THE BEST OF SPAIN. Spanish wine has never been better from everyday drinking to the top fine wines.

Transcription

1 THE BEST OF SPAIN Includes Everyday Reds from 4.95 per bottle, fine Rioja (including a focus on Contino), delicious new-wave whites, top drops from Ribera del Duero, Priorat, Toro and Alicante, and five mixed cases Spanish wine has never been better from everyday drinking to the top fine wines. Pierre Mansour ESNOV11 thewinesociety.com/spain

2 AN ABUNDANCE OF RICHES... Spain s wine scene is sparkling. Its natural ingredients ancient elevated vineyards, a warm, sunny climate and an assortment of brilliant local grapes provide the perfect conditions for making outstanding wines. Add into the mix a dynamic generation of young winemakers, new technology and substantial investment and the result is a country that consistently over-delivers on the world wine stage. Spanish wine has never been better, from everyday drinking to the top fine wines. The abundance of riches can be overwhelming however, so our offer is divided into five parts to ease navigation: Spain s value is celebrated in the Everyday Reds section with eight wines which offer genuine Spanish character and flavour from just 4.95 per bottle on page 3. For Rioja (pages 4-5) this year we have selected the very best of both traditional and modern-style crianzas, reservas and gran reservas, and spotlight the exceptional talents of Jesús Madrazo, winemaker behind the superb wines of Contino. Spanish fine wine is no longer simply Rioja and the Top Drops section, page 6, includes serious examples from Ribera del Duero, Priorat, Toro and Alicante. We highlight the crisp, bright flavours of Spain s new wave whites and Cava on pages 6-7. And finally, we include two stunning Sherries, page 7. Generous supplier support has allowed us to provide dozen savings on a number of wines too, and five mixed cases (on page 5 and the back page) are there to help you enjoy as many flavours as possible from this vibrant wineland. Pierre Mansour Society Buyer for Spain 2 To order thewinesociety.com/spain

3 EVERYDAY REDS FROM 4.95 Spain is an unbeatable source of inexpensive wines. Native grapes like tempranillo, garnacha and monastrell provide drinkers with original flavours that are uniquely Spanish and a joy to drink. Sabina Tempranillo, Navarra, 2010 A polished, modern and unoaked tempranillo which is generously fruity and balanced. Perfect on its own at parties or enjoy with a plate of jamón. 13.5% ref ES-SP bottle 59 dozen Finca Tempranal Crianza, La Mancha, 2007 Quite different in style to Sabina, this tempranillo spends a year in oak, endowing a subtle spicy oak flavour to the wine. Dry, fragrant and chunky, this is a good old-fashioned Spanish red. 14% ref ES-SP bottle 59 dozen Castillo del Baròn Monastrell, Yecla, 2010 Monastrell (aka mourvèdre) adores the Mediterranean climate in Yecla near Alicante. Castillo del Baròn is easy-drinking, vibrant and succulent with cherry-fruit flavour and a hint of pepper. 13.5% ref ES-SP bottle 63 dozen If anyone asks where to find the juiciest, chunkiest, most rip-roaring red wine mouthful in Europe, I tell them to look out for Garnacha from eastern Spain Oz Clarke s 250 Best Wines 2012 Guide Cruz de Piedra Garnacha, Calatayud, 2010 This little garnacha has quickly become one of The Society s most popular reds. From mountainous vineyards in Calatayud (just south of Navarra), this is intensely fruity and exuberant. 14% ref ES-SP bottle 66 dozen NEW Artazuri Garnacha Tinto, Navarra, 2010 A full-bodied and concentrated garnacha which appeals for its juicy, lively fruit flavour; made with no oak by Rioja experts Artadi. Now to % The dozen saving of 7 is thanks to supplier support. ref ES-SP bottle 76 special dozen price 6.33 equivalent bottle price Laderas de El Sequé, Alicante, 2010 Top Rioja producer Artadi is also behind this expressive, plump and slick red from monastrell vineyards they own in Alicante. Brilliant value at the dozen discount price, which is thanks to supplier support. 14% Dozen saving of 7. ref ES-SP bottle 76 special dozen price 6.33 equivalent bottle price Chivite Gran Feudo Selección Especial, Navarra, 2007 A mature, oaky and smooth-tasting tempranillo-cabernet-merlot blend which has been aged in French and US oak. Soft and round with a hint of tobacco. 13.5% Low stock. ref ES-SP bottle 83 dozen The beautiful landscape of Navarra NEW Avaniel, Ribera del Duero, 2010 This is a young, fresh and unoaked wine from Bodegas Monteabellón which offers all the intensity of flavour that has made Ribera del Duero so famous but at a jaw-droppingly low price. 13.5% ref ES-SP bottle 90 dozen NEW Latria Garnatxa Carinyena, Montsant, 2006 Surprisingly complex, smoky and lush garnacha-carignan blend from Montsant on the border of Priorat. The wine was destined for the main Malondro label (double the price of this) but a cancelled domestic order meant the price was dramatically reduced and put under the second Latria label to clear the cellars. Buy it while you can. 14% ref ES-SP bottle 93 dozen FREE UK delivery when you order at least 12 bottles or if your order value is 75 or more 3

