Bodegas Marques de Reinosa

Located in the Basque country of northern Spain, this is the best known of all Spanish wine regions and the first to be accredited by the Consejo Regulador when it was established in 1926 to control production and quality. It comprises three sub regions, climate affecting the wine styles from each. In broad terms, Rioja Alta and Alavesa produce the more delicate wines and focus on the Tempranillo grape, whilst Rioja Baja wines are generally made with a higher proportion of Garnacha, due to the hotter, Meditarranean influenced climate in this area. Rioja is Spain's biggest wine exporter.

Whilst bodegas abound in Rioja and well-known brands continue to dominate, classic, traditional Rioja styles are increasingly being challenged by a new generation of winemakers who are creating contemporary styles ranging from alta expression reds to youthful, zesty whites and increasingly, rosados. Thus, Rioja is adapting to changing world trends and nowadays encompasses a palette of wines to suit all tastes.

BODEGAS MARQUES DE REINOSA

This brand new bodega cooperative lies just outside the town of Autol in sub-region Rioja Baja, and boasts 1200 hectares of owned vineyards. All wines are estate bottled and made from vines grown on the estate. Rioja Baja (compared to Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa) yields Tempranillo grapes of a different character that deliver  greater concentrationj and deeper colour. Belying its contemporary look this winery has a proud heritage stretching back well over one hundred years. Founder, Marquis of Reinosa, was a key player in the development of Rioja wine during the second half of the 19^th century, shaping the industry for what it has become today.

Today, Bodegas Marques de Reinosa marries latest technology with heritage to produce modern style red, white and rose Rioja wines which are sold throughout Spain and in international markets across the world.

Pesquera in the heart of Ribera del Duero

The home of Vega Sicilia, Ribera del Duero is arguably one of Spain's most prestigious wine regions. Situated along the banks of the River Duero (which accommodates 5 D.O.s along its route), the high altitude vineyards planted at around 800mtrs, experience high diurnal temperature contrast.

The predominant grape grown is Tinta del Pais, a close relation of the famous Tempranillo grape. However, due to the region's unique climate, red wines from Tinta del Pais display quite different characteristics compared to the Tempranillo grape grown in neighbouring Rioja. White wines are not permitted under the Ribera del Duero designation.

Today, wines from this region are respected worldwide and are recognised as among the finest in Spain. This, however, is reflected in the price, and the proliferation of boutique wineries that have sprung up to challenge the more established producers.

BODEGAS TORREMORON

Founded in 1957 this bodega is a co-operative of 130 members boasting 250 hectares of vineyards, in some cases well over 60 years old. All grapes are carefully selected by hand with the older vines supplying the fruit for crianzas and reservas. A newly refurbished winery was inaugurated in 1997, with the addition of 700 American and French oak barrels, stainless steel, temperature-controlled fermentation and storage vessels and a state-of-the art bottling hall.

An important producer in the region, their wines are sold under the Torremoron, Senderillo and Tiberio labels and exported largely to Europe, North America and Asia. An excellent rosado is also produced using the indigenous Albillo grape

100 year old Tinta de Toro vines at Estancia Piedra

TORO

High on the plains north-west of Madrid, this region takes its name from the medieval town of Toro, which sits on the river Duero, flowing east to west and providing for the vineyards on its way.

Rapidly establishing itself as one of the most exciting wine-producing areas in Spain, the principal grape is the Tinta de Toro, a variety of Tempranillo. At 600m altitude, with hot days and cool nights, the grape is able to concentrate its flavours, producing deep colour with intense fruit and tannins.

Other authorised grape varieties include Garnacha, Verdejo and Malvasia which are used to make good quality whites and rosados. However, red wines are the benchmark with all categories from jovenes, crianzas through to reservas and gran reservas. Reds must contain at least 75% Tinta de Toro.

ESTANCIA PIEDRA

This brand new bodega sits amidst its own vineyards, in the valley of the River Guarena, a tributary of the Duero. Tinta de Toro and Garnacha predominate, some vines being over 100 years old. Meticulous vineyard husbandry and cutting edge wine making technology is the order of the day complemented by carefully crafted cellar management for the ageing process. Estancia Piedra's aim is to produce top quality international style, with vibrant fruit flavours and traditional Spanish elegance, as evidenced by a string of prestigious international accolades

Ancient Garnacha vines at 600 metres

Terra Alta, quite literally the high land, is a rugged landscape with ancient, hilly vineyards on a plateau some 500 metres above sea level inland from Tarragona city. Limestone soil with good drainage and the Mediterranean climate with continental influences produce excellent conditions for the growing of quality Tempranillo, Garnacha and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes that form the backbone of the region's reds.

