Savor Summer with These Two Stellar Spanish White Wines

 

When it comes to summer sipping, Spain delivers in spades. With vineyards hugging coastal breezes and winemakers embracing crisp, aromatic profiles, Spanish whites are tailor-made for beach days, rooftop hangs, and seafood feasts. Two bottles that deserve a spot in your fridge this season? The effervescent Ulacia Txakolina Blanco and the juicy, mineral-rich Granbazán Albariño Verde.

Ulacia Txakolina Blanco (Getaria, Spain – $20)

Bright · Briny · Slightly Sparkling

From the scenic seaside hillsides of Getaria in the Basque Country, this lightly effervescent white wine is made from local grapes Ondarrabi Zuri and Ondarrabi Beltza. Hand-harvested and fermented in stainless steel tanks, Ulacia captures the essence of the Atlantic coast with zesty citrus, a touch of salinity and stone fruit, and a natural spritz.

What sets it apart? Its refreshing acidity, low alcohol (just 11%), and subtle effervescence from retaining natural CO₂ during fermentation. It's perfect with raw bar favorites—think oysters, and fresh tuna—or simply as a thirst-quenching aperitif after a day in the sun.

Granbazán Albariño Verde (Rías Baixas, Spain – $27)

Aromatic · Lush · Saline

From the lush, granite-rich vineyards of Val do Salnés, Granbazán’s Albariño Verde is what summer dreams are made of. Grown in northwest-facing micro-plots near the sea and fermented with native yeasts, this wine spends four months on fine lees, giving it complexity without sacrificing brightness.

Expect a gorgeous mix of white peach, lime zest, and sea breeze minerality with a zippy acidity on the finish, is a knockout with ceviche, grilled shellfish, or even salty snacks like edamame and olives.

With a touch more weight and complexity than the Txakolina, this Albariño offers a 13.3% ABV and vibrant acidity (7.9 g/L), making it both food-friendly and lively on its own.

Why These Two?

Together, Ulacia and Granbazán represent two distinct but equally refreshing sides of Spanish white wine: the energetic, spritzy Txakolina and the aromatic, saline-driven Albariño. Both are built for sunshine, seafood, and spontaneous summer moments.

Pro tip: Serve well-chilled and enjoy outdoors—preferably with salty breezes and good friends.

Becoming a Fan of Jumilla

Photo Credit: Golden Visas in Spain

If you haven’t tasted wines from the Jumilla region of Spain, you must. You will become a fan instantly! Trust me!

On October 12, I had the opportunity to attend Spain’s Great Match at the Mercado Little Spain, NYC, and learned a little more about the wines from this region of Spain. The Jumilla region has some beautiful wines, and the predominant grape is Monastrell. Take time to read the article and listen to the podcast about the Jumilla region and the wines. You will have a better understanding of the grapes and wines from this region. You will reach for a bottle next time you are in the wine shop.

Here are some interesting facts about Jumilla. At the end of this article, please listen to the podcast about Jumilla.

• Jumilla is pronounced hoo-mil-luh
• There are 1600 growers and 42 wineries.
• It is located 60 miles inland and does get Mediterranean influence.
• The topography is high altitude with rolling hills. High altitude is between 1300 - 2950 feet above sea level.
• They have 3000 hours of sunshine. Great conditions for organic agriculture. 70% of the vineyards are certified organic.
• There are 8 red varieties and 8 wine varieties grown in the region. They produce 70% red wine, 5% wine, 4% rose wine, and 1% dessert wine.

During the Jumilla seminar, we got to taste 8 wines. I wouldn’t hesitate to pick up a bottle.

Parajes del Valle Bodegas y Vinedos Monastrell Organic 2020 - 100% Monastrell and aged in a concrete vat. Very fresh with red jammy fruit. Lots of red currants, cherry, and raspberry.

Bodegas Cerron La Servil 2020 Monastrell - 96% Monastrell grown at a high altitude of 3000 feet. Aged in 5000 liters French oak founders. It shows some soft minerality and soft and silky red fruit with a hint of baking spice on the finish.

