Our Head of Buying s Top 10s ESNOV17. thewinesociety.com/spain

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1 Our Head of Buying s Top 10s ESNOV17 thewinesociety.com/spain

2 The Cream of the Crop Spain is a wine country transformed by quality a fusion between the traditional and the trendsetting that delivers incomparable variety and value. With the largest number of vineyards of any country in the world, Spain offers an embarrassment of wine riches, and choosing just 50 from the thousands of samples I tasted this year has been both a challenge and a joy. Here I present my top 10 wines, charting five different categories that splice Spain s wines by style, and demonstrate that there are bargains at every level from everyday drinking right up to the country s finest wines. For effortless exploration, I ve also put together a selection of mixed cases for you to enjoy. However, if you choose to select your own Spanish shortlist, I hope you enjoy doing so. Pierre Mansour Head of Buying & Buyer for Spain Selections don t get much more personal than this! To illustrate the point, throughout the offer we ve included some of my handwritten notes penned when I was on the road. Apologies for the scrawl! After visiting numerous suppliers (new and old), tasting, retasting and tasting again, I can confirm that the quality really has never been better. 2

3 Top 10 everyday reds This was perhaps the hardest of these lists to put together, proving in stark terms that the value for money available in Spain today is well-nigh unrivalled. The key is simplicity: healthy local grapes, carefully tended in the vineyard and made in a way that emphasises authentic fruit purity rather than excessive winemaking gloss. Each is a joy to drink. Don t miss them. Sabina Tempranillo, Navarra 2016 A terrific little red, made almost entirely from tempranillo, a grape made famous by Rioja. This example from next-door Navarra also utilises a dash of cabernet, adding an extra level to this fruity, easy-drinking red, and which made it stand out from the crowd. 13.5% ref ES-SP bottle 66 dozen NEW Monasterio de las Viñas Garnacha-Tempranillo, Cariñena 2016 This brilliant wine shows what Spain does best in the value category, without seeing so much as a grain of wood in the winery. Smooth on the palate and full of lively plum-fruit flavour, this is delightfully moreish. 13.5% ref ES-SP bottle 78 dozen Viña Zorzal Garnacha, Navarra 2016 The joy of the garnacha grape is in its abundant fruit and succulence. Zorzal s 2016 is a steal, delivering all of the above without heaviness, and its lively red-berry flavour is unmasked by any oak.13.5% ref ES-SP bottle 81 dozen 3C Premium Selection, Cariñena 2013 This wine shines each time we taste it. Having triumphed in our mammoth annual Wine Champions blind tasting earlier in the year, it stood out again in my selection for this offer. Careful use of French oak lends a rounded indulgence to the wine s succulent blueberry fruit, offering beautiful balance and delicious drinkability. 13.5% The 2014 follows. ref ES-SP bottle 90 dozen Setze Gallets Garnacha-Monastrell, Valencia 2014 A great introduction to a highly individual winery that gives its wine long ageing in subterranean clay amphoras. Like oak barrels, they allow complex secondary flavours to develop and the wine s tannins to soften. Unlike barrels, however, they do not impart any oaky flavour, resulting in a perfumed, savoury and captivating red with attractive hints of cherry. 14% ref ES-SP bottle 90 dozen NEW Parcelas Ecológico Monastrell, Yecla 2016 It was tricky selecting just one example of the wonders being worked with the monastrell grape (aka mourvèdre) in Spain; but among many cracking examples, this new organic red wowed with its rich, concentrated and full-bodied palate, lively healthy blueberry-fruit flavour and stunning value. 14% ref ES-SP bottle 95 dozen Espelt Sauló, Empordà 2016 A vibrant, cherry-flavoured garnacha-cariñena blend from Empordà, right on the border of France s Roussillon. Juicy, ripe and indulgent. 