25.00 Price: £22.00 Price: £39.99 Price: £30.00-£35.00 Grapes: Tempranillo Grapes: Tempranillo Grapes: Tempranillo Grapes: Tempranillo Grapes: Tempranillo Stockists: Not yet available Stockists: slurp.co.uk, Stockists: Not yet available Stockists: Berry Brothers & Stockists: slurp.co.uk, at retail Waitrose at retail Rudd The Wine Centre

reGion foCUs - D.O. RIBERA DEL DUERO

Ribera del Duero has grown to rival Rioja in terms of prestige and reputation. Its success is firmly based on Tempranillo (also known locally as Tinto Fino or Tinta del ). The variety is used almost exclusively by producers to make reds with various ageing credentials but oak aged reds of a high calibre and capable of many years of ageing are the main focus.

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reD

81 82 83 84 85

Pagos de Leza Bodegas Riojanas Ramón Bodegas Dunviro Bodegas Artesa Editor 2011 Monte Real 2011 Single 2010 Dunviro Crianza 2009 Artesa Crianza 2009 14% 13.4% 14% 13.5% 13.5%

Region: D.O.Ca. Rioja Region: D.O.Ca. Rioja Region: D.O.Ca. Rioja Region: D.O.Ca. Rioja Region: D.O.Ca. Rioja Price: £7.99 Price: £11.00 Price: £9.99 Price: £8.90 Price: £8.50-£9.00 Grapes: Tempranillo Grapes: Tempranillo Grapes: Tempranillo, Grapes: Tempranillo, Grapes: Tempranillo Stockists: Partridges Stockists: EWGA Ltd Garnacha Graciano Stockists: Amps Fine Wine, Stockists: Majestic Wine Stockists: A&A Wines Ltd Great Grog, Noel Young Wines

reGion foCUs - D.O.Ca. RIOJA

Located partly within the Basque country, Rioja is best known for red wines and the Tempranillo grape. The versatile nature of this variety means that the region’s red wines cover a variety of styles from young easy-drinking wines through to more sophisticated styles capable of many years of cellaring. Some producers also offer white wines, including some fine -fermented and oak-aged styles and rosados.

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CHAMPION

86 87 88 89 90

Best Rioja

Pagos de Leza Bodegas del Medievo Bodegas Bilbaínas Berberana Bodegas Lagunilla Ángel Santamaría Tuerce Botas Crianza Viña Pomal Reserva Carta de Oro Reserva Lagunilla Reserva 2007 Crianza 2009 2009 2008 2007 13.5% 13.5% 13.5% 13.5% 13.5%

Region: D.O.Ca. Rioja Region: D.O.Ca. Rioja Region: D.O.Ca. Rioja Region: D.O.Ca. Rioja Region: D.O.Ca. Rioja Price: £13.49 Price: £14.95 Price: £12.99 Price: £9.99 Price: £12.49 Grapes: Tempranillo Grapes: Graciano Grapes: Tempranillo Grapes: Tempranillo, Grapes: Tempranillo, Stockists: Partridges Stockists: Not yet available Stockists: Majestic Wine, Garnacha Garnacha at retail The Sampler, Tesco.com, Stockists: Sainsbury's Stockists: Morrisons Wine Rack

The Experts Say “Bursting with blackberry and raspberry aromas, the palate is clean, intense and persistent. Perfectly balanced with soft velvety it is delicious from start to finish.”

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reD

91 92 93 94 95

Bodega Ostatu Bodegas Luis Cañas Alta Bodegas Ugalde Bodegas Ontañón Reserva 2007 Juan Luis Cañas Viña Ardanza Reserva Viña Cerrada Gran Gran Reserva 2001 13.5% Amaren Reserva 2005 Especial 2001 Reserva 2005 13.5% 13.5% 13.5% 13.5%

Region: D.O.Ca. Rioja Region: D.O.Ca. Rioja Region: D.O.Ca. Rioja Region: D.O.Ca. Rioja Region: D.O.Ca. Rioja Price: £17.00 Price: £25.00 Price: £18.50-£25.00 Price: £18.30 Price: £21.99 Grapes: Tempranillo Grapes: Tempranillo Grapes: Tempranillo, Grapes: Tempranillo, Grapes: Tempranillo, Stockists: H2Vin Stockists: Laithwaite's Wine Garnacha Graciano, Mazuelo Graciano Stockists: Armit Wines, Berry Stockists: Great Western Stockists: Great Grog Bros & Rudd, The Wine Wine Society

Did you know...? The first sherry bar in London was opened in 2010 by one of our judges Richard Bigg. Seen by many as a brave move it is one that was set to be repeated as the trend for sherry grew and now there are at least 10 places in London where you can enjoy sherry by the glass and in flights. A definite ‘must-do’ next time you’re in the metropolis!