4 RIOJA Rioja is Spain s classic fine wine region and today international investment and a younger generation have raised the bar to an unprecedented level. There is a sense of the old and the new in this vast region which makes it such a fascinating choice for wine lovers. As a result, Rioja is now being made in a number of different ways which influences the taste and style of the final wine. To help members we have split the wines into three styles: Traditional (T): fragrant, silky wines from long ageing in cask (usually American oak) and bottle; ready to drink on release. Modern-classical : younger, rounder wines that retain the delicious character of Rioja through cask ageing (often a mix of American and French oak) with the structure to develop in bottle. Modern (M): richer, velvety wines aged for less time in newer (usually French oak), which are released earlier and mostly need keeping. At La Rioja Alta regular tasting ensures consistency of style The Society s Rioja Crianza (T) An authentic, old-style Rioja, just as members like it, which has been aged carefully in barrel and bottle. Mellow, mature and silky with leathery, almost savoury flavours. Now to % We find ourselvs rather overstocked and so are offering a generous 11 per dozen discount to clear the decks. ref ES-SP bottle 72 special dozen price 6 equivalent bottle price Marqués de Mejía, Rioja, 2008 Attractively fruity, easy-drinking Rioja with a subtle lick of oak. From an exciting new winery situated in Aldeanueva de Ebro (La Rioja) about 50km from Logroño. 13%. The 2009 follows. ref ES-SP bottle 78 dozen Navajas Crianza, Rioja, 2008 (T) Navajas, a family-run estate situated just outside the small town of Navarrete in La Rioja Alta, makes quintessential Rioja. The wine is made from 85% tempranillo and 15% garnacha, which is matured in 225-litre oak barricas for 15 months until soft, round and oaky. 13.5% ref ES-SP bottle 90 dozen Glorioso Crianza, Rioja, 2007 (M) A fragrant, cedary and polished Rioja from Bodegas Palacio who also make The Society s Rioja Crianza. Glorioso is quite different, spending a year in French oak, resulting in a velvety rich style. Now to % ref ES-SP bottle 102 dozen Viña Amézola Crianza, Rioja, 2006 (T) Excellent traditional-style crianza, harmonious and integrated, which will provide immediate drinking pleasure from this single estate in the heart of Rioja Alta. Now to % ref ES-SP bottle 131 dozen The Society s Exhibition Rioja Reserva, 2005 (T) Our popular Exhibition Rioja is elegant and smooth, with real finesse in 2005, made in the traditional style (aged for five years before release) by the famous La Rioja Alta bodega. Now to % ref ES-SP bottle 155 dozen FREE UK delivery when you order at least 12 bottles or if your order value is 75 or more See the back page for four mixed cases Muga Reserva, Rioja, 2006 Jorge Muga has a knack of successfully combining the best of traditional Rioja winemaking with more modern techniques. Exotically oaky, as you would expect fine classic reserva to be, balanced by ripe, lively fruit and length of flavour. Decant before serving. Now to %. The 2007 follows. ref ES-SP bottle 162 dozen Win exclusive Muga Prado Enea Case Members who purchase a bottle or more of Muga Reserva, Rioja, 2006/2007 by Thursday, 15th December will be entered into a prize draw to win one of five gift sets (worth over 100) comprising three bottles of Prado Enea Gran Reserva from the 2000, 2001 and 2004 vintages presented in a hand-made wooden case that converts into a writing box. Visit thewinesociety.com/muga for further information. NEW La Rioja Alta, Viña Arana Reserva, Rioja, 2004 (T) A perfect example of Rioja from a first-class vintage. Mostly tempranillo with 5% mazuelo, this is scented and complex with delicious sweet fruit and softness on the palate. Matured for three years in barrel. Now to % ref ES-SP bottle 216 dozen NEW Roda Reserva, Rioja, 2007 (M) Yields in 2007 were tiny, concentrating the colour and blueberry flavour of the healthiest tempranillo grapes. Powerful, stylish and compact with velvety tannins from 14 months in high-quality French oak. Drink from next year to % ref ES-SP bottle 288 dozen CVNE Imperial Gran Reserva, Rioja, 2000 (T) Classic, mature Gran Reserva Rioja which is gentle and elegant with smoky, leathery flavours. Now to % ref ES-SP bottle 300 dozen 4 To order thewinesociety.com/spain