13.5% ref ES-SP bottle 99 dozen Laderas del Tiétar Garnacha, Gredos 2015 A renaissance is afoot in this mountain range near Madrid, whose wines tended to fly under the radar and be sold off in bulk. In recent years a group of talented younger producers has spotted the remarkable quality and individuality these vineyards can offer. This is a highly individual and exciting style of Spanish garnacha: aromatic, fresh, and with a beautiful combination of power and vitality. 14% ref ES-SP bottle 102 dozen Bajondillo, Méntrida 2016 Quite different to the Zorzal earlier, this wonderfully individual pale-coloured garnacha is herby and attractively rustic, with delicate raspberry fruit. An artisan-style red that makes for delicious and fascinating drinking. 14.5% ref ES-SP bottle 102 dozen Finca Antigua Único Crianza, La Mancha 2011 A mellow, smooth blend of tempranillo, cabernet and merlot, matured in old oak barrels, resulting in a smart, integrated, savoury and fleshy red. A good old-fashioned spothitting Spanish wine, so delicious that I just couldn t leave it out of this list. 14% ref ES-SP bottle 102 dozen To order thewinesociety.com/spain

4 Top 10 Riojas Members fondness for Spain s leading fine-wine area has enabled us to expand our range this year. Great news other than when it came to selecting just 10 to feature here! This is a selection of smooth, mellow and delicious wines, the majority of which have been matured for you at source and are ready to drink. Their warmth and glow will complement the winter months perfectly. Enjoy. The Society s Rioja Crianza 2014 Our Rioja is made in the classic style and offers unbeatable value even before this special dozen price, made possible by Bodegas Palacio s support. Every year we select the best and most elegant tempranillo from Palacio s barrels, mostly American oak. The 2014 is smooth, integrated, delicately rich and utterly delicious. 14% ref ES-SP bottle SPECIAL OFFER PRICE: 83 dozen SAVE 10 PER DOZEN Navajas Crianza, Rioja 2013 Widely appealing but authentic with it if this wine was a song it would be a universal chart-topper but still winning plaudits from the music press! Super, vanilla-infused Rioja with vibrant red fruit to support the highquality oak ageing. 13.5% ref ES-SP bottle 99 dozen 4 NEW Bodegas Murua Aclys Crianza, Rioja 2014 With such a sleek elegant style for under 10, this wine was a shoo-in for inclusion here. Next door to famous Riscal, Murua own some of Rioja s finest vineyards yet remain relatively unknown in the UK. This crianza is silky with fleshy red fruit, perfectly enhanced by a touch of smoky oak. 14% ref ES-SP bottle 119 dozen Urbina Crianza, Rioja 2009 A benchmark example of fully mature Rioja in the traditional style. Pedro Benito Urbina looks for finesse, complexity and savoury flavours. This is pale brick red in appearance with silky texture and enticing spicy aromas. Drink this year or next. 13.5% ref ES-SP bottle 126 dozen NEW Los Autores El Brujo Vieja Reserva, Rioja 2011 El Brujo means the wizard, the nickname given to winemaker Ezequiel García, who made the legendary CVNE wines of the 1950s to 1970s and who sadly passed away just months after bottling this extraordinary Rioja. This reserva is his own selection, from top vineyards in Alavesa and Alta, aged in the traditional way. Savoury, mellow and soft, this is a fine Rioja to savour with fine food. Now to % ref ES-SP bottle 167 dozen Muga Reserva, Rioja 2013 In 2013 Jorge Muga decided not to make his top gran reserva, opting instead to declassify all his best grapes into this reserva. The quality shines through every time I taste it. This is rich, flamboyant and perfectly balanced Rioja at a fantastic price for the quality. Now to % ref ES-SP bottle 174 dozen

