From Rioja to Rueda
This week, we are taking a little foray outside of our beloved France and heading back into Spain. The 3rd largest wine producing nation on earth is one that to this day is criminally underrepresented and underappreciated at the top level, particularly in the British wine sphere! So today we are excited to highlight an absolutely delicious red and white from two of our favourite winemakers in North Central Spain!
Firstly, we are delighted to bring you an extraordinary expression of Garnacha from high altitude, old vine vineyards in Navarra: the 2016 Pasos de San Martin. Juan Carlos Lòpez de Lacalle, owner and winemaker of Artadi, has established himself as one of the greatest names in Spanish winemaking. Playing by his own rulebook, over the last 3 decades he has transformed Bodegas Artadi, from its humble beginnings as a small co-operative, into an undisputed superstar on the world wine stage.
In addition to this, he has almost single-handedly changed the face of Rioja, by shunning the antiquated Spanish wine laws, and concentrating purely on quality and terroir, rather than excessive ageing in wood. Over the years, Juan Carlos has also expanded the operation, opening domaines in Navarra (Artazu) and in Alicante (El Sequé), embracing the challenge of overseeing the cultivation of the ancient varietals of Garnacha and Monastrell, with the same dedication and philosophy. His wines truly display the essence of each varietal in their purest form and are a pleasure to drink, and the 2016 Pasos de San Martin is no exception. It is a delicious wine that has plenty of delicate nuances, but which is full of power and character.
Secondly, we are excited to highlight the stunning 2017 Verdejo Superior from Domaine of Caserio de Duenas, in Rueda. The winery is run today by the remarkable Almudena Alberca, one of the most renowned winemakers in Spain and the first Spanish woman to achieve the status of Master of Wine.
It is a singular estate, with a history dating back to the 1700s, with over 300 hectares of prime vineyard land in the heart of Rueda, some being amongst the most highly regarded in the region, in terms of quality. Thanks to minimal intervention throughout the whole winemaking process, the characteristics of the Verdejo variety are preserved fully, in all their facets. Almudena crafts some of the most profound and expressive Verdejo wines around, and if you are a fan of great Spanish whites, this is not to be missed.
Gauntleys Mixed Wine Cases From Rioja to Rueda - Six-Bottle Mixed Case
This special offer mixed case contains 3x each of the following wines:
2016 Pasos de San Martin – Artadi 2017 Verdejo Superior - Caserío de Dueñas
The 3rd largest wine producing nation on earth is one that to this day is criminally underrepresented and underappreciated at the top level, particularly in the British wine sphere! So today we are excited to highlight an absolutely delicious red and white from two of our favourite winemakers in North Central Spain!
2016 Pasos de San Martin
100% Garnacha, organically grown from vineyards located in San Martin de Unx, in Navarra, on sloped vineyards at 600m elevation. Bright ruby in the glass, this is a big, energetic, fruit driven Garnacha. Full bodied and rich, the palate is nicely textured with fine-grained chalky tannins and ample freshness. Violets, plums, blackcurrants and cherries engulf the nose and palate, accompanied by subtle orange-peel, herbs, vanilla and a smokey backbone from a small amount of harmoniously integrated French oak ageing. Delicious, it is a wine that has plenty of delicate nuances, but which is full of power and authenticity.
2017 Verdejo Superior
The Verdejo superior is a gorgeous wine, from over 60-year-old vines, with great aromatic intensity. The nose lights up with Citrus aromas delicately interlaced with notes of chamomile, fennel, and subtle touches of honey. The palate is wonderfully balanced with light creamy notes, intertwined with citrus, limes and grapefruit. Thanks to a small amount of time on its lees, it has a wonderful silky texture and great breadth and volume, which is all streamlined with some mouth-watering acidity and a refreshing minerality. It would perfectly accompany a wide variety of dishes including fish, white meats, salads, a variety of vegetable dishes, foie gras and cheeses.
Gauntleys Mixed Wine Cases From Rioja to Rueda - Two Bottle Pairing
The 3rd largest wine-producing nation on earth is one that to this day is criminally underrepresented and underappreciated at the top level, particularly in the British wine sphere! So today we are excited to highlight an absolutely delicious red and white from two of our favourite winemakers in North Central Spain!
Containing 1x each of the following wines:
2016 Pasos de San Martin
100% Garnacha, organically grown from vineyards located in San Martin de Unx, in Navarra, on sloped vineyards at 600m elevation. Bright ruby in the glass, this is a big, energetic, fruit driven Garnacha. Full bodied and rich, the palate is nicely textured with fine-grained chalky tannins and ample freshness. Violets, plums, blackcurrants and cherries engulf the nose and palate, accompanied by subtle orange-peel, herbs, vanilla and a smokey backbone from a small amount of harmoniously integrated French oak ageing. Delicious, it is a wine that has plenty of delicate nuances, but which is full of power and authenticity.
2017 Verdejo Superior
The Verdejo superior is a gorgeous wine, from over 60-year-old vines, with great aromatic intensity. The nose lights up with Citrus aromas delicately interlaced with notes of chamomile, fennel, and subtle touches of honey. The palate is wonderfully balanced with light creamy notes, intertwined with citrus, limes and grapefruit. Thanks to a small amount of time on its lees, it has a wonderful silky texture and great breadth and volume, which is all streamlined with some mouth-watering acidity and a refreshing minerality. It would perfectly accompany a wide variety of dishes including fish, white meats, salads, a variety of vegetable dishes, foie gras and cheeses.