Price: £4.99 - £6.50
Store: Majestic Wines
Country: Spain
ABV: 13%
Paying
attention to the wine I drink, I have started to build up a mental map
of regions and countries that churn out great tasting wine and the grape
varieties they use. A surprising discovery is
the extensive range of red and white grapes native to Spain that previously, I
had no idea existed. My early ignorance saw Spain as 3 or 4 grape
varieties, such as Garnacha, Tempranillo and Viura (Macabeo) and to be
fair, wine from these grapes do cover a lot
of shelf space in supermarkets. After very little effort, however, I
have found and tasted great varieties such as Godello, Monastrell,
Mencia and Parellada all of which are easy to come by. I know I have
only scratched the surface too but before you berate
me too harshly, I have a question for you. What is Spain’s most widely
planted grape? I’ll give you a clue, it’s white.
While you mull that over, have a look at this week's wine, which is yet another amazing Spanish varietal, Verdejo. Verdejo is almost entirely exclusive to Spain where the Rueda region is reported to create the most notable wines. Due to the heat of the Spanish sun, grapes separated from the vine are susceptible to oxidisation or browning, much like an apple which has been bitten into and left to one side, and so the harvesting will often take place during the night where the temperatures are lower, preserving all those lovely flavours.
On the nose is immediate fruit with likenesses of gooseberry and pear, although tropical fruits are evident. Also detectable is a grassy, herb element which gives the smell an inviting crispness. Upon taste, the first attack goes to fruit with mango being prevalent but a citrus presence quickly takes over and leads into the aftertaste with what the makers describe as, "...its peculiar pleasant slightly bitter finish." I would agree wholeheartedly. The structure feels medium bodied and dry but the balance of fruit and herbal influences delivers a soft texture which makes this an easy drink to work through without food. The slightly bitter finish is not at all unpleasant and provides a refreshing hit. Anyone who drinks tonic water will understand what I am trying to get at.
Spain’s
most widely planted variety is called Airen however, you may find it difficult to get hold of a bottle as it is mainly used to support production of
other alcoholic beverages before being one itself. Don't worry, there are plenty more to choose from and if like me, you owe Spain an apology, you can make it up to them by trying this bottle first.
Majestic have numerous stores throughout the UK and have extended their reach into France.
Offering a home delivery service also, Majestic can be found at www.majestic.co.uk
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