5 Focus on...contino Founded in 1973, Contino was the first wine in Rioja to be made from a single vineyard, that surrounding the bodega at Laserna, near Logroño. The 62ha of vines are situated on the banks of a meander of the River Ebro. It is a warm site which produces rich and generous wines with great depth of flavour. Under the guidance of winemaker Jesús Madrazo quality has dramatically improved here and today Contino boasts one of the finest portfolios in Rioja. With a run of succesful vintages since 2004, it seemed timely to offer members a mini-vertical of the stylish Reserva as well as making our first release of the rarely-made Gran Reserva only available in magnums. Viña del Olivo is Contino s modern expression, made from a tiny plot in the vineyard. The 2007 is exceptional. Jesús is not one to rest on his laurels and his dynamic approach is clear to see in the Blanco and Garnacha, both made as an experiment but so good we persuaded him to release them exclusively to Wine Society members. A mixed case is offered with a saving of 23 thanks to the support of Contino. White NEW Contino Blanco, Rioja, 2006 This is the first excursion of Contino into white Rioja which is made from the traditional malvasia, garnacha blanca and viura blend of grapes. Bright gold with nutty, honeyed Rhône-like flavours and an opulent, powerful palate. Enjoy with delicate white fish. Exclusive to members. Now to % ref ES-SP bottle 276 dozen Red NEW Contino Reserva, Rioja, 2004 The flamboyant, relatively forward 2004 oozes sweet damson fruit backed by velvety tannins. Just hitting its stride now. Now to Decant. 14.5% ref ES-SP bottle 276 dozen NEW Contino Reserva, Rioja, 2005 Jesús Madrazo made an exquisite This fine, sophisticated Rioja is concentrated and appealing now but will age magnificently too. Now to Decant. 14% ref ES-SP bottle 276 dozen NEW Contino Reserva, Rioja, produced a smaller crop (30% down) which ripened quickly in an unusually hot September, resulting in grapes with concentrated black-fruit flavours. Plump and very appealing. Now to Decant. 14% ref ES-SP bottle 276 dozen NEW Contino Reserva, Rioja, 2007 Elegant and scented with wonderful purity of flavour, this shows all the hallmarks of a great Contino vintage. Drink from next year to % ref ES-SP bottle 276 dozen NEW Contino Garnacha Special Wine Society Selection, Rioja, 2008 (M) Excellent 100% garnacha Rioja from this top estate. Just 200 cases made as an experiment by Jesús Madrazo. It is exotically flavoured, smooth and harmonious after 30 months in barrel. So good we snapped it all up exclusively for members. Lovely now if decanted two hours before serving and will keep well for another five years at least. 13% ref ES-SP bottle 276 dozen NEW Contino Graciano, Rioja, 2007 (M) A rare and impressive example of a single-varietal Rioja made from 100% graciano. Vibrant with a wonderful perfume of blueberry fruit and succulent, yet crisp on the palate. Decant. Now to % ref ES-SP bottle 420 dozen NEW Contino Viña del Olivo, Rioja, 2007 (M) Olivo is released early, only made in the best vintages and is very serious indeed. The sensuous 2007 is classy, blackberry-infused Rioja and a stand-out success for this estate. It won a gold medal at the Decanter World Wine Awards Patience will be rewarded. Drink 2013 to % ref ES-SP bottle 570 dozen Winemaker, Jesús Madrazo, alongside his carefully tended vines NEW Magnums of Contino Gran Reserva, Rioja, 2004 Gran Reserva is a rarity at Contino, the 2004 is only the third one made and only in magnums. This is worth every penny. Full, layered and perfectly balanced with quite superb length of flavour. Drink 2012 (decant a good two hours before serving) to % ref ES-SP magnum CONTINO RIOJA MIXED CASE ref ES-MX11214 at 127 Saving of 23. A six-bottle case containing a bottle of each of the following: Contino Reserva, Rioja, 2004 Contino Reserva, Rioja, 2005 Contino Reserva, Rioja, 2006 Contino Reserva, Rioja, 2007 Contino Graciano, Rioja, 2007 Contino Garnacha Special Wine Society Selection, Rioja, 2008 For description of codes MC and M see page 4 5

