Category: Spain

Celebrating 10 Years of Wines and Friendship With World Wine Synergy

 mywinepal  May 30, 2025  0 Comments on Celebrating 10 Years of Wines and Friendship With World Wine Synergy

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…

Non-USA wines at VanWineFest 2025

VanWineFest 2025: My Wine Picks From BC, Europe, and the Southern Hemisphere

 mywinepal  March 31, 2025

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,…

Rafael Ceballos Alcoba from Groupo Marques del Atrio

VanWineFest 2025: A Video Interview with Rafael Ceballos Alcoba from Groupo Marques del Atrio, Spain

 mywinepal  March 19, 2025

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…

Enjoying a glass of Freixenet Cordon Negro

Exploring Cava Wines

 mywinepal  November 24, 2024

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…

Airen vine in Spain (By Fabio Bartolomei - Self-photographed, CC BY 3.0, commons.wikimedia.org)

Spain’s Lesser Known but Widely Planted Arién Grape

 mywinepal  September 3, 2024

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…

CVNE Viña Real Crianza 2019 and Chateau Daviaud 2020

Looking Toward Rioja and Bordeaux for Fall 2024PR SAMPLE 

 mywinepal  August 26, 2024

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…

CVNE red wines from Rioja

Are You a Rioja Wine Fan? Take The Quiz.

 mywinepal  June 23, 2024

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…

Jose Luis Muguiro Jr from Marques de Riscal

A Video Interview with Jose Luis Muguiro Jr from Marques de Riscal at VanWineFest 2024

 mywinepal  March 21, 2024

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…

La Gitana Manzanilla sherry

Time to Test Your Sherry Knowledge with this Quiz

 mywinepal  December 23, 2023

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…

MyWinePal Top 4.5-5 Star Wines

MyWinePal’s Top 4.5 – 5 Star and 5 Star Wines for 2023

 mywinepal  December 14, 2023

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…