Spain Divided: THE SOUTH

THURSDAYS 12th & 19th NOVEMBER

Please note that the wines for this tasting, and October’s THE NORTH tasting can be ordered together, meaning our supplier can offer free delivery. See option below.

For November we again focusing on Spain. Having travelled around THE NORTH last month, we head for the Mediterranean and Spain’s vineyards in the south of the country. Again we’ll look at the geographical, climatic and cultural influences that have shaped the wines of the south.

Wines of Southern Spain

The glory of southern Spain for many people are its fortified wines, Sherry of course, but Malaga and Montilla-Moriles too. On this occasion we do not taste fortified wines, but instead concentrate on still wines, some of which are now being made by Sherry producers in Jerez as they turn their hand to new styles for a new generation.

While the vast, arid plains of the central south do support bulk wine-making, we will concentrate on smaller prestige areas with a strong coastal influence, even taking a trip out to the island of Tenerife, where there is a real buzz about the wines from its volcanic soils.

What We’ll Taste Week One

Spain South kicks off in Almansa, a high quality, small region awarded DO status in 1966. Hot and dry, the climate here is more Continental, and our organic Verdejo and Sauvignon Blanc blend is harvested in the dead of night to maximise cool conditions. Our second wine will also surprise: pure Sauvignon Blanc from Jumilla, a little further south, nearer the coast, but also from the highest vineyards of the region. We finish with a medium-bodied but intense red from Utiel-Requena, barrel-aged and made from old vines, as well as having a few years under its belt being from 2021.

What We’ll Taste Week Two

Week two begins with a highly unusual white from Jerez, and one of the Sherry region’s top producers. Though made from the Sherry grape, Palomino, the wine is not fortified and is a dry, food-friendly and crisp white wine. The first of two red wines in week two is from the trending volcanic vineyards of Tenerife. Here the Listan Negra variety is king of red wines, our example from 80-year-old vines grown on the southern slopes of Mount Tiede and aged in oak barrels. Finally, the biggest name of Jumilla is Juan Gil, represented here by a classic Monastrell from 40-year-old bush vines at 700 metres above sea level. Again, this is aged in French and American oak barrels.

The Wines

The six wines would normally cost £96 plus £9.95 delivery, but exclusively for this tasting they are offered for just £78 plus delivery, saving £18. Note that delivery is free if spending £150 in total, so if also attending the SPAIN NORTH tasting in October, take the second option below to purchase tickets for both tastings and you will receive a link to buy all 12 wines with no delivery charge.

The Tasting

This tasting runs over two sessions, from 7pm – 8:15pm each evening. The ticket price of £27.50 covers both sessions and is per household, not per person. We’ll open three wines each night, but they’ll drink just as well over the next couple of days so nothing is wasted. And of course, if you miss a live tasting session we’ll send you the video recording to taste along in your own time.