{"title":"Spain","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe extraordinary diversity of Spain’s landscapes and microclimates is reflected in the huge range of wines the country produces – reds, whites, rosés, sparkling wines and sherries are all here in abundance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn such a large country there is inevitably plenty of variety to be discovered, from the mountains of Rioja down to the subtropical climate of the Canary Islands. What often links the country’s producers together, however, is a strong focus on native grapes – among the Vineking range of Spanish wines you’ll see a number of less familiar names alongside popular grapes such as tempranillo and albarino.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"nv-alvaro-domecq-pedro-ximenez","title":"NV Alvaro Domecq Pedro Ximenez Vina 98","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBodegas Álvaro Domecq S.L. dates back to 1850 and for centuries became one of the highest quality producers in the Marco de Jerez.  In\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 1999, Álvaro Domecq Romero, a well-known mounted bullfighter born in Jerez, and a great fan of the wines of his land, took charge of the winery. In 2007 Álvaro Domecq Winery took a new step and joined Avanteselecta, a company that produces wines in the main Spanish wine regions under a common philosophy to search for unique terroir and the defence of native varieties and committed to the Jerez tradition, maintaining a way of working that for years has produced some of the most appreciated wines in international markets.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTasting note: Aromas of raisins, with light notes of oak. In the mouth it has an exquisite raisin flavour. It is sweet, without being cloying, with a good balance between acidity and sugar as well as good persistence in the mouth.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFood match: Blue cheese and desserts with dark chocolate.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Alvaro Domecq","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41718967566410,"sku":"S248403NV1","price":29.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2140\/3211\/files\/Pedro_X.jpg?v=1763646546"},{"product_id":"2022-perelada-stars-brut-nature-reserva","title":"2022 Perelada Stars Brut Nature Reserva","description":"\u003cp\u003ePerelada are one of the most prestigious and highly regarded wine and Cava producers in Catalunya – a family-owned estate built upon a winemaking tradition that stretches back to the Middle Ages. The family also purchased an additional bodega, DO Cava, in Penedes’ capital, Vilafranca del Penedès, allowing them to increase production and is one of Spain’s most prominent Cava producers. Trellis and gobelet grown vines planted in an old vineyard in DO Cava in Penedès. The soil is clay and calcium rich at an altitude of 500 - 700 metres. The gently pressed grapes undergo a temperature controlled fermentation in stainless steel with selected yeasts before a secondary fermentation in bottle. Twelve months in bottle before disgorging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"title\"\u003eTasting Note:  Pale yellow colour with greenish nuances with a generous stream of fine bubbles forms a perfect crown. It has a clean aroma, with fruity hints and a slight ageing tone. Dry and smooth on the palate, it is complex in the mouth and has excellent balance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"title\"\u003eFood match: Perfect with seafood, fish and risotto based dishes.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Perelada","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42720588267594,"sku":"S242303221","price":17.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2140\/3211\/files\/BOTTLE_4368.png?v=1763492652"},{"product_id":"2019-luis-canas-rioja-reserva","title":"2019 Luis Canas Rioja Reserva","description":"\u003cp\u003eBodegas Luis Cañas has been at the heart of Rioja since 1928 and has played an enormous role in shaping the Alavesa’s – and Rioja’s – modern incarnation. Comprising some of the region’s best and highest altitude vineyards, the soil in this area is thin and produces small bunches – perfect for making highly concentrated Rioja wines. \u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eWith 350 hectares of outstanding vineyards, split across 870 different plots, the viticultural department control every aspect. Each of the plots has its own personality and is categorised and used for different wines according to its characteristics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"title\"\u003eTasting Note: Deep cherry red, clean and bright with aromatic intensity. The palate is tasty, mellow, fresh and with fine nuances of fruit with tannins are well integrated and polished. The length has nuances of liquorice appear making it last in the palate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFood match: Pair well whicken and turkey, stews, tapas and semi-cured cheeses.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Luis Canas","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43167273779274,"sku":"S211210191","price":29.