As with neighbouring Priorat and Montsant, Terra Alta was a region of co-operatives making wine in bulk for blending. Today, these bodegas are using the latest technology to produce complex wines at highly competitive prices compared to their better-known peers in North Spain. Terra Alta is a perfect example of the so-called New Spain and is fast gaining international acclaim.

MONTSANT

The Montsant region is isolated by mountains forming a natural barrier to the sea thus giving the effect of a mild continental climate coupled with the humid sea breezes. The landscape is stunning with small terraced vineyards, and the dramatic, massif Montsant (holy mountain) dominating the skyline.
The wines from the region originate from Roman times, Tarragona province being the centre for Roman occupation of Spain. The predominant grape varieties are Garnacha, Carinena and Tempranillo, with increasing use of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. In a new era of stainless steel, combined with perfect terroir, Montsant has seen rapid growth of small, individualistic bodegas producing a range of high quality, blended wines.

PRIORAT

The name Priorat means Priory and is taken from Priorat de Scala Dei, for centuries a working winery and still producing to the present day. One of the most remote highland locations in Catalunya, the Priorat region ranges in altitude from 100m to 700m and has a huge diversity of micro-climates and a unique soil structure in Llicorella. Yields are low from the ancient vines, mainly Garnacha and Carinena over 100 years old, producing highly complex, concentrated  red wines bursting with fruit. Small, hilly plots make harvesting extremely complex and expensive. Judicious use of new French barricas for ageing  produces fresher, less oaky styles than traditional Spanish reds. Accordingly, limited production and new-wave winemaking mean that the Priorat region has attained international fame with correspondingly high prices

CELLERS UNIO

Founded in the 1960s, this cooperative was initially set up to sell deeply coloured, highly alcoholic bulk wines to large domestic and foreign negociants. Today, with ultra-modern facilities, 250 members and 500 hectares under vine, encompassing D.O.s of Priorat, Montsant, Terra Alta and Tarragona, the bodega is now focused on developing its own range of bottled wines for export markets (currently over 25 world-wide), whilst maintaining its presence as a key player in the domestic market.

Whilst producing a full range of red, white, rose and dulce or dessert wine styles, the bodega specialises in two main areas - keenly priced Reserva and Gran Reserva blends and entry-level varietal wines, fresh and approachable in style. A relatively recent initiative is a range of wines from D.O. Catalunya, a new designation which permits wine to be made from grapes sourced from anywhere in the state of Catalunya.

12th century bridge on the Camino de Santiago at Adegas Castro Brey

The Rias Baixas, literally meaning lower estuaries, lies in the north-west corner of Spain in the most lush and green of all regions, Galicia, bordering the Atlantic coast and the Portugese border to the south.

The region is best known for the Albarino grape, indigenous to Galicia and also northern Portugal where it is known as Alvarinho. Other white grape varieties grown are Treixadura, Caino, and Loureira (or Godello). The temperate climate produces difficult growing conditions requiring high vineyard maintenance. This together with fragmented plantations and small-scale bodegas means the wines tend to sell at premium prices. Albarino wines are aromatic, fresh and elegant; and are deservedly  recognised as being the finest white wines in Spain and ranked among the best in the world.

ADEGAS CASTRO BREY

Adegas Castro Brey was founded by Jose Castro Brey in 1985 in the tiny village of Camanzo, Vila de Cruces near Santiago de Compostela. A small family business in an area steeped in wine history, the bodega owns 10 hectares of vineyards along the valley of the river Ulla in the sub-zone Val do Salnes.
A compact, modern winery produces three Albarino mono-varietal wines, Senorio de Cruces, Castro Valdes and Sin Palabras which are widely exported. A fourth white wine Senorio da Regas, is an Albarino based blend of four local grape varieties.

CAVA  

GRUPO OLIVEDA

See above under EMPORDA. Familia Oliveda is a family concern based in the heart of Dali country. Lying at the foot of the Pyrenees, where they tend 50 hectares of their own vines, the winery produces a full range of Cava styles, blanco and rosat under the Familia Oliveda brand.

The winery has invested in new technology over the years to extract the very best from their quality fruit, whilst maintaining the traditional winemaking techniques which lend their wines a singular character.A beautiful winery to visit with it's stone facade and original refurbished buildings, it includes a wine museum, gourmet store plus traditional cellars.

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