Spain
Albamar 2021 Albino Blanc de Noirs
Pear and wild strawberry meet tart cranberry, citrus peel and a touch of pepper. The palate is bone-dry and energetic, with bright acidity, pronounced minerality and a saline, gently bitter finish. This unusual blanc de noirs benefits from air and pairs well with grilled fish, shellfish or savoury rice dishes.
Suertes del Marqués 2017 El Lance 7 Fuentes
Blackberry, cherry and wild strawberry open the nose, joined by crushed stone and a lift of wild herbs. Light to medium-bodied yet supple, the palate carries juicy red and dark fruit over fresh acidity and finely shaped tannins. Volcanic mineral character brings tension to a dry, lively and savoury finish.
Castell d’Encus 2014 Quest
Peppery and herbal on the nose, with cassis, blackberry and a cool minty lift over restrained oak. The palate is silky and intensely savoury, its dark fruit carried by ultra-fine tannins and a fresh, poised line. Dark spice gathers through the finish, leaving an elegant mountain-grown red with concentration, clarity and remarkable composure.
Las Moradas de San Martín 2018 Las Luces Vinos de Madrid
Cherry-coloured and aromatic, with wild berries, balsamic herbs, liquorice and grapefruit lifted by a clear note of thyme. Broad and unctuous on the palate, it carries the mineral stamp of dry-farmed granite soils without losing freshness. Excellent natural acidity balances the depth, leading to an elegant, persistent finish with a subtle bitter edge.
Viña Ane 2019 Autor Eduardo Monge Rioja 1.5L (Magnum)
Perfumed raspberry and black cherry lead, sharpened by fine baking spice and cracked pepper. The palate is medium-bodied and composed, with an easy lift of acidity carrying the fruit through long, firm but polished tannins. Harmonious and finely judged, it finishes with lingering cherry, spice and quiet oak warmth rather than overt weight.
Hammeken Cellars 2013 Tosalet Vinyes Velles Priorat
Cranberry, red cherry and blackberry lead a concentrated aroma, joined by tobacco, cocoa and eucalyptus. The palate is full and structured, with firm, ripe tannins giving shape to the dark fruit. Slate and cracked pepper add a savoury mineral edge, while liquorice brings depth through the middle. The finish is long and warming, carrying fruit, spice and cocoa in a composed, persistent line.
Vega Sicilia Valbuena 5° 2008 Ribera del Duero
Serious and tightly drawn, with dark cherry and black fruit joined by blood orange, dried herbs, forest floor, black tea and a subtle balsamic note. The palate is long rather than broad, driven by juicy acidity, fine tannins and a firm mineral edge. Savoury and precise through the finish, it rewards decanting and pairs well with lamb or slow-cooked beef.
Albamar 2020 Clarete Mencía Rosado
Wild strawberry, red cherry and citrus peel lead, with herbal and lightly savoury notes adding depth. The palate is dry, brisk and saline, its fresh acidity rounded by six months on the lees without overt oak flavour. Energetic and quietly complex, it works well with grilled prawns, charcuterie, tomato salads or lightly spiced dishes.
Escudero Vermouth De Garnacha G Reserva
An aromatic Garnacha-based vermouth with ripe fruit, honey and dried citrus, layered with rosemary, thyme, cinnamon and woodland herbs. The palate balances gentle sweetness with the clean bitterness of wormwood, while nutty and herbal notes carry the finish. Serve it chilled over ice with an orange twist, or alongside olives, almonds and savoury snacks.