Bodegas Luzon Altos de Luzon 2020 - 100% Monastrell from a single plot. Maceration for 10 days and aged 12 months is American and French oak. Fine tannins lace this wine with red and black fruit and sweet spice.

Bodegas Juan Gil Silver Label, 2019 - 100% Monastrell, grown at an altitude between 1800 and 2300 feet. It spends 12 months in French oak. It’s a fresh, easy-drinking wine with mild tannins, floral notes, and fresh berries. Would work well with Thanksgiving dinner.

Bodegas Vina Elena Familia Pacheco Barrica 2019 - This is a blend of 60% Monastrell 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 20% Syrah from 30 - 40-year-old vines. Medium-bodied with notes of plum, red fruit, licorice, and a Syrah finish of blue fruit.

Bodegas Carchelo Altico 2018 - 100% Single Vineyard Syrah. Aged 12 months in 225 Liter French Oak and 12 months in the bottle. Floral and fruity aromas with hints of violets. Fresh and silky on the palate with nice integrated tannins, blackberry, and spice.

Bodegas Ego GORU 18M 2016 - 70% Monastrell, 20% Syrah 10% Petit Verdot from 50 year old vines. Aged 18 months is new French and American oak. Soft and complex on the palate with notes of blackberry, red currant, licorice, cinnamon, and vanilla. Nice integrated tannins.

Bodegas Olivares Dulce Monastrell 2017 - This is a special wine that is not made every year. It’s 100% Monastrell from the oldest vines in the vineyard harvested into the fall. It spends 30 days in maceration. It is a sweeter dessert wine aged in concrete vats for 2 years. Aromas of black olives, tomato, balsamic, and figs lead to a rich palate with dark sweet fruit.

Listen to the podcast and learn about the Jumilla region of Spain and its wines.

Why I Paired Cava With Football

My team the Buffalo Bills made the playoffs. I was so excited for game 1. I was thinking chicken wings and beer. But, quite frankly, beer fills me up and I wanted something I could drink and celebrate with, or drown my sorrows. I though bubbles in keeping with the carbonated beverage and Vilarnau Cava because even if they lost, their beautiful labels would keep me in a decent mood. I could sip cava, eat chicken wings and watch the game. Or so I thought.

I did ask Google what time the game began and I swear it said 4:25pm. About 4:15 I head to the TV and turned on the game to find out that there was 27 seconds left in the Bills game. I popped the cork and stood in front of the tv for the exciting last 27 seconds of the game. Yes, I was screaming and holding my glass of Cava. My dog thought I had gone nuts. Afterward I sat down and #sampled the Cava and made my chicken wings. All was good!

Why Cava? Cava is a beautiful sparkling wine from the Penedes region in Spain made in the Methode Champenoise where the second fermentation takes place in the bottle. Vilarnau Cava is exciting, beautiful and delicate and rich with history and so reasonably priced.

Vilarnau

The first Cava with the Vilarnau name was produced in 1949 with grapes grown on the “Can Petit I Les Planes de Vilarnau” estate. This vineyard is 20 hectares with beautiful views of the Montserrat mountains, while only 30 kilometres away from the Mediterranean sea.

A little background, the Vilarnau family was of Spanish nobility and settled on this estate in the 12th century. Albert de Vilarnau was the single person responsible for increasing the family’s power in the 14th century. In 1982 Vilarnau was acquired by the Gonzalez Byass family of wineries.

The label which is a bottle wrap reflects the avant-garde imagery of Antoni Gaudi. Antoni was a famous Catalan architect known for his style that reflect freedom of form, voluptuous color and texture. His quote “ Color in certain places has the great value of making the outlines and structural planes seem more energetic.” As beautifully shown on the Vilarnau bottle.

The Cava

Vilarnau Brut Reserva NV SRP $14.99 - A blend of 50% Macabeo, 35% Parellada and 15% Xarel.lo. The wine is aged for 15 to 24 months in the bottle. The Cave featured elegant fine bubbles shooting their way up the glass. Nice acidity and fresh with notes of green apple and a hint of orange rind.