5 The Society s Exhibition Rioja Reserva is a top vintage in Rioja and this graceful, leathery and round-textured red is made for The Society by the famed La Rioja Alta bodega. A beautiful example of the traditional cask-aged style that members tell us they adore. Now to % The 2011 follows. ref ES-SP bottle 174 dozen Top 10 Spanish Whites La Rioja Alta Viña Arana Reserva, Rioja 2009 Arana is a benchmark example of classic Rioja, aged extensively before release. The 2009 is a delicious vintage. Comprising 95% tempranillo and 5% mazuelo, this is fleshy and smoky with lovely ripe fruit and oaky maturity. Now to % ref ES-SP bottle 228 dozen Tobelos Reserva, Rioja 2012 An exotic, smoky star from this excellent Rioja vintage. Aged in a mix of American and French oak to produce a rich, velvety and sensuous wine that offers plenty of indulgence as well as intricacy. Now to % ref ES-SP bottle 234 dozen NEW Contino Viña del Olivo, Rioja 2014 One of the jewels in Rioja s crown, and only made in exceptional vintages, Olivo is a lush, plump and beautifully structured wine. Whilst the other wines in this top 10 are perfect to enjoy now, this would benefit from a little more age to allow its stunning depth, intensity and clarity to unfurl. It promises a long and rewarding future: snap it up while you can! 2018 to % ref ES-SP bottle 594 dozen MINIMUM PURCHASE APPLIES THEWINESOCIETY.COM/COLLECT More than perhaps any other Spanish wine category, it s the whites that have undergone the most dramatic renaissance in the past few years. Winemakers have reignited, reshaped and ramped up quality to dizzying new heights, and the results are as diverse as they are delightful. It s the cooler corners of the country that seem to really excel, turning out pristine, delicate and elegant wines. My shortlist spans unoaked godello, albariño, verdejo and moscatel, plus one superb barrel-fermented and aged Rioja blanco. Castillo del Barón Macabeo, Yecla, 2016 The macabeo grape is widely planted in Spain (including Rioja, where it is known as viura), but this delicious wine leapt out from the crowd and earned its place in style. Unoaked, clean and gentle, with mouthwatering peachy fruit, it s the perfect bottle for anyday drinking or party quaffing. 12% ref ES-SP bottle 69 dozen Finca Lallana Verdejo 2016 This verdejo was made from organically grown Rueda grapes selected exclusively by us, so it was heartening indeed to see its captivating fragrance stand out in a large line-up of unoaked Spanish whites. Similar to sauvignon blanc, it offers zesty and tropical flavours with an appealing bitter twist. Delicious. 13% ref ES-SP bottle 99 dozen Saleta Moscatel-Sauvignon Blanc 2016 A clever unoaked blend that has proven very popular. Moscatel brings lovely aromatic summer-fruit flavour, while the sauvignon blanc contributes zesty citrus refreshment. A juicy and moreish wine, which is bottled regularly to ensure it retains its youthful vitality. 12% ref ES-SP bottle 81 dozen NEW Massani Dry Muscat 2016 A discovery from a buying trip this summer and tasted again on home turf in Stevenage, this unoaked, dry white is mouthwatering, soft and peachy with a twist of the muscat variety s delightful grapy flavour. Don t miss it. 13% ref ES-SP bottle 102 dozen To order thewinesociety.com/spain

6 Top 10 Spanish Whites (continued) Pazo de Villarei Albariño, Rías Baixas 2016 A lovely fruity introduction to the fresh, aromatic quality of Spain s now famous northwest grape, albariño, and by far the best I have come across at under 10. Simply unbeatable for the money. 13% ref ES-SP bottle 114 dozen Jaspi Blanc, Terra Alta 2016 The cooler climates of Spain make some of the country s most precise and elegant whites, and this Catalan example is a steal at under 10. Mostly from the garnacha blanca grape, complemented by 30% macabeo, its striking succulent floral and herby flavours ensured inclusion in this shortlist. Unoaked. 13.5% ref ES-SP bottle 119 dozen Gaba do Xil Godello, Valdeorras 2016 A previous vintage of this wine was shown by Jancis Robinson MW at a Society tasting to prove, in her words, that when the wine is well made, godello is one of the noble white grapes. This gentle, unoaked and peachy 2016 continues to make the case for this exciting variety. Made by Telmo Rodriguez from fruit grown in the continental climate of eastern Galicia, this is dry and soft with distinctive mineral-toned citrus fruit. Drink this year or next. 12.5% ref ES-SP bottle 131 dozen The Society s Exhibition Albariño, Rías Baixas 2016 The warmer vintage conditions in Galicia in 2016 meant the albariño fruit was harvested with higher than average levels of ripeness. As a result, our Exhibition bottling really stands out this year for its texture, richness and balance. A highly recommended example of this deservedly