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sWeeT & forTifieD

CHAMPION

96 97 98 99 100

Best Unfortified Sweet

C.V.N.E. Bodegas Bentomiz Lustau Fernando de Castilla González Byass Imperial Gran Reserva Ariyanas Naturalmente Waitrose Antique Fino Viña AB 1999 Dulce 2007 Jerezana Fino Lustau 17% Seco 13.5% 13.5% 16.5% 16.5%

Region: D.O.Ca. Rioja Region: D.O. Málaga Region: D.O. Jerez-Xérès- Region: D.O. Jerez-Xérès- Region: D.O. Jerez-Xérès- Price: £26.99 Price: £18.50 Sherry Sherry Sherry Grapes: Tempranillo, Grapes: Moscatel Price: £8.99 Price: £17.99 Price: £11.50-£13.50 Graciano, Mazuelo Stockists: Georges Barbier Grapes: Palom ino Fino Grapes: Fino Grapes: Palomino Fino Stockists: Majestic Wine, of London, Theatre of Wine Stockists: Waitrose Stockists: Corks of Cotham, Stockists: Adnams, General Waitrose Hennings Wine Merchants, Wine Company The Sampler

The Experts Say “Pale lemon, clean and bright colour. Aromas of peach, apr icot, jasmine, fennel with hints of and . Velvety, silky palate with a fresh acidity and long finish.”

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sWeeT & forTifieD

CHAMPION

BEST OF SHOW JOINT WINNER

101 102 103 104 105

Best Dry Fortified / Best Of Show (Joint winner)

Maestro Sierra Delgado Zuleta Fernando de Castilla Lustau González Byass Amontillado 12 Years Amontillado Antique Amontillado Waitrose Solera Jerezana Leonor Old Monteagvdo 19% Palo Cortado Lustau 20% 17.5% 18.5% 19%

Region: D.O. Jerez-Xérès- Region: D.O. Jerez-Xérès- Region: D.O. Jerez-Xérès- Region: D.O. Jerez-Xérès- Region: D.O. Jerez-Xérès- Sherry Sherry Sherry Sherry Sherry Price: £14.95 Price: £22.50 Price: £24.00-£26.00 Price: £8.99 Price: £12.00-£13.50 Grapes: Palomino Fino Grapes: Palomino Fino Grapes: Palomino Fino Grapes: Palomino Fino Grapes: Palomino Fino Stockists: Indigo Wine Stockists: Borough wines Stockists: Corks of Cot ham, Stockists: Waitrose Stockists: Adnams, Hennings Wine Merchants, Cambridge Wines Noel Young Wines, The Sampler

The Experts Say “A very serious and austere sherry with a classic amber hue, typical of aged amontillados. There is a real tang to both nose and palate with orange peel, , varnished wood, fennel and a myriad of other flavours and sensations against a background of stark dryness and tense acidity interwoven with overwhelming complexities - a really sublime wine.”