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2140\/3211\/files\/Luis_Canas_Reserva.png?v=1766318807"},{"product_id":"2021-marques-de-murrieta-rioja-reserva-case-deal-6x75cl","title":"2021 Marques de Murrieta Rioja (Reserva) Case Deal (6x75cl)","description":"\u003cp\u003eOver the past 15 years, the Estate of Marques de Murrieta has established itself as one of the most iconic names in Rioja.  Their 2021 Reserva has just been released and we are simply delighted with the quality, as are the critics:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e97 points Proensa + \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e94 points James Suckling + \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95 points Tim Atkin + \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e96 points Decanter + \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e93 points Guía Peñín\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ci\u003e95 points Luis Gutierrez, RobertParker.com, February 2025\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eTheir flagship wine comes from one of the finest vintages in recent times. The 2021 Marqués de Murrieta was previously called the Reserva and still qualifies as such, but it's not included in the name now. It was produced with 86% Tempranillo, 8% Graciano, 4% Mazuelo and 2% Garnacha Tinta from their 300 hectares of vines in their Ygay estate on limestone and clay soils with alluvial influence. \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe grapes were picked between the 27th of September and the 15th of October, and each plot and variety was vinified separately in stainless steel, matured in American oak barrels for 26 months, then blended and kept in concrete for a few months until bottling, which was a longer élevage this year. It's very spicy, peppery, with a combination of berry fruit and some incipient tertiary aromas, hints of forest floor and truffle. It's very Rioja, with clout, elegance and freshness and the elegant tannins that are the signature of 2021. It comes in at 14.3% alcohol with a pH of 3.6, denoting ripeness and balance. It's delicious, fresh and available. Bravo! \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eDrink 2025-2038.  \u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Vineking","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43326851776586,"sku":"S2020022116case","price":160.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2140\/3211\/files\/sixpackmurrieta21_ef4e0501-d130-4a74-b811-9b09676eecba.png?v=1771512165"},{"product_id":"2018-luis-cans-gran-reserva","title":"2018 Luis Canas Gran Reserva","description":"\u003cp\u003eBodegas Luis Cañas has been at the heart of Rioja since 1928 and has played an enormous role in shaping the Alavesa’s – and Rioja’s – modern incarnation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eComprising some of the region’s best and highest altitude vineyards, the soil in this area is thin and produces small bunches – perfect for making highly concentrated Rioja wines. The vineyards are divided into hundreds of individual plots, each planted with gnarly old bush vines on chalky-clay soils that shelter under the magnificent Sierra de Cantabria range. Rioja Alavesa has the largest number of ‘Viñedo Singulares’ in Rioja and Luis Cañas is an exemplary producer of single vineyard wines from the region. The estate’s director of viticulture, Rubén Jiménez, is celebrated for the important research he has conducted into identifying special sites in the Alavesa, as well as recovering an extraordinary number of ‘lost and ancient’ varieties from the family’s vineyards. He was named Grower of the Year by Tim Atkin MW in 2023 for the vital work he is doing to advance and safeguard the region. In 2016, Juan Luis, son of Luis Cañas, opened Bodegas Amaren in the neighbouring village of Samaniego and named his own son, Jon Cañas, as winemaker.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith 350 hectares of outstanding vineyards, split across 870 different plots, the viticultural department control every aspect. Each of the plots has its own personality and is categorised and used for different wines according to its characteristics. The grapes which are destined for Gran Reserva are from a selection of old vines of an average of 50 years old.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUpon entering the Bodega, the bunches are carefully selected before being de-stemmed so the individual berries can be sorted based on their weight and following a double selection process. They later undergo fermentation and maceration in stainless steel deposits for 8 days obtaining better colour extraction as well as much more complex and tannic wines, suitable for prolonged ageing. The result is a wine that portrays the essence of a classic Rioja. After its primary fermentation, the wine is placed in barrels where it undergoes malolactic fermentation and is aged for a total of 24 months in French and American oak barrels. It is then bottled and aged for another 36 months\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"video-responsive\"\u003eRuby red with earthy colour notes. Elegant and complex in the nose with a good concentration of black fruit, thyme and rosemary with secondary aromas of leather and tobacco leaves. It is polished and rounded, making it pleasant and easy to drink. Fleshy with both elegance and power. It has touches of black fruit jam and liquorice warm, with a long, delicious and persistent finish.