Spanish Wines Gaining in Popularity and Availability

Opening a bottle of Spanish wine is sometimes a bit like being Forrest Gump with a box of chocolates – you never know what you’re going to find inside.

But if you’re hesitant about giving wines from Spain a try let me assure you that there are some exceptional choices available locally. Spanish wines also come in a myriad of flavors and styles and there’s the potential for much greater variety than what you might find among domestic wines. To put thing in perspective – Spain is home to almost 150 wine producing grape varietals while in Washington State the bulk of our wine production comes from less than 30.

Cava, the sparkling wine of Spain, makes a great choice to serve when guests arrive. Try the Augusti Torello Aliguer Cava Brut Vintage 2004 (pictured at left, about $12) for starters. Made primarily from the macabeo grape and two other white varietals, it’s slightly yeasty with hints of apple and citrus and a crisp, bone-dry finish.

For another refreshing change of pace, the Lagar de Castelo 2006 Albariño (about $14) is an incredible white wine. It has a gentle floral aroma, beautiful honeydew melon and lime flavors, well-balanced acidity and a bit of herbaceousness. Serve it well chilled with salads, seafood or shellfish.

The Casa de Illana 2006 Tradición (about $12) is both an outstanding red wine and an outstanding value. This blend of bobal, tempranillo and syrah is loaded with cherry and berry flavors, followed by touches of licorice and sweet oak. Although it’s a fairly big wine with good structure, the fruit component and softness on the finish really shine through.

You’ll find these wines at local wine shops and grocers, and if not in stock they can be special ordered for you.