6 TOP SPANISH DROPS WHITES & SPAR To highlight the country s fine wine credentials we have selected six of Spain s finest reds, chosen from Ribera del Duero, Toro, Alicante and Priorat. Authentic regional flavours abound in these wines. Spain s whites vibrant, clean and refreshing are a revelation and continue to impress us. If you haven t yet tried them, do so. You will not be disappointed. NEW Castillo del Baròn Macabeo, Yecla, 2010 Fruity, fresh and easy-drinking white with a hint of beeswax. Designed to be drunk young. 13.5% ref ES-SP bottle 75 dozen Tresolmos Verdejo, Rueda, 2010 A dry, aromatic and refreshing white, similar to good sauvignon blanc, with attractive grassy, lemony flavour. 13% ref ES-SP bottle 90 dozen Navajas Blanco Crianza, Rioja, 2008 A well-made, old-fashioned oaky white Rioja which combines hints of fruitiness and toasty, nutty flavours from oak ageing. 13% ref ES-SP bottle 90 dozen Cepa Gavilán, Ribera del Duero, 2008 Made by Viña Pedrosa, aged for a year in oak, this is a classy, scented Ribera, almost Claret-like, which is well-structured and modest in body. Now to % Low stock. ref ES-SP bottle 131 dozen NEW Alvaro Palacios, Camins del Priorat, 2009 Camins is an affordable way to enjoy the craftsmanship and quality of Priorat expert Alvaro Palacios. A concentrated, mineral and powerful mix of garnacha and carignan (with a touch of syrah and cabernet). Now to % ref ES-SP bottle 179 dozen NEW Bóhorquez, Ribera del Duero, 2004 Highly elegant, cedary Ribera which combines freshness with subtle mature notes from bottle age. Drinking beautifully now. Decant. 14% ref ES-SP bottle 228 dozen Bodega Bóhorquez, Ribera del Duero NEW El Sequé, Alicante, 2009 El Sequé is serious old-vine monastrell, with a little syrah and tempranillo, from a revitalized vineyard in Alicante. Handle this deep, dark, mouth-filling and sensuous red with care. Now to % ref ES-SP bottle 240 dozen NEW San Román, Toro, 2005 Big, savoury blockbuster made by Mariano Garcia Fernandez (ex Vega Sicilia) and his winemaker son Eduardo Garcia Montana. This is potent Toro at its most exquisite. Decant. Now to % ref ES-SP bottle 384 dozen NEW Alion, Ribera del Duero, 2006 Soft, velvety and compact Ribera from Vega Sicilia which is bottled early to capture the rich damson fruit. Decant. Now to % Low stock. ref ES-SP bottle 540 dozen FREE UK delivery when you order at least 12 bottles or if your order value is 75 or more The region of Rueda features many charming villages 6 To order thewinesociety.com/spain