in-vogue variety. Now to % ref ES-SP bottle 174 dozen Do Ferreiro Albariño, Rías Baixas 2016 One of the most admired albariños in Spain, most of which is drunk by the local market, and one that fully deserves its local reputation. This is refined and lively with lovely citrus-fruit purity. Now to % ref ES-SP bottle 192 dozen Marqués de Murrieta Blanco Capellanía Vineyard, Rioja 2012 A traditionally styled counterpoint to the fresher unoaked whites in this list, this broad, rich oak-aged white Rioja comes from one of the region s top estates. A stylish example of the viura grape made in the traditional way, resulting in smoky, rich and creamy flavour. Murrieta nailed this food-friendly style in Now to % ref ES-SP bottle 216 dozen 6

7 Top 10 fine reds beyond Rioja A wealth of treasures exists beyond Spain s most famous red-wine region, with Ribera del Duero and Priorat both producing stunning, bold, intense but elegant wines, and beacons of quality abounding in Navarra and Toro. This selection gathers my top 10 most impressive examples from the past year: explore them with confidence. Momo Vendimia Seleccionada, Ribera del Duero 2014 Unbelievable value for such quality. Momo is made from the grapes that don t quite make the cut for the main Bóhorquez wine (which sells for nearly double the price). The 2014 is big, plump and powerful exactly what Ribera del Duero should be. Now to % ref ES-SP bottle 126 dozen Viña Zorzal Malayeto Garnacha, Navarra 2015 Another Spanish red with fine-wine credentials that punches well above its humble price tag. Malayeto is an impressive singlevineyard bottling from the young Zorzal team, who own some of Navarra s best old-vine garnacha. This is fine, generous and structured, and while delicious if decanted now, will benefit from some further bottle age. Now to % ref ES-SP bottle 131 dozen NEW Llicorella, Priorat 2013 This immensely ripe, blueberry-scented red offers a big, bold and satisfying glassful of darkfruit flavour and food-friendly concentration. A good-value introduction to the full-bodied fine wines of the Priorat region. Now to % ref ES-SP bottle 192 dozen MINIMUM PURCHASE APPLIES THEWINESOCIETY.COM/COLLECT To order Prado Rey Reserva, Ribera del Duero 2010 Like Rioja, Ribera del Duero enjoyed a superb 2010 vintage and so it is perhaps unsurprising that one made the cut in this selection. An excellent reserva, offering layers of cedary blueberry fruit which persist on the generous and bold finish. Now to % ref ES-SP bottle 198 dozen Viña Pedrosa Reserva, Ribera del Duero 2011 The warm 2011 vintage produced powerful and richly flavoured Ribera, and José Manuel Pérez s reserva, selected from excellent vineyards over 45 years of age, is exotic, profound and remarkably persistent. The addition of 10% cabernet sauvignon to the tempranillo (which is known here as tinta fino) gives the wine a wonderful velvety texture. Decant at least 30 minutes before serving. Now to % ref ES-SP bottle 312 dozen thewinesociety.com/spain NEW San Román,Toro 2013 In Toro, tempranillo is known as tinta de toro, and forms 100% of San Roman s wonderful wine, which shines on the tasting bench each year for its individuality and completeness. Fully justified as a top Spanish fine wine, this potent, inky and voluptuous red is typical of the intensity of the region s best. Now to % ref ES-SP bottle 324 dozen NEW Mauro, Ribera del Duero 2014 An intense yet elegant red, in great demand in Spain, made from mostly tempranillo with a touch of syrah. This is rich and concentrated with smoky, blueberry fruit and velvety tannins. The new 2014 really has the wow factor. Now to % ref ES-SP bottle 336 dozen