Vilarnau Brut Reserva Rose NV SRP $15.99 - This wine is a blend of 85% Garnacha and 15% Pinot Noir. The grapes come from the vineyards their Vilarneau d’Espiell” winery. The Pinot Noir was planted in 1991 and was one of the first vineyards in the Penedes planted with Pinot Noir. A beautiful pink color and fine bubbles. Notes of red fruit on the palate that shows freshness, yet elegance.

One note I do want to say is don’t save sparkling wine for a special occasion. Wines like Vilarnau Cava are wine that can be poured every day. Remember, there is always something to celebrate.

Listen to the Article 

Kitchen Wine: Monopole 2019

Since it’s been so hot in the kitchen we’ve been drinking a lot of white wine. This Monopole 2019 is the oldest white wine brand in Spain and is made with 100% Viura grape. It’s a great wine to bring to a BYOB restaurant like Kitchen 330 in the summer. It’s reasonably priced at $13 and will pair with most of the seafood on the menu.

Aromas of white flowers and green apple lead to a medium-bodied palate with nice acidity and minerality combined with lime and stone fruit.

Chef said this is a great everyday wine and I think so too. I think we need to get him a case!

Do You Know Tinta del Pais?

Do you know Tinta del Pais? I think you do. It’s Tempranillo and is planted in the Ribera del Duero region of Spain. Tempranillo produces young juicy wines and when aged is more structured.

The Ribera del Duero is Spain’s second most important DO (Denomination of Origin) and represents 16% of the total red wine market. The Tempranillo grown in the region is known as Tinta del Pais to differentiate themselves from other regions that produce Tempranillo.

There are four main wine growing areas of the Ribera del Duero. They are:

• Burgos
• Valladolid
• Soria

Ribera del Duero is planted with Tempranillo. Some of the vines date back 100 years. The region experiences hot summers and cold winters.

The summers are dry with extreme fluctuations between day and night temperatures. The winters can be long and severe. They receive

about 2,400 hours of sun per year.

I had the opportunity to sample two Tinta del Pais wines from Dominio Fournier, a 60 year old winery located in the Ribera del Duero region

of Burgos.

Dominio Fourner

Founded by Jose Manuel Ortega, an investment broker with Goldman Sachs who knew he  to own his own business one day. Like many of us, his experience with wine began as a hobby. Then he found himself investing in wines at auctions, visiting wineries in Spain and reading wine magazines in Spain. Then he started a winery.

Jose has wineries in Spain, Argentina and Chile. What is quite unique is that when harvesting in Spain, the South American counterparts come and help in Spain. Vice a versa for when they harvest in South American, their counterparts in Spain come and assist. This allows all parties to learn, grow and experiment.

The age of the vineyards range from 3 years to over 60. Divided into 22 parcels all are harvested and nurtured separately under the direction of Marian Santamaria and Laura Terrazas Rodriguez. Vineyards are located 820 meters above sea level on alluvial terrace of the Duero river. The vineyard roots dig deep down through a layer of boulders and gravel. This provides good drainage and makes the vines stress (which is good). The outcome is high quality concentrated fruit.

Fourner Reserva Duero Tinta del Pais $50 Reserva wines must age for at least 18 months in the barrel. The Fournier Reserva aged between 18 and 24 months in new French oak for a total aging of 36 months before it was released. This is a very complex wine. Lots going on here. Aromas of blackberry, cassis, plum and prunes escape the dark red liquid with purple hues in the glass. Complex palate that is rich in flavor. Hints of black fruit, black currant, vanilla and sticky tannins. Let it open for a bit and you’ll get a hint of chocolate.

Fournier Crianza 2016 SRP $30 Crianza wines must be aged for 12 months. This 100% Tinta del Pais were harvest and vinified separately. The wine was put into barrels that were 80% French oak and 20% American oak. This is a bit lighter and fruiter than the 2014, but to be expected. Full-bodied with mature black fruit, elegant with a nice finish.

