by Mary Bailey
Viva España for the Q
Wines from Spain continue to amaze due to their value and the style—a natural for the Alberta palate—full throttle reds with swagger, ideal with savoury dishes from the grill. Spanish reds tend to higher alcohol, 14.5 per cent and up. On hot days, plunk into the fridge for 15 minutes before serving, yes even the reds, to bring out the fruit and diminish the alcohol sensation.
El Petit Bonhomme Tinto 2012 (Jumilla) $16 |
Jean Leon Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2007 (Penedes) $28 |
The licorella (dark slate) soil, the vertiginous hills and the unique climate, hot during the day and freshened by breezes off the Mediterranean at night, give wines from the Priorat, about 1½ hours south of Barcelona, a special character—big, powerful, concentrated yet also fruity and fresh. Decant a few hours before serving to help develop the brooding flavours and compelling aromas. Finca el Puig 2010 (Priorat) $37 |
Grand Clos 2006 (Priorat) $61 |