Looking Further in Spain

Castilla – La Mancha Wine Region

Spain is one of the world’s top three producers of wine. Although many fine wines of good reputation are produced in the country, it lags behind France and Italy (and perhaps others) in the perception of the quality of its products. The region of Castilla – La Mancha has had a little to do with that, but is also helping change those perceptions.

When I was a young wine drinker most of the less expensive Spanish wines available in these parts were to be avoided. They tended to taste of very old musty barrels, and delivered little of elegance or character. Castilla – La Mancha produces nearly half of Spain’s total wine volume, and for most of the last century that wine was sold by the jug at very low cost.

Times have changed for the region, and for all Spain for that matter. Investment in new technology and new techniques has resulted in a general improvement in quality everywhere, and no less in Castilla – La Mancha. Wines from this region remain inexpensive, but many are now worth drinking.

Castilla – La Mancha represents the high plateau of central Spain – so it is freezing in the winter, and very hot in the summer, and quite dry all the time. Water conservation necessities forbade irrigation until modern drip technology came along, but it is still not common. In order to survive, vines are widely spaced, and if allowed, can produce highly concentrated juice. Keep an eye out for wines from this region.

A recent arrival from Castilla – La Mancha is the Gran Sello Tempranillo/Syrah 2014 (NLC $16.28), designated as Vino de la Tierra de Castilla. It is purple-black with black fruit aromas, perhaps black currant. A little oak aging shows in the tobacco accent. There is blackberry fruit in the mouth, good acidity, smooth gentle tannins. Score: 15/Very Good.

19 Crimes – The Banished

19 Crimes Shiraz and 19 Crimes Cabernet Sauvignon have been listed here for a while, and have been popular wines by all accounts. Now the Cab/Shiraz blend is available as The Banished. The 2016 is a deep purple red showing cherry, mocha, and spicy blueberry on the nose. This is a full body wine, mouth-filling, with good acidity and smooth tannins – ready for drinking. While this is a robust wine with lots of fruit, I would not characterize it as a fruit bomb. If you like big reds, this is for you. And you can’t beat the price as it is currently available at 25% off at $14.99 – truly a bargain that shouldn’t be missed. Score: 15/Very Good.

Last Chance Wines

I’m probably hurting my own chances, but whenever you drop by the NLC, be sure to check out the Last Chance section. There are often quite attractive bargains, at many price ranges! Recently I picked up some Eden Valley Chardonnay, Time Meritage White, and Bogle Chenin Blanc, all for 20% off.