Spain remains one of the world’s great wine-producing countries, sporting nearly 3 million acres of grapevines — more than any other country. Since Spain is a peninsula, the climate varies widely from region to region and, as a result, perhaps the best aspect of this country's wine culture is its diversity. Spain has dozens of winemaking regions, and hundreds of types of Spanish wine grapes and each part of the country has its own iconic varieties.

We will sample three wines from all around Spain that are NEW to the shop:

Cuatro Raya Organic Verdejo 2022, Rueda — The Cuatro Rayas cooperative winery was set up in 1935 as Agrícola Castellana and after almost 80 years, underwent a complete overhaul. As well as changing their name to the current one, Cuatro Rayas, they also began a commitment to social and environmental sustainability, a philosophy they have called Green & Social. This wine is fresh, crisp, and invigorating with luscious and exuberant notes of pear, citrus zest, and valerian (a flower with a sweet, musky vanilla scent). Fresh acidity with a balance between fruit and minerality. 13% ABV. $21.50/$7

Casa Castillo El Molar Garnacha 2019, Jumilla — Casa Castillo has been producing wine since 1874. In 1910, a French company built a winery on the site when phylloxera forced them out of their vineyards in France. Jumilla is one of the few places in Spain that has successfully resisted the infestation of phylloxera. The Roch family acquired the property in 1941. Julia Roch and her grandson, José Maria Vicente, have been recovering the artisanal origins of this estate, making significant strides in the integrity and quality of winemaking. Jumilla is an arid and hot region in southeastern Spain. Its vine yields tend to be torturously low, but this can create wines of exceptional intensity and flavor. This Garnacha bottling was produced with grapes from three plots of vines planted in 2004, 2006 and 2010. Bright cherry in color with a nose of red fruit, spice, and wild herb. The palate is fresh, balanced, good acidity, and fine tannins. Its long finish has a fruity aftertaste. Certified organic. Rating: 94, Robert Parker. 14.5% ABV. $31/$10

Mas Doix Les Crestes Grenache 2021, Priorat — The Celler Mas Doix was created by the Doix and Llagostera families in 1998. It is the reinitiation of a tradition that began in 1850. Priorat was virtually abandoned until the early 1990s. At this time, French winemakers came in and revived the region’s ancient Carignan vines, and planted new—mainly French—varieties. Lively and youthful, this is an approachable and modern red blend with loads of concentrated red cherry fruit and a blueberry note that gives a nice edge. Meaty and herbal notes also come through. It resembles a wine from the Rhône, with blackberry fruit, spice, earth, smoked bacon, and violet aromas. The palate is velvety, medium to full-bodied and has fine, round tannins. Blend: 80% Grenache, 10% Carignan, 10% Syrah. Rating: 92, Robert Parker. 14.5% ABV. $35.50/$12

See you Friday!