The Iberian PeninsulaThe Iberian Peninsula
Spain is the third largest producer of wine in the world behind Italy and France. Tempranillo is probably the most well known red varietal and is now widely planted around the world. Garnacha (Grenache), Cariñena (Carignan), and Monastrell (Mourvedre) are commonly referred to as Rhône varietals but have made a home in Spain too. Albariño, Viura and Verdejo are a few of the most common white varietals.
Portugal has about 500 indigenous grape varieties that produce a wide range of distinctive wines and has the oldest appellation system in the world, predating the French AOC by nearly two hundred years. Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo), Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca and Tinta Barroca are some of the more widely planted and well-known red grapes while Alvarinho (Albariño), Viura (Macabeo), and Verdejo account for a large portion of the white wines we see here.
We had a chance to taste some of these wines this week and I’d like to mention just a few:
2003 Laurona (Montsant) Wine Spectator 2006 Top 100 (#89) $28
2004 Clos Mogador Priorat Wine Spectator 92 Pts $78
This is dense ruby/garnet wine ink! This elegant red is balanced and lively, with black cherry, raspberry, mineral, mountain herb and floral notes framed by well-integrated tannins and fresh acidity. Has the density to age. Drink now through 2016.
1995 Bodega Vega Sicilia Unico Gran Reserva Tinto WS 94 Pts $320
I know, I know, I’m always talking about value. Is this good value? I don’t think so but it was a pleasure to taste one of Spain’s most heralded wines. Still fresh, this concentrated red delivers vibrant cherry and plum fruit, with expressive licorice, mineral and game notes. Thick and firm on the palate, yet remains harmonious through the spicy finish. Drink now through 2015.
2004 Aveleda Bairrada Touriga Nacional Follies WS 89 Pts $15
A wine all of us can afford, this Portuguese red is concentrated and fresh-tasting, with a lively array of crushed red fruit flavors, including plum, raspberry, red cherry and wild strawberry. The suave finish echoes the fruit. Drink now through 2010.
2003 Quinta do Vallado Douro Vinho Tinto Reserva WS 94 Pts Top 100 2005 (#25) $32
Absolutely delicious, complex, seductive and refined, with a beautiful aroma of Asian spice, cassis and chocolate with flavors to match. Broad and lush, with plenty of structure and a caressing finish of cream, black truffle and mocha that goes on and on. Tempting now. Best from 2006 through 2010.
Wow, some really great value wines and some world class wines are making their way to our shores from Spain and Portugal. The next time you're looking for a little adventure in a bottle of wine stroll on over to the Iberian section and take home a bottle or two, you won't be disappointed.
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