Opimian Society – Offering C257

Spanish wines have become quite common on our table over the past decade. This is a reflection of both their overall quality, and the improved access to a variety of quality wines from the country from both Opimian and the NLC. Portuguese wines have enjoyed a similar growth, but to a lesser extent. At a recent tasting I hosted, it was the Spanish/Portuguese flight which most surprised and impressed my friends.

C257 continues the parade of interesting and tasty Iberian wines, as well as cost-effective wines from Paul Sapin. Here are my comments on suppliers and wines I have enjoyed in past vintages, according to my own tastes!

SPAIN

Axial Vinos

Axial was a new supplier last year and I tried them with a purchase of #9627 Albada Macabeo Viñas Viejas which proved to be quite tasty – zippy acidity but with character. I enjoyed other Axial wines, including #9623 Javier San Pedro Rández Crianza, at a tasting December past, reported here, by Dave Conway, our local Opimian rep. That tasting included wines from Spanish Palate as well (see below).

The Garnacha #9626 La Mirada al Sur Tinto looks quite interesting with its old bush vines, although I haven’t tasted it. Another I haven’t tasted, but is made with a grape I favour, the Verdejo, is #9628 Esperanza.

Spanish Palate

This is another supplier introduced last year, and they really caught my attention. The four Botas de Barro wines were high on my list, but I could only select one and went with last year’s version of #9638 Old Vine Monastrell – highly recommended. I was quite happy to taste two of the others at Dave’s tasting, with #9639 Tinta de Toro showing very well and just edging out #9636 Old Vine Tempranillo from Ribera del Duero.

My other purchase last year was a bit of a splurge for #9634 Loess Inspiration (also in Dave’s tasting), which proved to be a wonderful choice, although I must resist drinking any more of them this young! I am an easy sale on wines made from very old vines, such as #9635 8 Rosas Negras, Ancient Vines which I will be adding to my wish list.

Bodegas Concavins

Concavins is a long-time supplier which I was able to visit in 2001 – quite a while ago now! They have always been a reliable producer who have perhaps flown a little under the radar, even with Opimian. It has been a few years since my last purchase (all those new Spanish suppliers!) but the Montblanc 362 label has been good quality, and my last #9647 Montblanc 362 Tempranillo/Cabernet proved very good value. Over the years I have also enjoyed #9644 Montblanc 362 Macabeu/Chardonnay. I will also note that the mention of licorice and cinnamon flavour components in #9648 Montblanc 362 Syrah/Samsó got my attention for potential pairings with Moroccan and similar cuisines.

Vinoselección

The introduction of this long-time supplier is responsible for the initial wave of quality wine brought in from Spain by Opimian more than fifteen years ago, and they are still doing it today, albeit with a constantly changing selection. The three wines I have tasted before are simply fabulous, and all are recommended.

My most recent purchase, last year, was #9656 Braó from Acustic Celler and it is a major wine, but I will have to keep the rest of my bottles for a while yet. The other two from earlier purchases or tastings, and which are also recommended, are #9654 Portia Selección de Familia, and #9655 Enate Reserva Privada.

PORTUGAL

Quinta da Barreira

I will be up front and say that any wine with a good share of Touriga Nacional will have my attention – my appreciation of port has spilled over to the use of this grape in regular red wines. It just adds so much character to a wine! So selections such as #9657 Reserva Touriga Nacional/Cabernet Sauvignon, #9662 Vindimeiro, #9664 Estopa Reserva Tinto, #9665 Abastado Grande Reserva Tinto, and all the rest (#9668, #9669, #9671, and #9675) immediately enter into consideration – with the DOC Douro ones being the most favoured. I have to admit that I don’t recall tasting any of these wines, although we have had an excellent Abastado white wine recently.

You may be surprised by the white wine from Tejo, #9672 Encosta do Sobral Selection Branco, which we ordered last year. It is nothing like a Vinho Verde and is easily mistaken for something of the weight of a properly oaked Chardonnay, with wonderful fruit expression. I have heard good things about #9670 Quinta da Bica but have never had the opportunity to taste one … this might be the year.

Mâcon

Paul Sapin

Sapin has been a great contributor to Opimian for many years. #9679 Mâcon-Lugny, La Collection is an old favourite, and I think I am still aging an older vintage in the cellar. I can imagine that the #9680 Saint-Véran and #9681 Puilly-Vinzelles, both interesting appellations, will be good choices, even as they get a little pricier.

We are regular purchasers of #9682 Coeur de Lanciers as a summer sipper when you want something fresh and zippy.

Next Entry

I will be attending the Down Under wine show later this week and my next entry will be a complete report of my tasting notes.

The Opimian Society is “Canada’s wine club” and offers some 500 wines to 15,000 members across the country each year. All wines are selected by Master of Wine, Jane Masters, and sourced from suppliers from all the major wine regions of the world. Wines are ordered and delivered to members via the liquor boards or equivalent in each provincial and territorial jurisdiction (except Nunavut). Disclosure: I am a former member of the board of directors of the Opimian Society and former area representative.