Memorial Day Spanish Wine Suggestions

It’s Memorial Day weekend and time for some grilling. It’s going to be different as we all have cabin fever and want to socialize with friends and family. Whatever you do this weekend, stay safe and healthy.

I’ve been drinking a lot of Spanish wines lately and realize what an underdog they are. Not only are they good, but they are so reasonably priced, you can drink well for under $20. So as you think about your menu watch the video as I explain some Spanish wines that will pair nicely with your meals.

Enjoy the weekend and the wine.

Exploring Northeast Spain's first DO Pago Winery - Arinzano

What is a designation Vino de Pago in Spain? This was a first for me hearing about it, so I was really excited to be taking part in the #winestudio program that featured Arizano Winery, northeast Spain’s first Vino de Pago winery.

What does Vino de Pago mean

Vino de Pago classification was created in 2003 to represent a different way to classify by quality. Pago means vineyard and is derived from the Latin word pagus meaning small hamlet or rural estate. The DO Pago designation goes to a single estate wine. The wine created must all come from their estate and be bottled at their estate winery. Once a winery receives that status it is perceived to be one of the great estates of Spain.

To achieve this classification the winery must prove to the governing bodies (INTIA and EEC) the following:

• The uniqueness of their terroir
• The exclusivity of their terroir
• Highly intensive in-depth study of their soil and climate
• Once the above is proven - produce wine for 10 years and submit your wines for organoleptic and physical chemical analysis.

History of Arinzano

Arinzano is located in the northeast part of Spain. The closest city is Estella on the border between Navarra and La Rioja Alavesa. It is said the first vineyard planted on the land was in 1055 AD. Mr. Sancho Fortunones de Arinzano first produced wine on the property in the 11th century.

In the sixteenth century Mosen Lope de Eulate who was the advisor to King John of Labrit was named Lord of Arinzano. In the eighteenth century the property was owned by Marquis de Zabalegui. In the 19th century the property was abandoned.

In 1988 the property was rediscovered and brought back to life. The 877 acre estate sits along the Ega River where 316 acres are planted to Pago designation and the rest are committed to conservation and the World Wildlife Foundation certification. They are the only winery in Spain certified by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) for environmental responsibility.

The Terroir

“The founding goal of Arinzano wines is to reflect the uniqueness and exclusivity of the amazing terroir where the different vineyards have been planted, therefore it was a natural evolution to become the first Vino de Pago in Northern Spain”~ Manuel Louzada- CEO & Winemaker Arinzano Wines.

The winery lies in a valley formed by the edge of the Pyrenees Mountains and the Ega River winds through it and creates a unique microclimate. There is a range of soils including loam, sand, limestone, gypsum and dolomites with, varying topography. The backbone of the Arinzano wines is elegance due to the cool climate.

The Wines

Let’s begin with their “House” wines priced at $19.99

Hacienda de Arinzano Red 2012

85% Tempranillo

10% Merlot

5% Cabernet Sauvignon

14 months in French 2nd used oak

Aroma - Rose petals, cigar, red raspberry, perfumy (might be a new word here)

Taste - Red and black fruit with red raspberry and blackberry dominating. Soft rounded mouth feel, nice acid, very well balanced.

Pairing - Paella and cigars

Arinzano La Casona 2008 - $39.99

75% Tempranillo

25% Merlot

14 months in French oak 40% new/60% 2nd use

Aroma - Cherry cola, oak, vanilla

Taste - Stewed plums, cassis, cracked black peppercorns. Strong structure with an elegant finish.

Pairing - Manchego Cheese with salty Spanish meats

Arinzano Gran Vino White 2010 - $79

Grand Champion Best of Show in the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo International Wine Competition. The first time a white wine has won this honor in the 14 year history of the competition

100% Chardonnay

11 months in French oak 50% new / 50% 2nd use for 2 years

Aroma - hints of oak, melon, pineapple, lemon

Taste - Soft on palate, romantic, sexy, well balanced, hint of minerality, nice acidity, subtle oak, melon, citrus, slightly nutty

Arinzano Gran Vin Red 2008 - $99

100% Tempranillo

14 months in French oak 50% new / 50% 2nd use

Can age 8-10 more years

Aroma - Ripe bright red berry at first. As it gets air the nose gives off a dark fruit aromas and some leather, coal/wood embers (sitting around the fire pit)

Taste - Red and blackberry, plum, leather, very well balanced.

