Valdepenas

Region: Spain, Valdepenas

Grape variety: Sauvignon Blanc

Background: Valdepeñas takes its name from the ancient city by the same name that lies on a sun-baked river valley dotted by small rocky formations (Val-de-peñas – Valley of Rocks). Located in the South of Castilla-La Mancha in central Spain. The area is almost entirely encircled by both La Mancha Denominación de Origen on the North border and Andalusia on its Southern limits. It experiences extreme weather conditions, with temperatures reaching up to over 40 ºC in the summer and dropping to as low as -10 ºC in the winter. The future of this Denominación de Origen lays with its red wines made from Tempranillo; a grape variety that enjoys the ability to age well as crianza, reserva and gran reserva.

Tasting notes: This fresh and intense wine has flowery and fruity aromas. On the palate, it has a rich smooth body with balanced acidity and hints of fennel, herbs, citrus, melon and peach.

VEGAN

Region: Spain, Valdepenas

Grape variety: Tempranillo

Background: From a family cellar twice awarded 'Best Producer in Spain' comes this seductively mellow, barrel aged Reserva. It's from Valdepeñas where, for centuries, they've been making superb quality Reserva reds. Enjoy silky berry fruit with lavish spice. For centuries Valdepeñas in central Spain has prided itself on its fine, long aged reds that cellar well. Yet few know the name. It means ‘valley of stones’, and the stony soils and sun-baked climate provide ideal conditions for vines. Winemaker at this outstanding family cellar is Antolin Gonzalez, who himself has many awards to his name. He insists on the finest Tempranillo grapes from his oldest vineyards for this Reserva.

Tasting notes: This wine is a brilliant cherry red in colour, which exhibits a powerfully long and consistent aroma, characterised by vanilla, chocolate, spices and jammy fruits. On the palate it is full-bodied, complex and elegant with well-structured tannins and a long smooth finish.

Those wizened old-timers yield a frugal harvest, but the grapes they produce are concentrated knots of flavour, translating to glassfuls of really intense fruit. With a year in oak, and over three years in bottle too, this Reserva has lots of mellow complexity.

Food pairing:  Enjoy with poultry, light game or a creamy risotto.