Spanish Wines

Spain is hot! The quality and variety of wines being produced throughout Spain today is quite exciting, and on top of that they are at great price points. Spain is one of the premiere value wine regions in the world right now. Quit buying those pathetic, mass-produced labels like Yellow Tail, Columbia Crest, and those overpriced California wines and try a great Spanish wine with dinner tonight.

When I say Spain is hot, I don't mean every wine produced in Spain will be tasty and worth buying. Spainish wines, like any countries wines, run the gamut. There are Spanish wines in all categories: high-end, expensive, cult, flabby, over-the-top, pathetic, inglorious, tasty, and delicious.

Here are 2 great Spanish wines I have tasted in the last several weeks. That I think you will enjoy. Both of them are from the Jumilla appellation.


2005 Altos De Luzon Tasting Notes:

Deep purple-red color. Spicy cherry and a little oak on the nose. Spicy. Smokey. Well balanced and resonates in the mouth. Nice oak that doesn't overpower. A long delicious berry/cherry finish.

I drank this with Spaghetti and it paired wonderfully. Let this wine breathe a bit in a decantor or in the glass. It just keeps opening up. Quite delicious. I am going to buy another bottle of this. You won't be disappointed. Makeup: 50% Monastrell Old Vines, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 25% Tempranillo. 89 WS. 90 ST. $12 USD.



2007 Finca Luzon Tasting Notes:

Blackish purple color. Fantastic nose of black fruits. I also get a charcoal component. Great nose. On the palate you get lots of berries some cherry flavors. This wine comes across as really light and fresh. Well balanced. No tannins. Not a long finish, but balanced and pleasing.

In a blind tasting you would never guess this is a seven dollar wine. Composed of 65% monastrell and 35% Syrah this wine is darn tasty. I enjoyed this with Lamb kabobs and it paired quite well. 88 WS. 90 WE. 88 WA. $7 USD.