8 NEW Mas Doix Salanques, Priorat 2014 I first came across this while judging it in a blind tasting for Decanter Magazine, in a lineup of hundreds of Spanish reds. It won Gold. I snapped some up quickly, knowing Society members would adore it! The secret behind Mas Doix is the old-vine carignan (25%) which provides lift and fragrance to this inky, concentrated and textured Priorat with mostly garnacha (65%) and a touch of spicy syrah (10%). Now to % ref ES-SP bottle 360 dozen Garmón, Ribera del Duero 2014 This is the first release of a new Ribera made by Eduardo Garcia, of the same family behind the famous Mauro featured earlier. Garmón comes from the cooler eastern part of the region and is a sensational and impressive red, modern and rich, yet with great vitality and freshness. Lovers of Spanish fine wines should not miss it. Now to % The 2015 follows. ref ES-SP bottle 438 dozen Alion, Ribera del Duero 2012 A rich, robust and captivating tempranillo made by the region s top producer, Vega Sicilia, from 30-year-old vineyards in the area s prime districts. Its pedigree was noticeable in the tasting room and an absolute delight. We recommend decanting it before serving to enjoy its spicy mulberry fruit flavours to the full. Now to % ref ES-SP bottle 528 dozen TO ORDER Top 10 Spanish curiosites To finish, I have rounded up a shortlist of tantalising wines that defy pigeonholes but deserve recognition for their sheer flair and individuality. Bobal in the south and mencía in the north are two rediscovered grapes well worth exploring, and there are two tempting advertisements for how thrilling single-varietal graciano and cariñena can be when in the right hands. That three of the places in this list go to sherries is no accident: it is surely one of the most underrated and best-value fine wines in the world. Red Aranleón Sólo Bobal, Utiel Requena 2014 Bobal is the indigenous grape of the Utiel Requena region in Valencia, and makes a rich but fresh and characterful wine. Blended with tempranillo and syrah here, it results in an alluring and smoky organic red with gorgeous rich fruity flavour. 14% ref ES-SP bottle 107 dozen NEW Regina Viarum Mencía, Ribeira Sacra 2016 Mencía, the black grape of Galicia, is all the rage in Spain. This year I trawled through a wide selection, and this fresh, vibrant unoaked expression leapt out. Perfumed, brightly fruity and brimming with delicious cherry fruit. Now to % ref ES-SP bottle 138 dozen Reds, sparkling, sweet wines and sherry NEW Viña Zorzal Cuatro del Cuatro Graciano, Navarra 2015 Graciano was for many years seen as a blending grape, but in recent times it has started to shine solo, producing fine, floral and fresh reds with a style all their own. This example from a 40-yearold vineyard next door to Rioja is a new wine from the young Zorzal team s impressive stable. Top class. Now to % ref ES-SP bottle 198 dozen Anayón Cariñena 2013 This concentrated and polished cariñena (aka carignan) from a small, high-altitude vineyard in northern Spain combines rich blueberry-fruit flavour backed by the crisp, lively acidity so typical of this grape. Aged judiciously in French oak, this has real character and individuality. Now to % ref ES-SP bottle 192 dozen 8

9 Top 10 Spanish curiosites Mixed cases Red NEW Pegaso Pizarra, Cebreros 2011 A 100% garnacha grown on vineyards at an altitude of 900 1,200 metres in an ancient region near Madrid called Cebreros. In the past, the wines from this part of Spain had the undignified fate of being used as an improver in Rioja blends, but this bottling shows with aplomb why these wines deserve their own billing. It has a dazzling perfume, meaty and intense, with cassis aromas and a delicious, sensuous palate. Now to % ref ES-SP bottle 288 dozen Sparkling The Society s Cava Reserva Brut NV We buyers spend more time on our Society-label wines than any other, and our Cava is regularly benchmarked against the competition with, we are proud to say, superb results. Endorsed earlier this year by The Times, who described it as consistently classy Cava, this is a sophisticated but easy-going sparkling wine that offers great quality for the price. 12% ref ES-SG bottle 99 dozen Sweet MR Mountain Wine, Málaga cl A glorious peach-scented dessert muscat with a touch of honeyed richness. From high-altitude vineyards in the hills behind Málaga, its sweetness is obtained naturally by leaving the grapes on the vine to concentrate the sugars, rather than fortifying. A must-try. Now to % ref ES-SP bottle 174 dozen Sherry Alegría Manzanilla A wonderful example of manzanilla sherry: pale, aromatic and pungent yet delicate, fine and whistle-clean. Like all manzanilla, it is aged in Sanlúcar de Barrameda on the Atlantic coast where the protective flor yeast exerts a stronger influence on the wine, giving it a pale colour and an appetising salty tang. The ideal partner for fish and shellfish, or simply an aperitif to stimulate the appetite. 