The New Spain

The Wine Armada issues a big salute to Phil at The Wine Merchant Limited for his outstanding class on "The New Spain." Everything was right on target, as he took a small squad of us through a couple of notable whites and four terrific reds. "The Merch" also served some excellent pairings of Spanish cheeses, with Drunken Goat (washed with a red Rioja), raw sheep's milk Manchego and a mild, but tasty Urgelia.

The sensory assault on our palettes began with a 2008 Shaya "Old Vines" Verdejo. This crisp, citrusy white from Rueda proved to be just right, with it's light frame of bright fruit and clean finish. This great summer wine option is popping up all over town and would be a delicious match with almost anything from the sea.

Valdeorras was our next target, with a 2008 Vina Godeval Godello Valdeorras. This took our infiltration to Spanish white territory to the next level, showing more complexity, mineral notes and a deeper, longer finish. The Urgelia was the ultimate pairing partner with this wine.

2007 Bodegas Alto Almonzoras "Este" led the charge of Spanish reds. An easy drinking, food-friendly blend, that varies between vintages, seemed to call out for plates of tapas to start making their way around the table.

Our crew then invaded the up and coming region of Calatayud with 2008 Evodia Old Vine Garnacha. We're starting to see this classic example of Spain's new style Garnacha frequently making its way into more shops. The juicy, dark fruit up front (think black cherry cobbler) with great acidity on the back end, makes this a prime "buy by the case" candidate.

2006 Bodegas Mas Alta "La Basseta" from one of the Wine Armada's favorite DOs, Priorat, was an absolutely stunning example of what this remote area can do with grapes. The layer upon layer of fig, plum and spices was a meal in itself, with every sip offering new flavors and complexity. Hide this one in your wine arsenal and bring it out for a special occasion where nothing less than a 96 pt. Robert Parker rating (!) will do.

We concluded our mission with a 2006 Finca Sandoval from Manchuela. This Syrah-based blend was quintessential New Spain, offering their successful take on a classic varietal. The class was split between this dark, brooding impeccably balanced sampling, and the La Basseta, as a red wine favorite. A few also went back to the Shaya as their overall #1 pick of the evening. And with the 15% discount we earned on all these selections, the usual Spanish wine bargains were available at "crazy-low" prices.

Phil did a fine job on presentation, wine selection, service and answering the many questions about these wines, and Spain in general. The Wine Armada recommends him as your "go to guy" for these wines, or the many other Spanish offerings the Wine Merchant has made available.




















2006 Finca Sandoval Manchuela