Bodegas Marques de Reinosa

Located in the Basque country of northern Spain, this is the best known of all Spanish wine regions and the first to be accredited by the Consejo Regulador when it was established in 1926 to control production and quality. It comprises three sub regions, climate affecting the wine styles from each. In broad terms, Rioja Alta and Alavesa produce the more delicate wines and focus on the Tempranillo grape, whilst Rioja Baja wines are generally made with a higher proportion of Garnacha, due to the hotter, Meditarranean influenced climate in this area. Rioja is Spain's biggest wine exporter.

Whilst bodegas abound in Rioja and well-known brands continue to dominate, classic, traditional Rioja styles are increasingly being challenged by a new generation of winemakers who are creating contemporary styles ranging from alta expression reds to youthful, zesty whites and increasingly, rosados. Thus, Rioja is adapting to changing world trends and nowadays encompasses a palette of wines to suit all tastes.

BODEGAS MARQUES DE REINOSA

This brand new bodega cooperative lies just outside the town of Autol in sub-region Rioja Baja, and boasts 1200 hectares of owned vineyards. All wines are estate bottled and made from vines grown on the estate. Rioja Baja (compared to Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa) yields Tempranillo grapes of a different character that deliver  greater concentrationj and deeper colour. Belying its contemporary look this winery has a proud heritage stretching back well over one hundred years. Founder, Marquis of Reinosa, was a key player in the development of Rioja wine during the second half of the 19^th century, shaping the industry for what it has become today.

Today, Bodegas Marques de Reinosa marries latest technology with heritage to produce modern style red, white and rose Rioja wines which are sold throughout Spain and in international markets across the world.

BODEGAS EL CIDACOS

Founded in 1958, the Perez-Marzo family own and manage the winery to the present day in Tudelilla, Rioja Baja. Modernity, in terms of advanced winemaking technology, is combined with years of experience and know-how to ensure quality wines. Vines are mostly planted to Tempranillo and Garnacha, most over 35 years old, with yields strictly controlled. A full range of white, rose and red wines are produced under various labels. Marques de Tudelilla, the flagship wine, is complemented by other brands such as Conde de Otinano. The wines are sold throughout Spain and Europe and can be found in many countries world-wide.

Pesquera in the heart of Ribera del Duero

The home of Vega Sicilia, Ribera del Duero is arguably one of Spain's most prestigious wine regions. Situated along the banks of the River Duero (which accommodates 5 D.O.s along its route), the high altitude vineyards planted at around 800mtrs, experience high diurnal temperature contrast.

The predominant grape grown is Tinta del Pais, a close relation of the famous Tempranillo grape. However, due to the region's unique climate, red wines from Tinta del Pais display quite different characteristics compared to the Tempranillo grape grown in neighbouring Rioja. White wines are not permitted under the Ribera del Duero designation.

Today, wines from this region are respected worldwide and are recognised as among the finest in Spain. This, however, is reflected in the price, and the proliferation of boutique wineries that have sprung up to challenge the more established producers.

BODEGAS TORREMORON

Founded in 1957 this bodega is a co-operative of 130 members boasting 250 hectares of vineyards, in some cases well over 60 years old. All grapes are carefully selected by hand with the older vines supplying the fruit for crianzas and reservas. A newly refurbished winery was inaugurated in 1997, with the addition of 700 American and French oak barrels, stainless steel, temperature-controlled fermentation and storage vessels and a state-of-the art bottling hall.

An important producer in the region, their wines are sold under the Torremoron, Senderillo and Tiberio labels and exported largely to Europe, North America and Asia. An excellent rosado is also produced using the indigenous Albillo grape

100 year old Tinta de Toro vines at Estancia Piedra

TORO

High on the plains north-west of Madrid, this region takes its name from the medieval town of Toro, which sits on the river Duero, flowing east to west and providing for the vineyards on its way.

Rapidly establishing itself as one of the most exciting wine-producing areas in Spain, the principal grape is the Tinta de Toro, a variety of Tempranillo. At 600m altitude, with hot days and cool nights, the grape is able to concentrate its flavours, producing deep colour with intense fruit and tannins.

Other authorised grape varieties include Garnacha, Verdejo and Malvasia which are used to make good quality whites and rosados. However, red wines are the benchmark with all categories from jovenes, crianzas through to reservas and gran reservas. Reds must contain at least 75% Tinta de Toro.

