Category: Spain

I enjoy working with wine agents.  They gather wines from around the world and offer the wines to us for our enjoyment.  This year is the 10th Anniversary of World Wine Synergy (WWS), and I was fortunate, along with other wine trade people to celebrate this anniversary at La Quercia restaurant.  Over those 10 years I’ve been invited to meet…

The wines of BC and the rest of the world, excluding the USA, were the last of the wines I tasted at the International Festival Tasting Room during VanWineFest 2025.     Read through my wine tasting notes below and if you find some wines that spark your interest, check out your local BC Liquor store, some private wine shops,…

Grupo Marqués del Atrio, a respected name in Spanish winemaking, combines tradition and innovation to craft high-quality wines from some of Spain’s most renowned regions. With deep roots in Rioja, the winery produces elegant, terroir-driven Tempranillo-based wines that showcase rich fruit, balanced oak, and refined structure. Expanding beyond Rioja, Marqués del Atrio also works with vineyards in Navarra, Utiel-Requena, and…

Cava, often referred to as the “Champagne of Spain,” is a sparkling wine that hails primarily from the Penedès region in Catalonia, Spain. Known for its vibrant bubbles and complex flavours, Cava is produced using the traditional method, similar to that of Champagne, which involves a second fermentation in the bottle. Origins of Cava The roots of Cava can be…

The Airén grape is a white grape variety native to Spain. Despite its relative anonymity compared to more famous varietals like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, the Arién grape holds a significant place in the history of Spanish wine making and has an intriguing profile that contributes to its unique character. Historical Roots The Arién grape has deep historical roots in…

It is Aug-uary in Vancouver.  I cannot see the north shore mountains and the clouds are covering the tops of the concrete towers that are spread across the lower mainland.  Red wines are on my horizon. So I dipped into my wine cellar and decided to open two red wines from Europe.  The first wine is CVNE Viña Real Crianza…

The history of Rioja wine is as rich as its flavour. Nestled in the northern region of Spain, Rioja’s winemaking tradition dates back centuries, with evidence of grape cultivation and wine production tracing back to the Roman Empire. However, it wasn’t until the 19th century that Rioja began to gain international recognition, thanks to advancements in winemaking techniques and the…

The red wines of Rioja, Spain, are renowned for their rich history and exceptional quality. Produced primarily from the Tempranillo grape, these wines often exhibit complex flavours of ripe fruit, oak, and spice, with a characteristic balance of acidity and tannins. Among the distinguished producers in the region, Marqués de Riscal stands out as a beacon of excellence. Founded in…

Sherry, a fortified wine with a rich and storied history, traces its origins back to the sun-drenched vineyards of the Jerez region in southern Spain. Dating back to the 9th century, this distinctive wine has endured centuries of transformation and refinement. Sherry gained international acclaim in the 18th century when British merchants developed a taste for its unique flavours. After…

This year I had many terrific wines to taste and review.  Wines that I rate as 5 star I deem as needing nothing to add or subtract.  They are perfect as-is.  I had one wine that reached that status this year so instead of making a separate article for that wine, I am including it in this article.  My 4.5-5…