Spain has more land devoted to vineyards than any other European country (nearly 1 million hectares of vineyards). The Spanish wine scene is going through exciting times. The country’s 70 regions are full of dynamic, talented winemakers who are making more and more delicious and individual wines. Join us as we sample two wines from last Saturday’s wine event:

CVNE Monopole Clásico Blanco Seco 2018, Rioja — Rioja is known mostly for its red wines, namely Tempranillo. Made of crisp, fresh Viura and finished with a generous kiss of Manzanilla sherry., Monopole is Spain's oldest white wine brand. It has been produced since 1915. Monopole Clásico is the story of a remake after 40 years and is prepared in the same way as it was in the 1970s, balancing freshness with complexity. This white wine is expressive and intense on the nose emphasizing its complexity with hints of chamomile flowers, dry fruits, bakery or mineral aromas. It is velvety on the palate with fresh and salty aftertaste. Wild aromas of dried pineapple, mango and salted nuts. Full-bodied with lots of fruit and a creamy palate with a nutty and eccentric aftertaste. Aged 15% in sherry casks. 13.5% ABV. $30/$10

Mas Martinet Martinet Bru 2020, Priorat — Founded in the heart of the Priorat by Josep Lluis Perez, Mas Martinet’s exceptional early achievements caused a ripple effect that spurred grand advances for the region. Daughter and current Mas Martinet winemaker Sara Pérez is widely regarded as among the most talented and innovative young winemakers, and not just in Priorat or Spain. While her wines reflect the grapes of the vineyard in any given year, Sara’s skill and impeccable timing are what push her wines into the realm of greatness. Today, the wines of Priorat are some of Spain's most compelling, and Mas Martinet remains at the vanguard of the region's top producers. This wine offers hints of blackberry, licorice, rosemary, sensimilla, spiky red lavender, and lashings of cold, dark rock smells. The palate has sweet tannins, and a lively freshness. Meaty fruit is tannin-stunned, bristling with cobs of briar, nuanced with baking spices (fenugreek, white pepper and clove), red licorice and anise. Blend: 70% Grenache, 16% Syrah, 11% Merlot, 3% Carignan. 13% ABV. $40/$13.

See you Friday!!