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CHAMPION CHAMPION

106 107 108 109 110

Best Own Label Best Sweet Fortified

Fernando de Castilla Fernando de Castilla Lustau Lustau Fernando de Castilla Antique Palo Cortado Antique Añada 97 Rich Oloroso Waitrose Solera Antique Pedro Ximénez 20% 20% 1997 Jerezana Rich Cream 15% 20.5% Lustau 20% Region: D.O. Jerez-Xérès- Region: D.O. Jerez-Xérès- Region: D.O. Jerez-Xérès- Region: D.O. Jerez-Xérès- Region: D.O. Jerez-Xérès- Sherry Sherry Sherry Sherry Sherry Price: £28.00-£32.00 Price: £24.00-£25.00 Price: £18.00-£25.00 Price: £8.99 Price: £24.00-£27.00 Grapes: Palomino Fino Grapes: Palomino Fino Grapes: Palomino Fino Grapes: Palomino Fino Grapes: Pedro Ximénez Stockists: Corks of Cotham, Stockists: Great Grog, Stockists: Fortnum & Mason, Stockists: Waitrose Stockists: Corks of Cotham, Hennings Wine Merchants, Hennings Wine Merchants, slurp.co.uk Great Grog, Noel Young Philglas & Swiggot Noel Young Wines, Reserve Wines, Reserve Wines, Wines The Sampler

The Experts Say The Experts Say “Beautifully aromatic and “An old, elegant, sweet Did you know...? reminiscent of dried fruits and creamy, figgy sherry. Aromas spices, full-bodied and of coffee, prunes, figs, There are 12 styles of sherry ranging from the crisp, dry Fino to the luscious. A rich blend of walnuts and Christmas liquid Christmas pudding Pedro Ximénez. Here are the styles in order matured oloroso sherry and spices. Luscious and rich on of sweetness: Pedro Ximenez wine, this rich the palate this is a sherry to cream sherry is dark gold in linger over and savour!” Fino Oloroso Cream colour. The rich dried fruit Dry Moscatel notes of this wine Amontillado Pale Cream Dulce / Sweet immediately suggest Palo Cortado Medium Pedro Ximénez matching it with mince pies.”

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lIST OF STOcKISTS abcDEFGHIjKlM

A&A Wines Blanco & Gomez Wine Merchants Ellis Wharton Wines H2Vin Guildford London Cornwall Online winemerchant 01483 274666 020 7352 8680 01726 825255 01737 355765 www.aawines.co.uk www.bgwm.blogspot.co.uk www.ewwines.co.uk www.h2vin.co.uk

Adnams Booths EWGA Ltd Hailsham Cellars Southwold (stores across East Anglia) Stores mainly in the North Carnforth Hailsham 01502 727200 www.booths.co.uk 01524 737100 01323 846238 www.adnams.co.uk www.ewga.net www.hailshamcellars.com Borough Wines Alexander Wines London Field and Fawcett Handford Wines Glasgow 020 7923 2001 York London 0141 882 0039 www.boroughwines.com 01904 489073 020 7589 6113 www.alexander-wines.co.uk www.fieldandfawcett.co.uk www.handford.net Bottle Apostle All About Wine London Flourish & Prosper Hanslope Wines Online winemerchant 020 8985 1549 Howden Milton Keynes 07876214144 www.bottleapostle.com 01430 430006 01908 510 262 www.allaboutwine.co.uk www.flourish-and-prosper.com www.hanslopewines.co.uk Bowland Forest Vintners Amps Fine Wine Near Clitheroe Forth Wines Harper Wells Oundle 01200 448222 Kinross-shire Eaton 01832 273502 [email protected] 01577 866001 01603 451098 www.ampsfinewines.co.uk www.forthwines.com www.harperwells.com Bush Vines Ann et Vin West Sussex Fortnum & Mason Harrogate Fine Wines Newark 01243 378618 London Harrogate 01636 700900 www.bushvines.co.uk 020 7734 8040 01423 522270 www.annetvin.com www.fortnumandmason.com www.harrogatefinewinecompany.com Butlers Wine Cellar Armit Wines Brighton Frank Stainton Hennings Wine Merchants London 01273 698 724 Kendal Pulborough and Petworth 020 7908 0660 www.butlers-winecellar.co.uk 01539 731886 01798 872 485 www.armit.co.uk www.stainton-wines.co.uk www.henningswine.co.uk Cambridge Wine Merchants Bennetts Fine Wine Cambridge George Hill of Loughborough Highbury Vintners Chipping Campden 01954 214528 Loughborough London 01386 840392 www.cambridgewine.com 01509 212 717 020 7226 1347 www.bennettsfinewines.com www.georgehill.co.uk www.highburyvintners.co.uk Co-op Berry Bros & Rudd Stores nationwide Georges Barbier of London Indigo Wine London www.co-operativ e.coop London London 0800 280 2440 020 8852 5801 020 7733 8391 www.bbr.com Corking Wines www.georgesbarbier.co.uk www.indigowine.com York Bibendum 01904 636123 Great Grog Jeroboams London www.corkingwines.com Edinburgh London 020 7722 5577 0131 667 2855 020 7288 8850 www.bibendumfinewine.com Corks of Cotham www.greatgrog.co.uk www.jeroboams.co.uk Bijou Bottles 0117 973 1620 Great Western Wine John Hattersley Wines Norfolk www.corksof.com Bath Bakewell 01603 784 990 01225 322810 01629 815 255 www.bijoubottles.co.uk Dunnottar Wines & Spirits www.g reatwesternwine.co.uk www.johnhwines.co.uk Stonehaven 01569 760 060