A Carinena and Garnacha Wine Under $9.99

Yes you saw correct.  The two wines I am going to tell you about are priced under $9.99 and besides a great value, they are pretty good wines to drink now.

The wines come from Bodegas San Valero Co-Op and they manage 700 grape growers in Carinena covering over 8,600 acres of vineyards. 20% of their Garnacha are old vines ranging in age from 30 to 100 years and are at high altitudes in very rocky soils.  You can taste a bit of the minerality in the wine.

The first wine I tasted was the 2014 Castillo Ducay Red.  This wine is a blend with 60% of the wine Garnacha, 30% Tempranillo and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon.  The grapes come from 15 to 20 year old vines from the Monte Ducay vineyards.  This red is unoaked. You can see the youthfulness of the wine in it's color which was a bright redish color with blue hues.  (Tilt the glass and hold it up to the light against something white and you will be able to see the hues of the wine)

The wine had bright acidity with red berry fruit throughout.  I did get a hint of vanilla in the wine. Even though it wasn't oaked, it was probably the alcohol talking at 13%.  It's a wine with excitement.

This is a young wine and should be consumed at purchase.  It is not one to age.  It is prices at....are you ready....$7.99

This was my first introduction to the Carinena grape. (There's a first time for everything.) The 2013 Particular Carinena spent 6 months in French oak. I did get some of that oak on the nose along with aromas of talc a touch of red licorice and earthiness with both red and black fruit and under notes of rosemary and spice. Yes, a lot going on in this wine. The palate was very complex, hints of violets, and the acidity is nicely intergrated with the wine.  You do get a touch of the mineral notes. As it opens it is velvety on the palate.  There is a nice black pepper spice on the finish but it falls off.  This wine will age but only for 3-4 years max.  The price.....between $8.99 and $10.99

I had both of the above wines with some Spanish cheese.  Some Mahon, Iberico and Manchego. Which yes, was my dinner since I was the only one home that evening.  Me, my wine and my cheese.

My Son Went To Spain and I Got a Bottle of Rioja

Back in February my son approached us and asked if he can take summer courses in Spain.  His school (LaSalle University) offers an exchange at the University of Salamanca.  Of course!  I was so excited, what a great experience for him!  (Wish he could have pack me in his suitcase!)

Yes the girlfriend went with him

The summer is flying by and he's been to Spain and back.  He had a great time. Took 4 classes and got 4 A's. Traveled through Spain and Portugal on the weekends.  Oh the life!  He did manage to bring his parents back a bottle of wine - 2005 Osborne Bodegas Montecillo Grand Reserva, Rioja.  For those of you who are wondering, the grapes used in the Rioja are Tempranillo.  Termpranillo is the grape varietal that forms the backbone of many wines from Spain.

We wasted no time in popping the cork to find that it was quite good!! Aromas of red cherry, licorice and herbs filled the glass.  Flavors of red raspberry with a little mocha and white pepper on the finish filled my palate.  Some nice hints of oak and a little tannins made this wine very enjoyable.

I did do some research to see if the wine was sold in the states.  Of course I flipped the bottle around and put on my glasses to read the back to see only to find it all in Spanish.  I didn't do that well in Spanish in high school so..well just let's say I poured myself another glass.  But the wine is sold in the US for around $24.

 We served it with a grilled T-bone steak from Kiernan Farms.  Fantastic dinner and pairing!

He's Legal - Happy Birthday Michael

I can't believe my first born is now 21 years old.  It seems like yesterday I gave birth to him.  Time goes by way to fast! I still feel 21 myself.

I am so proud of him!  I'm not saying that because he's my son.  He already has a job offer for when he graduates from La Salle University next year AND he has become a huge wine enthusiast.  Would I think otherwise, well yes.  During his high school days he was against drinking.  Even through freshman year in college to my knowledge he didn't drink.