ESTANCIA PIEDRA

This brand new bodega sits amidst its own vineyards, in the valley of the river Guarena, a tributary of the Duero. Tinta de Toro and Garnacha predominate, some vines being over 100 years old.

This brand new bodega sits amidst its own vineyards, in the valley of the River Guarena, a tributary of the Duero. Tinta de Toro and Garnacha predominate, some vines being over 100 years old. Meticulous vineyard husbandry and cutting edge wine making technology is the order of the day complemented by carefully crafted cellar management for the ageing process. Estancia Piedra's aim is to produce top quality international style, with vibrant fruit flavours and traditional Spanish elegance, as evidenced by a string of prestigious international accolades

BODEGAS FRANCISCO CASAS

Founded in 1942, this family owned winery is now run by 4^th generation family members in Morales de Toro. Principal grape varieties grown in the bodega's 10 hectares is the Tempranillo equivalent, Tinta de Toro, plus the white Malvasia which surround the winery and are on average 50 years old.

A full range of Blanco, Rosado and Red wines are produced, from Jovenes up to Reserva quality level, under the Camparron and Gamazo brand names.

Bodegas Francisco Casas is active in export markets where almost half the production is sold across all five continents. Their ethos of producing commercially priced wines of consistent, dependable quality, is reflected in numerous awards and a rapidly growing presence in international markets.

Ancient Garnacha vines at 600 metres

Terra Alta, quite literally the high land, is a rugged landscape with ancient, hilly vineyards on a plateau some 500 metres above sea level inland from Tarragona city. Limestone soil with good drainage and the Mediterranean climate with continental influences produce excellent conditions for the growing of quality Tempranillo, Garnacha and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes that form the backbone of the region's reds.

As with neighbouring Priorat and Montsant, Terra Alta was a region of co-operatives making wine in bulk for blending. Today, these bodegas are using the latest technology to produce complex wines at highly competitive prices compared to their better-known peers in North Spain. Terra Alta is a perfect example of the so-called New Spain and is fast gaining international acclaim.

MONTSANT

The Montsant region is isolated by mountains forming a natural barrier to the sea thus giving the effect of a mild continental climate coupled with the humid sea breezes. The landscape is stunning with small terraced vineyards, and the dramatic, massif Montsant (holy mountain) dominating the skyline.
The wines from the region originate from Roman times, Tarragona province being the centre for Roman occupation of Spain. The predominant grape varieties are Garnacha, Carinena and Tempranillo, with increasing use of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. In a new era of stainless steel, combined with perfect terroir, Montsant has seen rapid growth of small, individualistic bodegas producing a range of high quality, blended wines.

PRIORAT

The name Priorat means Priory and is taken from Priorat de Scala Dei, for centuries a working winery and still producing to the present day. One of the most remote highland locations in Catalunya, the Priorat region ranges in altitude from 100m to 700m and has a huge diversity of micro-climates and a unique soil structure in Llicorella. Yields are low from the ancient vines, mainly Garnacha and Carinena over 100 years old, producing highly complex, concentrated  red wines bursting with fruit. Small, hilly plots make harvesting extremely complex and expensive. Judicious use of new French barricas for ageing  produces fresher, less oaky styles than traditional Spanish reds. Accordingly, limited production and new-wave winemaking mean that the Priorat region has attained international fame with correspondingly high prices

CELLERS UNIO

Founded in the 1960s, this cooperative was initially set up to sell deeply coloured, highly alcoholic bulk wines to large domestic and foreign negociants. Today, with ultra-modern facilities, 250 members and 500 hectares under vine, encompassing D.O.s of Priorat, Montsant, Terra Alta and Tarragona, the bodega is now focused on developing its own range of bottled wines for export markets (currently over 25 world-wide), whilst maintaining its presence as a key player in the domestic market.

Whilst producing a full range of red, white, rose and dulce or dessert wine styles, the bodega specialises in two main areas - keenly priced Reserva and Gran Reserva blends and entry-level varietal wines, fresh and approachable in style. A relatively recent initiative is a range of wines from D.O. Catalunya, a new designation which permits wine to be made from grapes sourced from anywhere in the state of Catalunya.

