Spain

Understanding Ribera del Duero

Articles, Ribera del Duero, Spain

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By

Simon Judge

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14 November 2023

Ribera del Duero, a wine region in Spain, is mainly known for its red wines. Situated along the Duero River in the northern plateau of the Iberian Peninsula, Ribera del Duero benefits from a unique climate, higher altitude and a rich winemaking heritage. The region gained its Denominación de Origen (DO) status in 1982. The…
Feliz Rioja, November 2023

Events, Rioja, Spain

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By

Simon Judge

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2 November 2023

This November, the UK will have Feliz Rioja, a month-long event set to highlight the prominence of the Rioja wine-producing region across various outlets in the UK. Independent retailers, restaurants and wine bars throughout the country have registered their participation. With over 100 outlets involved, the event aims to provide a comprehensive exposure to Rioja…
Specially Selected Rioja Rosado

Aldi, Reviews, Rioja, Rose, Spain

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By

Simon Judge

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26 October 2023

Aldi’s Specially Selected Rioja Rosado 2022 has a DOC certification. While it’s advertised as being pink, I think the wine has a more golden hue. My wife, who picked this wine from Aldi, likens its taste to that of rosehip cordial. It’s a dry wine with a hint of fruitiness, making it ok on its…
French Winemakers Destroy Spanish Wine

France, News, Spain

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By

Simon Judge

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24 October 2023

The Telegraph newspaper has reported that, in a striking move against what they see as unfair competition, around 500 French wine makers from Narbonne and Perpignan stopped lorries importing Spanish wines at the border town of Boulou. They emptied thousands of gallons of rosé and smashed 10,000 bottles of Spanish sparkling wine on the roads….
New Free Rioja Wine Academy Course

News, Rioja, Spain

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By

Simon Judge

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3 October 2023

The Rioja Wine Academy, backed by the Rioja DOCa Control Board, has launched a free introductory online course called Rioja Enthusiast. This course is the academy’s first aimed at consumers and wine lovers with no prior knowledge of wine. The course covers the fundamentals of Rioja wine in just four hours, including topics like reading…
Spain’s Historic Low Wine Harvest

Climate Change, News, Spain

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By

Simon Judge

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27 September 2023

Spain’s wine industry is grappling with its smallest harvest ever recorded, largely due to a series of extreme weather events. The 2023 grape harvest has been severely impacted by droughts, hail storms and heat waves, affecting vineyards across the country. Spain is expected to produce only 34.25 million hectolitres of grapes this year, representing a…
Sainsbury’s Cava Brut

Cava, Reviews, Sainsbury’s, Spain

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By

Simon Judge

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9 September 2023

Sainsbury’s Cava Brut is a great find for those who are looking for a middle ground, taste-wise, between Prosecco and Champagne. Fermented in the bottle using the traditional method, this Cava features a blend of Macabeo, Xarel-lo and Parellada grapes. While the reviews on Sainsbury’s website are a mixed bag, I suspect that some of…
Espartero Reserva Rioja

Asda, Reviews, Rioja, Spain, Tempranillo

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By

Simon Judge

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1 September 2023

This 2017 Reserva, from Bodegas Riovinsa, previously won a bronze medal from the International Wine Challenge, where it was described as having notes of herbs, tea leaves and red cherries. It was also a Bronze Winner at the 2023 Decanter World Wine Awards. Since its establishment in 1926, the winery has been operated by three…
Palacio Di Vivero Rueda

Asda, Reviews, Spain, Verdejo, White

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By

Simon Judge

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5 August 2023

ASDA Extra Special Rueda, a wine crafted from Verdejo grapes sourced from Spain’s Rueda region, is a hidden gem due to its relative obscurity. This dry, sharp and citrusy wine offers great value for money and a pleasing depth of flavour. Its qualities have been recognised in the IWSC 2022 with a bronze award, and…

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