Get To Know Spanish Wine

Spain is the home of many great things…croquetas, chorizo and of course, wine. Grandes Pagos de Espana is a private association of wine producers who are committed to exceptional single vineyard wines, all based on the strictest criteria of selection. Earlier this week, we had the opportunity to meet these top producers and sample their unbelievable wines. The selection was amazing, with producers from all regions of Spain who were all passionate about their wines. Of course, we did not have enough time (nor liver) to try every single wine, and while all of the wines we tried were spectacular, we are only going to highlight a few of our absolute favorites.

Aalto

Aalto was founded in 1999 by Mariano Garcia and Javier Zaccagnini in the Ribera del Duero region of Northwest Spain. Their aim is to use the highest quality fruit, from old vines of Tempranillo, stemming from seven different villages. Aalto has recently been chosen as one of the best 100 wineries in the world by Michel Bettane and Thierry Dessauve. We loved the 2011 Aalto PS, comprised of 100% Tempranillo. This wine was aged for 22 months in new French barrels.

Abadia Retuerto

This winery, located in Southwest Spain, produces single terroir wines on a breathtaking landscape. The winery is home to a 12th century abbey, which now houses a hotel. The standout wine from this bunch was the 2010 Pago Negralada, made with 100% Tempranillo grapes. It was aged for 18 months in French oak barrels and there were only 5,700 bottles made. It is truly a special wine.

Bodegas Mauro

This small company, born in 1980, was created by legendary winemaker Mariano Garcia. With a name like that at the helm, you know to expect great things with this wine. The winery is located in Northwest Spain and produces a magnificent 2011 Mauro. This wine is comprised of 90% Tempranillo and 10% Syrah. It is aged 16 months in French and American oak. It is definitely a wine worth getting your hands on.

Secastilla

Secastilla has been around since the 1930s, producing some of Spain’s top Garnacha. Their unique terroir and climate, due to the altitude and proximity to the mountains in Northeast Spain, give the wines an interesting minerality. We loved the 2009 Secastilla, made with 100% Garnacha grapes. This wine was aged 10 months in French Allier oaks. It was very smooth and we couldn’t get enough of it.

Recaredo

Since 1924, Recaredo has specialized in producing vintage cavas on their organic and biodynamic vineyards. Their cavas are totally dry, with no sugar added and are all gran reservas, meaning they age 5-12+ years on the lees. Additionally, the past two years have earned them the title of best cava in Spain by Robert Parker. We loved both of the cavas they had to offer, but fell in love with the 2004 Brut de Brut. This sparkling wine spent 90 months on the lees. It was very dry and would go well with almost any meal.

Dehesa del Carrizal

Located near the mountains of Toledo, this winery is rather young, having been born in 1987. Both of the wines being offered from Dehesa del Carrizal were exquisite. We started with the 2010 Chardonnay, which was aged three months in French oak. It was super light and refreshing. We also tried their 2008 Syrah, which was aged for 12 months in French oak and was incredibly smooth. Unfortunately for us, these wines are not yet being imported to the U.S. but we are definitely keeping our fingers crossed!