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Laithwaite's Wine Ralph's Wines The Smiling Grape Wine Direct Online winemerchant Online winemerchant St Neots Online winemerchant 0845 194 7711 020 8568 9816 01480 403100 0845 6033717 www.laithwaites.co.uk www.ralphswinesonline.com www.smilinggrape.com www.winedirect.co.uk

Lea & Sandeman Reserve Wines The Wine Centre Wine Rack London Manchester Great Horkseley London and the South East 020 7244 0522 0161 438 0101 01206 271 236 020 8801 0011 www.leaandsandeman.co.uk www.reservewines.co.uk www.thewinecentre.co.uk www.winerack.co.uk

M&S Roberson Wine The Wine Society Woodwinters, Stores nationwide London Online winemerchant Wines & Whiskies www.marksandspencer.com 020 7381 7870 01438 741177 Bridge of Allan www.robersonwine.co.uk www.thewinesociety.com 01786 834894 Majestic Wine www.woodwinters.com Stores nationwide Sainsbury's The Wine Tasting Shop www.majestic.co.uk Stores nationwide London Yorkshire Vintners www.sainsburys.co.uk 020 8616 8658 Ripon Mitchells Vintners www.t hewinetastingshop.co.uk 01765 601701 Sheffield slurp.co.uk www.yorkshirevintners.co.uk 0114 274 5587 Online winemerchant The Wineman of Teddington www.mitchellswine.co.uk 020 8993 7722 London www.slurp.co.uk 07850 329111 Moreno Wines www.winemanofteddington.co.uk London Spirited Wines 020 7286 0678 London Theatre of Wine www.morenowinedirect.com 020 7935 4185 London www.spiritedwines.co.uk 020 8858 6363 Morrisons www.theatreofwine.com Stores nationwide Tesco.com www.morrisons.co.uk Stores nationwide Vagabond Wine www.tesco.com London Noble Green Wines 020 7381 1717 Hampton Hill The General Wine Company www.vagabondwines.co.uk 020 8979 1113 Liphook www.noblegreenwines.co.uk 01428 727744 Virgin Wines www.thegeneralwine.co.uk Online winemerchant Noel Young Wines 0843 224 1001 Cambridge The Ox House www.virginwines.co.uk 01223 566744 Northlea ch www.nywines.co.uk 01451 860650 Waitrose www.oxhousewines.com Stores nationwide Old Chapel Cellars www.waitrose.com Truro The Oxford Wine Company 01872 270545 Oxford Whitebridge Wines www.oldchapelcellars.co.uk 01865 249500 Stone www.oxfordwine.co.uk 01785 817229 Partridges www.whitebridgewines.co.uk London The Sampler 020 7730 0651 London Wild Ferment www.partridges.co.uk 020 7226 9500 Cant erbury www.thesampler.co.uk 01227 463527 Philglas & Swiggot www.wildferment.co.uk London 020 7402 0002 www.philglas-swiggot.com

