The Depth and Diversity of Spanish Wine

Featuring Under-the-Radar Selections, Top Direct Imports, and Collectible Classics... Monday Mar 8th, 2021 [View in Browser]( [KL-emailheader.gif]( NOTE: Our walk-in retail locations are currently closed. We have curbside pickup and low cost (often free) delivery options available in ZIP codes where we can ship lawfully, including anywhere in California. We can also include any new or existing will call orders in your delivery batch. Choose local delivery at checkout to learn if you qualify. --------------------------------------------------------------- [Spain Newsletter]( Rioja is the region that put Spain’s winemaking on the international map. Back in the 19th century, when Phylloxera knocked out many of France’s vineyards, Bordeaux drinkers looked south to the unaffected region of Rioja. There they found a vibrant, centuries-old winemaking tradition that enchanted even the hardest-to-please palates. A century-plus later and we often still think of the silky bold Tempranillos of Rioja when we talk about Spanish wine. But [in this week’s newsletter]( our Iberian Buyer Kirk Walker wants to encourage you to consider the “B-sides” to Spain’s greatest hits; let’s talk focused, high-acid Alvarinho from neighboring Portugal; let’s talk Monastrell that thrives in the chalky soils of Spain’s southeastern Murcia region; and let’s talk texturally-aromatic beauties made from Garnacha Blanca in Catalonia. There’s such a wealth of wonderful wines from the Iberian Peninsula that we have a feeling you’ll be playing many of these on repeat. The B-Sides: Discoveries from Spain and Portugal Whether it's the diversity of styles or the nearly unrivaled value, exploring under-the-radar gems from Spain is one of the most rewarding journeys in fine wine. The selections below are detailed in depth in the newsletter, but all have one thing in common—they are thoroughly enjoyable, dynamic wines that speak uniquely to the place they come from. Whether it's a refreshing rosé for the upcoming warm months or a go-to Garnacha for an every day bottle, these hand-picked, hand-crafted wines are at the heart of our Spanish and Portuguese program. Vintage Item Name Retail Link 2019 Zestos Garnacha Vinos de Madrid $10.99 [View]( 2019 Pedro Martinez Alesanco Rosado Rioja $11.99 [View]( 2019 Bodegas Torremorón Ribera del Duero $15.99 [View]( 2019 Edetà ria "Via Edetana" Blanca Terra Alta $16.99 [View]( 2019 Zudugarai "Amats" Rosé Getariako Txakolina $16.99 [View]( 2018 Vinos Piñol "Portal" Blanca Terra Alta $19.99 [View]( 2019 Soalheiro "Granit" Alvarinho Monção e Melgaço Portugal $24.99 [View]( The Classics: Best of Rioja While we want to take some time this month to look at Spain beyond Rioja, we're still devoted to the classic region that has shaped our perspective on how great Spanish wine can be. Coming from top producers (Artadi, La Rioja Alta, Merino) and all highly rated, it's a wonder that these examples are all still under $40. From the crisp and vibrant Lanzaga "LZ" to Decanter's Spanish Wine fo the Year "Viña Ardanza," these not only show the quality of Rioja, but also the remarkable range the region offers. Vintage Item Name Score Retail Link 2019 Bodegas Lanzaga (Telmo Rodríguez) "LZ" Rioja 94 $16.99 [View]( 2015 Beronia Reserva Rioja 93 $17.99 [View]( 2017 Artadi Viñas de Gain Rioja 94 $19.99 [View]( 2016 Sierra Cantabria "Unica" Reserva Rioja 94 $24.99 [View]( 2014 Miguel Merino Reserva Rioja 92 $31.99 [View]( 2012 La Rioja Alta "Viña Ardanza" Reserva Rioja 95 $34.99 [View]( 2015 Bodegas Muga "Selección Especial" Reserva Rioja 96 $39.99 [View]( Deep Cuts: Monastrel Shines As K&L's Spanish Wine Buyer Kirk Walker muses in the newsletter, the vineyards growing Monastrell (Mourvèdre) "speak to wine’s endless variability and possibility." Monastrell is responsible for some deeply compelling and engaging renditions. Any wine lover who is looking for a compelling example needs look no further than this carefully selected set. Vintage Item Name Score Retail Link 2018 Bodegas Olivares "Altos de la Hoya" Jumilla 90 $10.99 [View]( 2018 Bodegas Juan Gil Monastrell (Silver Label) Jumilla 93 $14.99 [View]( 2016 Bodegas Sierra Salinas "Mira Salinas" Alicante 93 $14.99 [View]( 2016 Enrique Mendoza ''Estrecho'' Monastrell Valencia 94 $35.99 [View]( Chart Toppers: High-Scoring Collectibles The evolution of collectible Spanish wine is utterly fascinating. Top producers seem to up their game with every given vintage, perfectly encapsulated by Gran Reservas like La Rioja Alta's stunning "904" or former Wine of the Year winner Cune "Imperial." Priorat is seeing a renaissance, where famed wineries Clos Erasmus and Martinet are crafting soulful, site-specific Priorats. But it's not just the old guard, as former Vega Scilia winemaker Javier Ausás has one of Ribera del Duero's most exciting new projects in the inaugural 2016 "Interpretación" from his eponymous winery. Vintage Item Name Score Retail Link 2018 Clos Erasmus "Laurel" Priorat 96 $54.99 [View]( 2011 La Rioja Alta "904" Gran Reserva Rioja 96 $64.99 [View]( 2016 Ausàs "Interpretación" Ribera del Duero 95 $67.99 [View]( 2014 Cune "Imperial" Gran Reserva Rioja 94 $74.99 [View]( 2017 Mas Martinet "Clos Martinet" Priorat 95 $79.99 [View]( --------------------------------------------------------------- [New Feed]( [Auction]( [Local]( --------------------------------------------------------------- [On the Trail (K&L Blog)]( --------------------------------------------------------------- [Twitter]( [Facebook]( [Instagram]( --------------------------------------------------------------- [BORDEAUX]( | [NAPA]( | [BURGUNDY]( | [CHAMPAGNE]( | [ITALY]( | [RHÔNE]( | [SPIRITS]( --------------------------------------------------------------- [My Account]( | [Wine Clubs]( | [Events]( |[Gift Cards]( | [Accessories]( | [Delivery]( --------------------------------------------------------------- Missed an offer? 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