Medievel town of Ujue at dawn

The wine growing region of Navarra adjoins Rioja, stretching north and east from the Rio Ebro towards the famous bull-running town of Pamplona. Although with a wine pedigree as long as any region in Spain, Navarra is today one of the most pioneering regions in terms of viticultural and oenological experimentation. Blessed with a plethora of micro-climates, there is huge scope for diversity of wine styles, which explains how elegant  Tempranillo based reds can be found alongside stylish Chardonnays and Cabernets.

Garnacha, Tempranillo and Viura are the main plantations, complemented by Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chardonnay  and many other experimental varieties, which gives rise to exciting blends using indigenous and international grapes, perfect for the international consumer.

BODEGA CASTILLO DE ENERIZ

Commissioned in 2003, this is a privately owned, hi-tech winery equipped with the most modern winemaking equipment and 700 French and American oak barricas covering a wide range of toasting levels. The winery is based in the village of Eneriz and its 35 hectares of vineyards are located throughout the Navarra region which allows for considerable variation in style and singularity. Cabernet Sauvignon is the base for all wines, blended with Merlot or Tempranillo.

Currently, only barrel aged wines are produced from Barrica to Reserva level, however, experimentation with Rosado and Blanco styles are ongoing with a view to broadening the winery's portfolio in the near future. Wine sold under the Castillo de Eneriz label.

12th century bridge on the Camino de Santiago at Adegas Castro Brey

The Rias Baixas, literally meaning lower estuaries, lies in the north-west corner of Spain in the most lush and green of all regions, Galicia, bordering the Atlantic coast and the Portugese border to the south.

The region is best known for the Albarino grape, indigenous to Galicia and also northern Portugal where it is known as Alvarinho. Other white grape varieties grown are Treixadura, Caino, and Loureira (or Godello). The temperate climate produces difficult growing conditions requiring high vineyard maintenance. This together with fragmented plantations and small-scale bodegas means the wines tend to sell at premium prices. Albarino wines are aromatic, fresh and elegant; and are deservedly  recognised as being the finest white wines in Spain and ranked among the best in the world.

ADEGAS CASTRO BREY

Adegas Castro Brey was founded by Jose Castro Brey in 1985 in the tiny village of Camanzo, Vila de Cruces near Santiago de Compostela. A small family business in an area steeped in wine history, the bodega owns 10 hectares of vineyards along the valley of the river Ulla in the sub-zone Val do Salnes.
A compact, modern winery produces three Albarino mono-varietal wines, Senorio de Cruces, Castro Valdes and Sin Palabras which are widely exported. A fourth white wine Senorio da Regas, is an Albarino based blend of four local grape varieties.

Lying to the south-west and south-east of the capital city of Madrid, D.O. Vinos de Madrid is one of the fastest growing wine regions in Spain. Having lost ground to neighbouring La Mancha wines on the world stage, improved standards of production brought about by recent investment in winery technology and proximity to the capital, have given Madrid wines a new momentum not only in local markets but for export also.

Principal grape varieties are Tempranillo, Garnacha for red wines and Malvar, Airen and Albillo for white wines. With grapes grown under continental climate conditions at high altitude (500 to 800 mtrs), wines are made in all three colours, predominantly jovenes, but increasingly the red wines are being given a touch of oak ageing in keeping with the ever improving standards and export aspirations of the region.

BODEGAS FRANCISCO CASAS

Founded in 1942, this family-owned winery has been successively run by four generations of the Casas family, in the town of Navalcarnero in the sub-zone of the same name. Tempranillo, Garnacha Tinta and the region's indigenous white grape, Malvar, are the main plantations in the 10 hectares of vines that surround the winery.

Active in export markets where around half the production is sold and growing steadily, Bodegas Francisco Casas specialise in extremely commercial wines of solid quality, under the Tochuelo and Caminillos brand names. A full range of white, rosado and red wines are produced, including lightly oaked versions.

Bodegas Francisco Casas expanded their business into D.O. Toro, with the opening of a new winery in 1962, in Morales de Toro (see D.O. Toro above for details).

CAVA  

GRUPO OLIVEDA

Founded in 1948, Familia Oliveda is a family concern based in the heart of Dali country nearby Figueres, which is situated north east of Barcelona and inland from the Costa Brava. Lying at the foot of the Pyrenees, where they tend 50 hectares of their own vines, the winery produces a full range of Cava styles, blanco and rosat, as well as a range of red, white and rose still wines.

Familia Oliveda have invested in new technology over the years to extract the very best from their quality fruit, whilst maintaining the traditional winemaking techniques which lend their wines a singular character.

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