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Map OF SpaIN THE

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Wines from Spain Awards 2012 31 1 - WFS Awards:Layout 1 19/10/2012 12:23 Page 32

pOSTcarDS FrOM THE jUDGES

JOHN RADFORD Wine Writer I love the landscapes of Castilla y León - the rolling wheat fields, immaculate , majestic cities and sense of history from the border with northwards to Bierzo and east to Ribera del Duero and ALLAN CHEESMAN ANTHONY ROSE Rueda. Add to this the fabulous lechazo, empanada Wine Consultant Wine Writer and cochinillo and the fruit of Southern Andalucia around Greetings! I’ve just come the Tinto Fino and you have Jerez and the other "frontier" from Sanlúcar bea ch where a veritable paradise. towns is one of my favourites the horses kicked sand in my with azure blue skies , sleepy face as they thundered past white hill top towns and me at a rate of knots. My villages in the midday sun -- horse in the Cajasol Trophy (ideally with a cool beer in the came in last but I don’t care. shade), long sandy beaches, I’m sitting in the Plaza de wonderful fresh seafood and Toros in bright sunshine with shellfish and of course sherry an appetizing glass of fino in in all its guises- magic. my hand. Wish you were here. Then again… HELEN MCEVOY CHRISTINE PARKINSON Wine Manager Laithwaites Wine Buyer Hakkasan From the pedestrianised old Priorat is my favourite part of village of La Guardia to the Spain. Swooping hairpin NOEL YOUNG modern wineries of Alavesa, roads, ancient stone castles Owner Noel Young Rioja combines charm and and churches, steep slopes of Fine Wines elegance with style and crumbling rock and eagles excitement. Local restaurateurs soaring above, make this a My favourite region in Spain, proudly serve up some of the dramatic place to visit. The would be the one I know the best food in the country, to rich, spicy wines are delicious, best and have visited many, compliment the delicious and so are the tiny arbequina many times – the island of wines produced by their that grow close to the Mallorca. It’s such a neighbours. Rioja is a region I vines. Priorat feels ageless, wonderful island, and so always look forward to visiting remote, and a world away different, from the wonderful – for work or on holiday! from modern Spain. mountains of the North, with such great scenery leading to rolling citrus groves heading down towards Deia, to the fishing villages and glorious beaches of the South. Of course there is also the majestic city of Palma and it’s amazing cathedral. It’s an island with a growing reputation for great food, with delicious seafood, and organic, free range lamb, pork and such flavourful organic which can be bought from the many local markets. It’s increasingly a great region for wine, from the large wineries to the smaller producer. I love it, for me Mallorca really has it all.

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TIM ATKIN MW RICHARD BIGG NICK ROOM JO AHEARNE MW PETER MCCOMBIE MW Wine Writer Owner of Camino Wine Buyer Waitrose Wine Buyer Harrods Wine Writer and Bar Pepito I could choose half a dozen Navarra: this is a beautifully Priorat is an area steeped in My favourite place in Spain is I dream of the greenness of Spanish regions, but if diverse region, ranging from monastic history, with fabulous wherever I touch down on the , with its stunning pushed I’d pick Empordà. the foothills of the to soils of slate and quartz plane….As soon as you put Picos de Europa and I’ve been going on holiday to near desert. Astonishingly supporting some remarkable your feet on the ground and unspoiled Atlantic beaches. the region since the mid- good wines are made here, old vines. Since the 1990's smell the change in the air They are Celts with bagpipes, 1970s, as my family has a including grapes, inspirational wines have been (even with the jet engines) it’s who eat and drink well, using house in Empuries. The brought down 800 years ago made from Garnacha and like a wave of happiness fantastic raw ingredients, coastline is utterly beautiful when it used to be the by some of the descending. My second especially fish and seafood, and there are several good Kingdom of Navarra. My Spanish trade's luminaries. favourite place is the first not to ment ion , from golf courses nearby. More favourite wines however are Any visitor to the region bar with ice cold fino the ubiquitous cows. I love recently, the area has made from old vine cannot help but be captivated and waxy anchovies or finest the ritual of pouring and become known for Garnacha, complex, balanced by the hauntingly wild, rugged jamon. My third favourite sharing cider, just one cup gastronomy (first El Bulli and and deeply rewarding. terrain and the passion of place is the first restaurant between friends. now Can Roca, Compartir numerous small producers". serving baby kid with a and Villa Mas) and the delicately extracted quality of the local wines. Tempranillo… There are two great wine merchants (El Celler Petit in Spain is incredibly accessible from the UK and the modes of transport varied and exciting. Empuries) and Els Barrils (La How to Get There You can fly from all major airports, you can cruise from our south coast to Spain’s north Escala) near the house, so I west coast, you can even set off from St Pancras International to’snooze’ your way to Madrid always drink local. via an overnighter from Paris. The journey is half the adventure and once you’re there www.spain.info lays out the opportunities which await you.

