With over one million hectares, Spain is the country with the most land planted with vine.  Its wine history dates back to times when it was a major wine supplier of the Roman Empire. Most of Spanish wine evolution; however, has only happened in the recent years : New legislation, multiplying denominations of origin, pioneer winemakers and improved winemaking techniques have made this wine country more exciting than ever before. 

This lecture, followed by a tasting of twelve wines will illustrate the variety of wine styles this country has to offer, from the northwestern Rias Baixas to the southern Jerez via the Ribera del Duero, Rioja and Priorat; to name a few.

Course Outline:

• Upcoming regions, winemaking techniques and influential winemakers that are transforming Spain as a wine country
• Differences between Joven, Crianza and Reserva aging categories for red wines
• Basic Spanish wine terms and abbreviations that may appear on labels (DO, DOCa, VORS, Vinos de Pago, Cava, Joven, Crianza, Reserva, Gran Reserva)

THE WINES:

• Raventos Blanc Textures de Pedra Brut Nature, Penedès, NV
• Belondrade Y Lurton Estate (Verdejo), Rueda, 2015
• Zarate El Palomar, (Albariño), Rias Baixas, 2016
• Bodegas Gutiérrez Colosia Fino (Palomino), NV
• Terroir al Limit Torroja, (Cariñena & Garnatxa), Priorat, 2014
• Casa Castillo El Molar (Garnacha), Jumilla, 2015
• Enate, (Merlot-Merlot), Samontano, 2010
• Artero Crianza (Tempranillo/ Merlot) La Mancha, 2013
• Valduero Reserva, (Tempranillo) Rebera del Duero, 2009
• Macan by Vega Sicilia & Benjamin de Rothschild, (Tempranillo) Rioja, 2013
• Atlan & Artisan, Epistem No 5 (Monastrell), Yecla, 2014
• Alejandro Fernandez Dehesa La Granja, Toro, 2008
• Aliaga Vendimia Tardia, (Moscatel) Navarra, 2016