Category: Spain

Today I’m reviewing the value wine category with the Run Rafa Run wines from Spain.  Both of these wines are under $12 a bottle in BC.  The label is playful with a bull chasing a man with a red scarf, Rafa, during the Running of the Bulls.  I’m not sure that these wines will give you the machismo to do…

Here are two easy sipping, uncomplicated wines from Spain’s the Thr3 Monkeys, if you want to monkey around on your patio while you enjoy your lunch or dinner this BC Day long weekend.  These wines are listed as vegan friendly.  A very friendly price as well.  The Thr3 Monkeys has a distinct attitude toward wine that they are share with you. …

I’ve been writing a lot about BC wine lately, so I will take a short break and bring you 2 wines from Spain that you can get in BC. Finca Venta de Don Quijote, is a winery located in La Mancha, Spain. Both wines are blends. The first is their Sauvignon Blanc Macabeo 2019 and the other is their Tempranillo…

The Vancouver International Wine Festival 2020 had a GLOBAL CRU Seminar where top wineries from around the world discussed what is meant by “CRU”.  Help put this puzzle together.  There are lots of red wines to make the puzzle challenging.  You can also read about my GLOBAL CRU article here. Here is my source photo to help you along.  …

I was very busy at the Vancouver International Wine Festival 2020.  There were lots of terrific wines from France and around the world, plus the dinners, seminars, and Masterclasses were top notch.  I worked very hard making tasting notes, interviewing winery principals, and trying to learn more about wine so that I can educate you as well.  Below is a…

Although France was the theme country this year at the Vancouver International Wine Festival, there was a great contingent of wineries from around the world and from BC to pour their wines for us.  Below are wines that I enjoyed from countries other than France.  Enjoy! White and Sparkling Wines Cantine Giacomo Montresor Rose Royal Brut NV, Italy – Light…

What is meant by a “Cru” in wine?  The term “Cru” is most often used for the French classification system, but the “Cru” concept can apply to any vineyard region recognized for their superior wine quality. My last seminar during the Vancouver International Wine Festival was on the topic of “cru”.  What it is and how it is expressed.  We…

This year I had many wines that I tasted this year that almost made my 5-star category; 27 white wines and 45 red wines.  These wines I rated as 4.5-5 stars.  When I check over them again, I can remember how much I enjoyed these wines.  Having a 4.5-5 or a 5-star rating does not mean that you need to…

Who Is CVNE? Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España (the Northern Spanish Wine Company) CVNE was founded in 1879 in the town of Haro in Rioja, Spain by 2 brothers.  This is the 140th anniversary of this winery, which is now in its 5th generation of the family. CVNE is now comprised of 4 wineries: CVNE, Imperial, Viña Real and…

As stated by the Vancouver International Wine Festival, “Rhône grapes have made an indelible mark in their native region in France, but are now being grown successfully throughout the wine world. While Syrah, Grenache, Viognier, Marsanne, and Roussanne have unique varietal expressions, they also partner well in a blend. This seminar takes you from Australia to North America’s West Coast…