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Vineking","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43368568782922,"sku":"S211203181","price":49.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2140\/3211\/files\/luiscanasgranreserva.png?v=1776924232"},{"product_id":"bodegas-ximenez-spinola-px-old-harvest-solera-1964-50cl","title":"Bodegas Ximenez Spinola PX Old Harvest Solera 1964 50cl","description":"\u003cp\u003eThere are not many wineries that have built their success by focusing on just one grape variety, let alone one that has been almost permanently out of fashion, but that is precisely what Bodegas Ximénez-Spínola have done since 1729.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWorking solely with Pedro Ximénez, they produce a selection of fascinating dry wines, dessert wines and sherries that bring all of their 300 years of experience to bear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA singular Sherry born entirely of PX. It marries two soleras: one, a dry, oxidative line begun in 1964 that drinks like an oloroso; the other, a sweeter solera dating back to 1918, whose wines now average 25 years of age. Hand-harvested Pedro Ximénez grapes are left to sun-dry for three extra days beyond the normal harvest. They are collected in small 15 kg boxes to preserve quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFermentation takes place in barrel until reaching 17% alcohol naturally, or through concentration in the cask if needed. The wine is incorporated into the 1964 solera — a rare oxidative ageing PX, showing finesse closer to Palo Cortado or Oloroso than to traditional sweet PX. Alcohol integration is delicate, with minimal perception on the palate. To prevent refermentation and add balance, a touch of raisin must is carefully added during ageing, building to 45 g\/L residual sugar in the final year. Selected barrels are blended a year before bottling to highlight oxidative depth while avoiding harsh oak, aiming for harmony between age, tannin, fermentation character, and the variety’s natural elegance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"video-responsive\"\u003eIn the glass it shifts from light amber and old gold to a faint green edge, with steady legs. The nose is striking and alluring — honeyed yet lifted, packed with dried fruit (raisin at the core, but remarkably fresh), quince jelly, gentle oxidative hints, seasoned wood, cinnamon. Unlike the dense, dark PX stereotype, this shows brightness and charm. On the palate it lands medium-dry, the acidity keeping the sweetness taut and lively. The quince-raisin character dominates, laced with a touch of gingerbread. Broader and more textural than palomino Sherries, it stays graceful, long, and very clean. The finish runs and runs. Utterly delicious — generous and approachable.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Vineking","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43368582217802,"sku":"S251601NV1","price":35.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2140\/3211\/files\/PXSolrea.png?v=1776924763"},{"product_id":"2020-luis-canas-rioja-reserva-seleccion-de-la-familia","title":"2020 Luis Canas Rioja Reserva Seleccion de la Familia","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn 1970 Luis Cañas changed two hundred years of tradition and became the first winemaker in Rioja Alavesa to bottle his young wine rather than sell it as bulk. This bold move, and his continued pioneering spirit, has cemented the winery's enviable reputation as one of the most progressive in the region. Sheltered below the watchful Sierra Cantabria, the vineyards are all old, small plots on chalky-clay soils with a dedicated team of vineyard workers carrying out organic practices and a purpose built, fully equipped accommodation block was built for the entire vineyard team in 2006. Juan Luis Cañas is now the powerhouse behind this highly accomplished winery, but everywhere you go there is a feeling of family. With 350 hectares of outstanding vineyards, split across 870 different plots, the viticultural department control every aspect. Each of the plots has its own personality and is categorised and used for different wines according to its characteristics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTasting note: A beautiful ruby colour. A clean nose with good intensity. Complex aromas of leather, ripe sweet fruit and herbs over a base of fine oak. Palate: Potent and juicy with structure and good tenacity. The finish shows lots of spice and is ample, complex, long and persistent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFood match: Best served with pasta dishes, roasted lamb and beef, stews and poultry.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Vineking","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43533390610506,"sku":"S211205201","price":35.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2140\/3211\/files\/2016LuisCanasRiojaReservaSelecciondelaFamilia_37a818ba-2415-4aec-a54e-2c89f8363e15.png?v=1712854675"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2140\/3211\/collections\/spain_2b41caf8-9e3f-4fbc-b592-e439f9fdd72f.jpg?v=1692968677","url":"https:\/\/thevineking.com\/collections\/cou-spain\/rioja.oembed","provider":"The Vineking","version":"1.0","type":"link"}