Category: Spain

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…

Understanding the terms on Spanish wine labels is crucial for any wine enthusiast looking to fully appreciate the rich diversity of Spanish wines. Spanish wine labels, much like their French counterparts, are laden with terms that convey essential information about the origin, quality, and characteristics of the wine. Mastery of these terms not only enhances one’s ability to make informed…

History of Sangria Sangria traces its roots back to Spain where it has become an iconic part of Spanish culture. The word “sangria” is derived from the Spanish word “sangre,” meaning blood, which refers to the drink’s deep red colour. Its origins can be traced back to ancient times when the Romans would mix wine with water, fruits, and spices…

My only video interview of a winery not in South America at VanWineFest 2023 comes from José Luis Muguiro Jr from Marqués de Riscal in Spain.  Earlier in the VanWineFest week I had a winery dinner with him at Homer St Cafe and it was one of the best and most memorable dinners I have ever had at VanWineFest. Marqués…

If you have not yet purchased your ticket for Top Drop, which is on May 23 and 24 evenings, you should as the tickets are almost sold out.  Plus the ticket sales help support the BC Hospitality Foundation which provides financial support for hospitality workers coping with extraordinary health crisis costs. Here are the full details of Top Drop.  See you there!…