I knew I had an interesting endeavor on my hands at my local wine shop when the response to my question, “Could you show me which white wines from Spain you carry?” was met with “Ummm, we really don’t carry many Spanish whites since no one really wants to buy them. But I can show you one.” I purchased a lovely wine from the Rueda region and decided to go in search of the Great White…Wine from Spain. More wine shops were called and comments included “Spanish whites are competing against the Chardonnays and Sauvignon Blancs”, “We only carry Cava”, “There is a better price point for Spanish reds”, and “Everyone just wants Rioja”. Never one to shy away from a challenge, I did find a Verdejo from La Mancha and an Albarino from Rias Biaxas from a knowledgeable manager at a large wine shop in the Chicago area – and found all at quite reasonable prices.
White wines from Spain may be light and crisp or more full bodied and can pair beautifully with fresh seafood or simple tapas. I enjoyed *many* of them while people watching at the plazas in Barcelona, relaxing on the veranda during a long day of sightseeing in Madrid, or at a tapas bar absorbing the sights and sounds of beautiful Spain.
But, these guys at the wine shops in the States may be right. Spanish whites may not be at the top of the list, but if we, as consumers, ask for something different, there may be more choices in the stores. Maybe us Americans need to broaden our horizons and try something new from time to time. I love a good Napa Cabernet Sauvignon, Oregon Pinot Noir, Virginia Viognier, or Washington State Riesling like the true patriot I am, but geesh, people…let’s learn about something else and actually taste it! And many of these wines are really good (just sayin’)!
So, here is a brief description of the main white grapes of Spain and some tasting notes of the three wines I did try here in the good ‘ole USA. Of course, as you may expect, these grapes are not only grown in the areas mentioned…but these areas are where the grapes are most predominant. As already written in Monday’s post, the site www.winesfromspain.com is excellent for detailed information~
- Verdejo – This grape variety can be made in a lighter bodied, crisp, melon and peach flavored style or a richer, fuller bodied wine that has undergone skin contact and barrel fermentation. It is mainly found in the Rueda region in the Duero Valley. With this region’s chalky soil and continental climate with cool summer nights, these wines may be aromatic and acidic. And delicious~
- Albarino – This grape is mainly grown in the north west of Spain (although the tasting note below if of a wine from La Mancha) and is thick skinned helping it to resist fungal disease. It shows intense peach, apricot, and fruit and high acidity. With differing winemaking techniques, this may made in a more full style.
- Viura – Viura is found in the Rioja region and can be made into a crisp white wine with herb and spice aromas. Traditionally, it was the main grape in heavily oaked white Riojas.
- Airen – The most widely planted grape variety in Spain is…this white grape! Who knew?? The vast majority is planted in La Mancha and is able to survive the heat and drought conditions of the Meseta which is surrounded by mountains which eliminate the effects of the sea.
- Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay – Most, but not all, are grown in the northeast of Spain and may be used as blends with local varieties. An interesting point is that the consumer may have an “ah ha!” moment when they read a familiar varietal on the label thus giving a local producer a commercial outlet which he or she may not have had.
So what did I (finally) purchase and try?
***Telmo Rodriguez Rueda Baso Blanco 2009 – I loved this wine from the Rueda region! With a pale lemon color and aromas of peach, pear, and minerality, the wine on the palate was dry with high acid and showed flavors of citrus, a bit of grapefruit, green grass, and melon. The Baso Blanco was balanced, had a fresh, lingering finish and consisted of 80% Verdejo, 10% Viura, and 10% Sauvignon Blanc grapes with 13% alcohol. The price was around $12.00 and was a fantastic bargain! I will definitely purchase this wine again. Those at Wine Spectator loved it, too, and deemed it worthy of their “Wine of the Day” for February 25, 2011. (www.telmorodriguez.com)
***2010 Martin Codax Albarino – Now this was interesting. From the Rias Baixas region in the northwest corner of Spain, this wine was pale lemon with some earth, vanilla, and rose aromas. (Yes, I, too was surprised to “smell the roses”.) On the palate were low key notes of apricot, melon, pear, and peach. The acidity was high and it was crisp and refreshing, but no one factor jumped out at me – this was a balanced wine. But with the earth component? I’m not sure…Made with 100% Albarino grapes and consisting of 13% alcohol, I’ll buy this wine again because it was different, unusual, and made me want to learn how to use the castanets! Price point was $15.00. (www.martincodaxwines.com)
***Paso a Paso Verdejo 2010 – Well, now, I’m sipping as I write this post! And it’s pretty nice if I do say so myself. From La Mancha (think Don Quixote) and made from 100% Verdojo grapes from the first Verdejo to be planted in La Mancha (!), this wine is pale lemon in color and displays citrusy aromas such as peach, apricot, and kiwi. I’m tasting more peach, apricot, kiwi, some pear and apple thrown in for good measure plus some minerality. Its finish is lingering and very satisfying! The price was $10.00 and sooo worth it.
If you are still reading this (thank you!), I’ll give a mention to just a few of the white wines I tried in Spain! Sorry there are no tasting notes…I was too busy people watching and trying to learn some flamenco dancing moves:)
***2009 Perelada Chardonnay
***Vino el Abuelo Blanco Verdejo
***Autor de ArUspide Finca Veragua 2009
Cheers to more “grape experiences”…Ole! ~ Cindy
Enjoying Vino el Abuelo Blanco Verdejo at a tapas bar in Madrid~