Imagine my surprise last year, Memorial Day weekend when he had a sip of my wine and told me "Mom, that is really good wine!" When I asked him how he knew what a good wine was, his answer was "the wine at school taste like shit." It was at this point I realized he was listening to my comments as Paul and I drank and critiqued wine and comments when he worked events at Whitecliff.

Most kids when they come home from school they ask to bring food back.  Not my son.  He asked for wine.  Since he is spending the month of July in Spain as an exchange, I sent him back with a variety of wines from Spain along with a few good ones from the Hudson Valley.

Shortly afterwards he posted a picture on Facebook of a glass of Millbrook 2010 Cabernet Franc and said it was great glass of wine.  In addition it went very well with the meatball sub he was eating. He even gets the food and wine pairing thing.
(remember he's in college) Then he called me after he drank the Albarino and said he really liked it.  I done good! I should say Paul and I done good!

Michael, HAPPY 21st BIRTHDAY!! Enjoy exploring the wines of the world.

Life Beyond Brotherhood - Baeza Wine Connection

Cesar Baeza is one of the nicest gentlemen I know.  Yes, I say gentleman.  My first encounter with him was when I began working for the Shawangunk Wine Trail.  He welcomed me with open arms and was very sincere.  He was the Winemaster and the first person to come to mind when Keryl and I created Happy Bitch Wines. I never thought of another person to go to for guidance.

Now that Cesar has recently scaled down his responsibilities at Brotherhood Winery, new doors have opened for the Winemaster who Wines & Vines Magazine listed in the top 50 Winemakers in the US.  I had the opportunity to have lunch with him in September and boy did we chat.  We both opened up about our experiences, but that's not what I'm here to write about.  It's life beyond Brotherhood.

Welcome to Baeza Wine Connection, a consulting firm involved in all aspects of wine from blending to commercialization.  A consulting firm designed to help distributors find wines and wineries find distribution. Baeza Wine Connection is a family affair that began out of the love and passion for good wine by, Cesar and his brother Fernando who has been a restaurateur  in Long Island, NY for many years.

The Baeza Wine Connection is currently working with wines from Chile, Spain and Italy.   "Viejo Feo" is a Chilean wine whose label shows an Ugly Old Man standing next to a mirror, revealing it's the beauty inside that counts. They've developed  an estate- bottled Cabernet Reserve, Merlot Reserve, Sauvignon Blanc and a unique Pinot Noir.

They are introducing  Finca Loranque Winery in Spain to the American market for the first time. Finca Loranque produces Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon and  Syrah.   They have already received international recognition for many of their wines.

I recently tasted Finca Loranque's 2006 Tempranillo/Syrah blend.  Going in with no expectations Paul and I were wowed by this wine.  It's 60% Syrah and 40% Tempranillo, barrel-aged in French oak for 12 months and at least 1 year in the bottle.

With aromas of black fruit, the palate dances with blackberry and raspberry.  As the wine opens up, plum and more dark fruit enter.  There are not a lot of tannins in this wine.  It's elegant and smooth and nicely balanced.  The finish is one of soft spice.

I paired this wine with an aged Mimolette and Manchego and both went very well.

For those of us who know Cesar, he always has something exciting in the pipeline (or the grapevine if you will).  He's working on a Super Tuscan using Italian heirloom grape varieties and tells me we'll have to wait until next year for the results.  And also organic wine.  Maybe German wine too.

Hiking & Biking with Wine through Spain

Are you a hiker, a biker and like wine?  Then you will like this six day hiking and biking trip through two of the most beautiful regions in Spain.  You will be traveling through the Basque country near Balbao and through the wine country of Rioja.

You will be hiking for two days on the famous Camino de Santaigo along the Bay of Biscay complete with winery visits and fresh seafood for dinner(yum!)

Next you will bike through the Rio Ebro valley in Rioja.  Enjoy rides through the small quaint villages with some some stops for wine tasting.  Decide on how much biking you will do with  short, medium or long routes available.

