コレクション: Ribera del Duero & Priorat
If Rioja is Spain's silk, these two are its muscle.
Ribera del Duero — the same grape as Rioja (Tempranillo, called Tinto Fino here) grown on a high plateau where days are hot and nights are cold. That swing produces far deeper colour, firmer tannin and much more concentration. Vega Sicilia and Pingus made the region's reputation.
Priorat — in Catalonia, on almost vertical slopes of black slate called llicorella. Old Garnacha and Cariñena vines yield almost nothing per hectare, and the wines are dense, mineral and high in alcohol. Priorat is one of only two Spanish regions with the top DOQ/DOCa status — the other is Rioja.
Who these suit. Anyone who finds Rioja too gentle. These are wines for red meat and cold weather, not for a light lunch.
Decant an hour. Serve 16–18°C.
All Spanish wine