JOAN TORRENTS JAMES GRISWOOD BEN CAHILL CHARLES METCALFE PIERRE MANSOUR Wine Buyer The Wine Head Wine Buyer Enotria Wine Buyer Tesco Wine Buyer Co-op Wine Writer Society My favourite place in Spain is The in the My favourite region of Spain If I could go back only once My favourite wine place in the charming coastal town of North East of Catalonia brings has to be Andalucía, it would be to Madrid. I’d go Spain is the stretch of bars Getaria in the Basque me plenty of memories: especially Jerez and back to revisit an ancient and and restaurant s along the country. Life is so complete passing most of my childhood Sanlucar. It has that magical atmospheric sherry bar where beach at Sanlúcar de here: beautiful rolling school holidays in Llafranc, as quality of making it feel like seemingly neither the prices Barrameda. It’s not especially vineya rds, facing the a teenager discovering their the world has slowed its nor the décor have changed beautiful, but here you’ll find dramatic Atlantic Ocean and diverse cuisine from rotation and everything is since the nineteenth century. the perfect marriages long sandy beaches. And at the traditional fishermen's running at half pace. I’ve After a refreshing fino and a between a unique product, the end of the day endless recipes in Palafrugell to the spent many hours sitting in lunch of interminable length manzanilla, and food. Cruise quantities of refreshing exquisite madness from El Bulli classic Andalucian courtyards I’d head to the Prado and its from bar to bar, trying a Txacoli on tap to revitalize and as a grown up following or town squares, covered by extraordinary collection of different manzanilla in each, you. Furthermore fans of the World Rally competition on the dappled shade of an art. I would meander and sampling a tapa of great Spanish wine and the region's roads. All of this ancient tree, sipping an ice respectfully past Velazquez freshest seafood or fish. seafood will find one of the with also being exposed to cold Fino or Manzanilla and Picasso towards the Heaven! country’s best restaurants great Catalan wines from the Sherry, tucking into fresh mesmerizing ‘Black Paintings’ with a cellar of wine sold at delicate Alella and Cava to prawns or clams, enjoying a attributed to Goya. And then, great value historic prices. the warmth of Emporda and conversation with friends, or selflessly, I’d head back to Priorat wines. simply listening to the sound the sherry bar… of swifts flies in the late afternoon sun. I never feel more relaxed as I do when I am there. Wines from Spain Awards 2012 33 1 - WFS Awards:Layout 1 19/10/2012 12:23 Page 34

HOW SpaNISH fooD & Wine caME OF aGE… In the 1980’s the Spanish Government opened Wines from Spain and Foods from Spain. The task was challenging. They had to convince the British press and the market of the serious quality and originality of Spanish produce. Until then Spain, an amazing and diverse country already discovered by the tourist industry, was still suffering from having been ignored, historically, by travel and food writers. The country was stunning but the food and the wine enjoyed by the locals were another matter, they wrote.