15% ref ES-SH bottle 102 dozen The Society s Exhibition Mature Medium Dry Oloroso Blend An intensely flavoured dry oloroso sherry, whose years of barrel ageing have concentrated its flavours and added layers of complexity. Members who have been fans of this will notice that this new blend is slightly paler in colour (because we have removed the vino de color) but just as rich, mature and intense. 20.5% ref ES-SH bottle 150 dozen Cayetano del Pino Palo Cortado Solera Our buyer for sherry, Tim Sykes, says that he d place this intensely nutty, dry and rich palo cortado on his shortlist of desert-island wines. A ringing endorsement for a wine that offers incredible complexity and class for a relatively modest price. A heavenly match for cheese, such as a mature Cheddar, Pecorino or Comté. 20% ref ES-SH bottle 179 dozen Riojas of the Year A selection of reds from Spain s top region that wowed buyer Pierre Mansour during his extensive tastings in A 12-bottle case containing two bottles of each of the following: The Society s Rioja Crianza 2014 Navajas Crianza, Rioja 2013 Urbina Crianza, Rioja 2009 Muga Reserva, Rioja 2013 The Society s Exhibition Rioja Reserva 2010 Los Autores El Brujo Vieja Reserva, Rioja 2011 ref ES-MX17262 Six of the Best Spanish Fine Wines From Rioja to Ribera del Duero via Priorat, enjoy a six-bottle round-up of Spanish fine wines that shone in our tasting room. A six-bottle case containing one bottle of each of the following: Llicorella, Priorat 2013 Prado Rey Reserva, Ribera del Duero 2010 Mauro, Ribera del Duero 2014 Muga Reserva, Rioja 2013 Tobelos Reserva, Rioja 2012 La Rioja Alta Viña Arana Reserva, Rioja 2009 ref ES-MX17263 KEY - bone dry to intensely sweet screwcap synthetic closure new vintage organic Order for delivery by 7th December for your chance to WIN one of 250 bottles of the Society s Champagne thewinesociety.com/prize 9 To order thewinesociety.com/spain

10 Mixed cases - free uk delivery Spain Mixed Dozen A whistle-stop dozen-bottle tour of the reds and whites that our buyer Pierre Mansour believes have to be tried A 12-bottle case containing one bottle of each of the following: WHITE Castillo del Barón Macabeo, Yecla, 2016 Finca Lallana Verdejo 2016 Massani Dry Muscat 2016 Pazo de Villarei Albariño, Rías Baixas 2016 Gaba do Xil Godello, Valdeorras 2016 The Society s Exhibition Albariño, Rías Baixas 2016 RED Viña Zorzal Garnacha, Navarra 2016 Bajondillo, Méntrida C Premium Selection, Cariñena 2013/2014 The Society s Rioja Crianza 2014 Navajas Crianza, Rioja 2013 Momo Vendimia Seleccionada, Ribera del Duero 2014 ref ES-MX Spanish White Wines The case for the renaissance of Spanish white wine, offering purity, refreshment and a tempting saving too. A 12-bottle case containing two bottles of each of the following: Saleta Moscatel-Sauvignon Blanc 2016 Finca Lallana Verdejo 2016 Massani Dry Muscat 2016 Jaspi Blanc, Terra Alta 2016 Pazo de Villarei Albariño, Rías Baixas 2016 Gaba do Xil Godello, Valdeorras 2016 ref ES-MX17261 Everyday Spanish Reds Double up on six of the best of Spain s remarkable-value, authentic and delicious reds. A 12-bottle case containing two bottles of each of the following: Sabina Tempranillo, Navarra 2016 Monasterio de las Viñas Garnacha-Tempranillo, Cariñena 2016 Bajondillo, Méntrida C Premium Selection, Cariñena 2013/2014 Parcelas Ecológico Monastrell, Yecla 2016 Finca Antigua Unico Crianza, La Mancha 2011 ref ES-MX A OF SAVING Please order as early as possible to ensure your gifts are despatched in time for Christmas THE SOCIETY S PROMISE Uncork with confidence The Wine Society is a mutual organisation, so our members satisfaction is paramount. If, for any reason, you haven t enjoyed a wine we want to hear about it and will happily offer a credit, a replacement or a refund. thewinesociety.com/promise Product and prices valid until Tuesday 19th December, 2017 while stocks last To order thewinesociety.com/spain ONLINE RETAILER OF THE YEAR 2017 WINNER OUTSTANDING RETAILER OF THE YEAR 2017 WINNER