Spanish tapas, Spanish wine and a little adventure!

A little more detail on your fun:

DATE: September 9 – 14, 2012  COST $2,200 USD per person

Accommodations

• Nights 1 & 2: We stay in the Hotel Saiaz in Getaria, north of Bilbao in the Basque country. This nice upscale accommodation in the seaside resort of Getaria is a traveler favorite.

• Night 3: We spend our next night in the Hotel Los Agustinos, a four-star hotel in the historic center of Haro, capital of the Rioja region.

• Nights 4 & 5: Our final nights are in the Hotel Villa de la Laguardia, in the walled city of Laguardia.

OPTIONAL COSTS
• Bike rental of 25 euros/day for three days
• Single supplement of $850 (single supplement is always optional; otherwise we will find you a roommate of the same gender)
HIGHLIGHTS
• Exploring the ancient and varied cultures of Spain’s Basque Country
• Hiking on the Camino de Santiago de Compostela along the Bay of Biscay
• Enjoying Tapas (Pintxos), local fish and bueno vino!
• Biking among the Rioja vineyards
ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE Your guides meet you in the early afternoon in Bilbao, Spain on the first day of the trip. If you choose to arrive that day, we will meet you at the airport. If you arrive earlier we’ll meet you at a downtown hotel. We’ll return to Bilbao’s airport the last afternoon of the trip, giving you time to fly out and return home (or extend your stay) that same day.
TRANSPORTATION There are no direct flights from North America to Bilbao (airport code BIO), but flights generally require just one stop in a major European airport before arriving in Bilbao. All flights from North America to Europe are overnight flights. Returning home, you can catch an afternoon flight from Bilbao and return to major North American or European airports that same day.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
• Our Spanish guide joins at least one other Zephyr guide, with a third guide added if necessary.
• Double occupancy lodging is included. If you are traveling solo, we will match you with another traveler of the same gender. However, you may pay a single supplement to have your own room.
• All of your dinners and breakfasts are included. Gratuity for these meals is also included. We leave lunches open so that you have time to explore and enjoy the small markets and shops in the villages en route.
• All your transportation is included once you meet your guides on the first day.
• Some wine tastings are included.
NOT INCLUDED Bike rental, beverages, desserts, lunches, optional gratuities to your guides, personal expenses and travel to and from the destination.

Interested - contact Debbie debbie@exclusivewinevacations.com

Wine Blogging Wednesday #70 - A trip through Spain

I want to thank Lenn for bringing back WBW.  I have truly missed it.  Thank you Gabriella and Ryan Opaz of Catavino for hosting.

I know a few of my wine blogging friends have been in Spain last month.  Yes I am jealous, but this past November I did have the opportunity to attend a "Wine of Spain" hosted by Cornwall Wines and Spirits and Ole Imports. It's fitting as I am writing this I am drinking a Paza De Galegos 2009 Albarino.  Unfortunately, I am not writing about that wine(but it's goof), but the two reds I tasted.

The first wine on the table is a 2009 Ludovicus.  This wine was made with grapes from the high elevation region of Terra Alta, located south of Barcelona. The soil is clay, brown limestone, grown in hot days and moderate evening temps in a Mediterranean climate. The wine is a blend of 35% Garnacha, 30% Tempranillo, 25% Syrah and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon

The nose is a smoky cigar giving way to berry and candied strawberry. On the palate I found ripe berry, strawberry and blackberry.  It didn't have a notable finish.

The next wine on the table was a 2009 Vizcarra Roble.  This is a young Tempranillo and I think will get better as it ages within the next 5 years. It is grown the Ribera del Duero region of Spain, which is located in central Spain. The Tempranillo grape in this region is called Tinta del Pais. It is bright cherry in color with a nose of mineral and berry.  The palate was had a little dry herbs, leading way to black raspberry and a long black pepper finish.

The evening of the dinner we got to sample 6 wines both red and white as well as a dessert wine.  The wines tasted today were wines I purchased from Cornwall wines after the dinner.