From a British point of view, the food tasted professionals who, together with Adrià and It has taken another twenty years for the too much of garlic and oil and the other Catalan chefs such as Santi BBC to commission a new TV series in wines, with some great exceptions, were Santamaria were delighting the palates of Spain, this time a personal view by the too ‘rustic’. However Spanish bodegas the discerning traveller. Spanish innovation brilliantly popular Rick Stein. In July 2011 were already investing. Furthermore the and creativity had started to revolutionize viewers enjoyed every second of it. But older generation was listening to the kitchens all over the world. The BBC also things now are different to how they were in younger generation who were already in helped by broadcasting two television 1982, people can relate to the food and tune with the global changes that were series about Spanish food. Floyd in Spain the wine of a country that has achieved putting Australia and the wines of the reflected a very individual point of view something I have been dreaming would Americas on the map. At the same time a whilst another, Spain on a Plate (that I happen for the last thirty years. All they number of Basque chefs such as Juan Mari had the privilege to write and present) took have to do is to go to a Spanish restaurant, Arzak and Pedro Subijana had launched a a different and less flamboyant approach, a tapas or a Sherry bar in London or new professional cooking movement called being based on history and regional food. beyond, visit a local delicatessen or “La Nueva Cocina Vasca”, their new dishes supermarket where they can buy Bomba being lighter and simpler, having left In the UK the Spanish wine category was , Serrano or Ibérico Ham, Manchego behind the traditional French influence of beginning to expand, importers were or even Mahón cheeses. As to the wines, cream and that had dominated the putting their weight behind the wines the list now available in the market is kitchens of grand hotels and restaurants all from areas such as Rioja, Navarra, Cava, growing by the day and now includes wines over the country. La Mancha and Penedés. Philip Diment from regions of Spain hitherto unknown in opened Mesón Don Felipe and Monika the UK. The real break for Spain came in the early Linton (founder of Brindisa) was 1990’s with the Barcelona Olympics. By beginning to supply delicatessens and To make even further headway, importers then Ferrán Adrià was already working at chefs with outstanding cheeses and olive and distributors, the Press, our Caballeros el Bulli and Basque chefs had already oil, pimentón and even membrillo del Vino and of course the team at Wines trained a new generation of young (quince paste). and Foods from Spain will have to carry on working with the same enthusiasm, commitment and more for years to come! SPANISH But for now I can proudly say that “ Spain is firmly on the ‘world-class’ map INNOVATION both gastronomically and vinously! AND CREATIVITY HAD STARTED TO María José Sevilla Director, Foods & Wines from Spain REVOLUTIONIZE October 2012 KITCHENS ALL OVER THE WORLD ” 34 Wines from Spain Awards 2012 1 - WFS Awards:Layout 1 19/10/2012 12:23 Page 35

Sponsored Profile Located in northern Spain along the banks of the River , and in the shadow of the Sierra mountains, the region of Rioja is Spain’s flagship wine region. of life rooted in land and livestock. Driving through the Positioned in the gastronomic heart of countryside, sweeps of vineyards stretch as far as the eye can see and are scattered with picturesque villages, historic castles and Northern Spain, it is the number one choice monasteries many of which lie along the great pilgrims’ road that for travellers seeking traditional living, leads to Santiago de Compostela. and great wine. There are a number of charming villages worth exploring in Rioja’s winemakers have a passion for their vines and combine Rioja. The medieval hamlet of Laguardia, and the hilltop the best of Old World expertise with a contemporary approach, villages of Briones, San Vincente de la Sonsierra and Elciego to producing wines that are particularly food-friendly. The Rioja seal name but a few. The bustling town of Haro is also well worth a guarantees quality and style - any bottle labeled as such will be a visit. Haro has been the centre of Rioja’s viticultural activity for great partner to fine food and fun conversation. centuries. Some of the region’s most historic wineries are clustered together in the Barrio de la Estación and the attractive Red wines account for the vast majority of production in Rioja. Plaza Mayor is situated in the town centre along with an inviting Tempranillo is the most widely planted grape, with Garnacha, collection of local wine shops. Graciano, and Mazuelo also contributing to the blend. Rioja wines undergo extensive ageing, meaning that they leave the ready to drink, with the time in oak giving Rioja its trademark mellow character.

Although renowned for its red wines, Rioja also produces some excellent whites and rosés. Whites can be fresh and zesty, or more traditional – barrel-fermented with prolonged ageing, resulting in a rich, toasty wine - perfect for matching with food. styles, primarily from Tempranillo and Garnacha tend to be dry, with ripe berry fruit flavours.

Where there’s great wine, great food must be nearby. Rioja boasts some of the best tapas restaurants in Spain. The streets of the Old Town of Logroño, the capital of the Rioja region, are lined with tapas bars. Every weekend, Calle Laurel in Logroño fills with people bouncing from bar to bar, enjoying a different tapa, or pincho as they are known locally, in each, accompanied by a glass of Rioja.

Despite being Spain’s most celebrated wine region, producing millions of litres every year, Rioja remains rural and unspoilt. The culture of tradition and simplicity goes hand in hand with a way Many of the wineries in Rioja welcome guests and organize winery tours and tastings. Whether it’s a small, family run bodega or a large scale, state of the art estate, every winery has a story to tell and great wines to enjoy.

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