In Northern Spain, there are four main wine producing areas: Rioja, Galicia, Catalonia, and Ribera del Duera in Castilla y Leon. Each is unique and produces fine wines with their own special "Denomination of Origen" guarantee. We will sample wines from three of these regions:

Lagar de Cervera Albariño 2022, Galacia — The estate's vineyards are in the southern section of the Rias Baixas where warmer conditions mean early ripening. It is hilly country with poor soils giving low yields of high-quality grapes. Lagar means "press" and an ancient wooden press graces the label. This Clean and bright, greenish-yellow color and golden reflections. Aromatically, it stands out for its marked varietal character and intensity, with white fruit notes — delicious golden apple and ripe pear — as well as stone fruit, particularly apricot, and hints of lemon peel. Fresh and vibrant on the palate, with excellent structure, intensity and balance. It retains a saline aftertaste and a long, lingering finish. Rating: 93, James Suckling. 13.5% ABV. $28.99/9.50

Finca San Martin Crianza 2019, Rioja — Led by Alejandro Lopéz, named as one of the Top 10 next-generation Spanish winemakers by Decanter, the winery uses old bush-trained Tempranillo to produce a more modern style of Rioja where the terroir lends itself to a fuller, riper wine that is complemented by the use of French oak and shorter maturation. The Estate is an innovative ‘chateau’ concept, established long before the rise of single-vineyard Rioja, producing site-specific wine in contrast to the traditional blends of La Rioja. This Crianza is an intense ruby red color, medium-high intensity, clean and bright. Intense and complex nose with hints of red fruits (red currant, wild strawberries), forest floor notes, fresh pastry, chocolate, ground coffee, and white pepper aromas. Smooth texture, balance, and elegant freshness on the palate with ripe red fruit and spicy nuances on the finish. Rating: 91, Robert Parker. 14% ABV. $23.99/8

Aster Ribera del Duero Crianza 2020, Ribera Del Duero — Located in northen Spain’s Castilla y León region, just a two-hour drive from Madrid, winemaking in this area goes back more than 2,000 years. Ribera’s main grape variety, Tempranillo, locally know as Tinto Fino, is perfectly suited to the extreme climate of the region, where it must survive scorching summers and frigid winters. Low yields resulting from conscientious tending to old vines planted in Ribera’s diverse soils types give Ribera wines a distinctive depth and complexity not found in other Tempranillos. This Crianza is crimson color with a garnet rim, clean and bright. Aromas of black fruit, black currants and blackberries with sweet spices, fine herbs and licorice in the background. Powerful on the palate, the fruit expression is smooth with hints of spice. The finish is balanced and structured, with pleasant acidity and the characteristic mineral notes of the terroir. Exceptionally smooth. Awarded Silver at the Decanter wine awards. Rating: 93, James Suckling. 14.5% ABV. $30/10