Rioja Reserva 2006, Bodegas Urbina
A family-run estate that practises organic methods.
The bodega is situated in Cuzcurrita de Río Tirón, on the north-western edge of Rioja.
Four generations of the family have dedicated themselves to the cultivation of their vineyards and the production of wine.
Their sole objective, the production of quality wines, has been achieved as the result of careful viticulture using traditional techniques, harvesting by hand and avoiding the use of weed killers and pesticides.The 2006 Reserva Especial contains Tempranillo, Mazuelo and Graziano and has more complex, caramelised
aromas. The maturity of this wine really sets it apart from other Riojas and is a steal at this price. With the oak and fruit flavours fully integrating, this is deliciously smooth and really quite special.Drink with grilled lamb...
‘El Candado’ Pedro Ximenez Sherry, Valdespino
Valdespino is one of the oldest bodegas in Jerez, with a history of Sherry production going back six centuries. Back in 1264, Alfonso Valdespino was one of 24 knights who fought against the Arabs for the city of Jerez with King Alfonso X. As a reward for his efforts he was given land that formed the basis of the bodega. Today Valdespino belongs to the Estevez family, who purchased the bodega in 1999.This delicious Pedro Ximenez has a liquid Christmas cake character, great depth and a lovely flick of acidity on the finish which serves to emphasise the unctuous sweetness and flavours of dried fig and raisins.Great poured over vanilla ice cream, with mince pies, hard or blue cheese, or just on it's own after a meal
‘Hecula’ Monastrell, Castano, Yecla
Based in Yecla, Familia Castaño is known for its huge efforts to promote one of Spain’s native varieties: Monastrell. Castaño embodies the best of what southern Spain has to offer, producing rich, warm-climate wines, with almost Syrah-like complexity, which overdeliver in terms of value year after year. Castaño began bottling characterful, single-varietal Monastrell in the 1980s, when the variety was used exclusively for bulk wines and blending. Today, in the expert hands of Daniel Castaño and his family, the variety maintains high quality even at moderate to generous yields. 80% of the family’s 600 hectares of vineyards are dedicated to Monastrell, with smaller plantings of Cabernet Sauvignon, Macabeo and Chardonnay among others.This is a big, rich, full-bodied wine made from the Monastrell grape in the Yecla region of south west Spain. Really over-delivers for the price; so tasty! Has always been one of our favourites, and now it's certified organic! Win WinA great steak wine, but also just one of the best all-round wines on the market. Seriously good.