7 KLING SHERRY Brandal Albariño, Rías Baixas, Extraordinary value here; this is a delicious, round-tasting and flavourful albariño from Galicia s most famous region, Rías Baixas. 12.5% ref ES-SP bottle 107 dozen Gaba do Xil Godello, Valdeorras, Pristine, mineral and mouthwatering white made from the high-quality godello grape of Galicia. 13.5% ref ES-SP bottle 111 dozen Auzells, Costers del Segre, 2010 Beautifully crafted, classy wine which shows how far Spain s whites have come. This multi-varietal blend with its subtle texture and purity has developed quite a following with members. Now to % ref ES-SP bottle 126 dozen NEW Zarate Albariño, Rías Baixas, 2010 Zarate has been making albariño since 1920 and we think the fleshy, juicy and stylish 2010 will delight members. Now to % ref ES-SP bottle 143 dozen Pazo Señorans Albariño, Rías Baixas, 2010 Restrained, delicate and fine-tuned albariño from this beautiful estate in Rías Baixas. Now to % ref ES-SP bottle 150 dozen Spanish Cava is a great alternative to Champagne CAVA Sumarroca Reserva Brut, Cava, 2009 Fragrant and appley Cava which Jane MacQuitty recently named the Best Champagne Taste-alike in her 30 Best Sparkling Wines report in The Times. 11.5% Dozen saving of 7.50 (or think of it as a free bottle) thanks to supplier support. ref ES-SG bottle special dozen price 6.88 equivalent bottle price KEY See page 160 of the Christmas List for full details on alcohol levels Synthetic closure Screwcap closure bone dry, to intensely sweet New Vintage Romate Fino Perdido Rich but dry, mature Fino, almost Fino-Amontillado, which is about eight years old. Deep-gold colour, intense bready flor nose combined with a broad, ample palate with honeyed barrel-aged character. Ideal with many foods including crab or hard cheese. Minimally treated to allow the flor character to shine, but this means it may be slightly hazy or precipitate harmless tartrate crystals. 15% ref ES-SH bottle 95 dozen Lustau Botaina Amontillado Botaina is the superb, hazelnut-scented Amontillado produced from Fino La Ina when its flor is allowed to die off. La Botaina is now about 12 years old, and more delicious than ever. A better match for mature cheeses such as Cheddar or Parmesan than most red wines. A gold medal winner at the Decanter World Wine Awards % ref ES-SH bottle 138 dozen See the back page for four mixed cases 7

8 Mixed Cases EVERYDAY SPANISH REDS ref ES-MX11211 at 70 Equivalent bottle price 5.83 A 12-bottle case containing two bottles each of the following: Sabina Tempranillo, Navarra, 2010 Castillo del Baròn Monastrell, Yecla, 2010 Artazuri Garnacha Tinto, Navarra, 2010 Laderas de El Sequé, Alicante, 2010 The Society s Rioja Crianza Finca Tempranal Crianza, La Mancha, 2007 SPANISH WHITES ref ES-MX11212 at 99 Save Equivalent bottle price 8.25 Modern Spanish whites are a revelation fresh, vibrant and delicious; they really should be tried. We offer a saving to encourage as many members as possible to give them a go. A 12-bottle case containing two bottles each of the following: Castillo del Baròn Macabeo, Yecla, 2010 Tresolmos Verdejo, Rueda, 2010 Brandal Albariño, Rías Baixas, 2010 Gaba do Xil Godello, Valdeorras, 2010 Auzells, Costers del Segre, 2010 Pazo Señorans, Albariño, Rías Baixas, 2010 RIOJA CASE ref ES-MX11213 at 140 See page 4 for an explanation of the different styles of Riojas now available. A 12-bottle case containing two bottles each of the following: Navajas Crianza, Rioja, 2008 (T) Glorioso Crianza, Rioja, 2007 Viña Amézola Crianza, Rioja, 2006 (T) The Society s Exhibition Rioja Reserva, 2005 (T) Muga Reserva, Rioja, 2006/2007 La Rioja Alta, Viña Arana Reserva, Rioja, 2004 (T) SPANISH TOUR DOZEN ref ES-MX11215 at 90 Equivalent bottle price 7.50 A 12-bottle case containing a bottle of each of the following: Reds Castillo del Baròn Monastrell, Yecla, 2010 Finca Tempranal Crianza, La Mancha, 2007 Cruz de Piedra Garnacha, Calatayud, 2010 Latria Garnatxa Carinyena, Montsant, 2006 Marqués de Mejía, Rioja, 2008/2009 Chivite Gran Feudo Selección Especial, Navarra, 2007 Avaniel, Ribera del Duero, 2010 Alvaro Palacios, Camins del Priorat, 2009 Whites Auzells, Costers del Segre, 2010 Tresolmos Verdejo, Rueda, 2010 Brandal Albariño, Rías Baixas, 2010 Sparkling Sumarroca Reserva Brut, Cava, 2009 For delivery in time for Christmas please order before midnight, Thursday 15th December, when this offer closes. To order thewinesociety.com/spain The Society s Guarantee Drinking wine bought from The Wine Society should be a pleasurable experience. If at any time you are dissatisfied, we would like to hear from you. Contact us and we will be pleased to help. twitter.com/thewinesociety societygrapevine.com facebook.com/thewinesociety The International Exhibition Co-operative Wine Society Limited. Registered Office: Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 2BT Register Number: 1824R (IP) Website thewinesociety.com Enquiries Orders