While we don’t claim to be Spanish wine experts, we know one thing - it’s delicious. Made in the most beautiful country in southwestern Europe, Spain produces spectacular citrus fruit, premium meats, and quality nuts across 70 regions in a diverse and sometimes rugged landscape - but perhaps most famous exceptional red wines. Here are three that will leave you wanting more, says editor Trudi Brewer.
Spain has many native grape varieties, almost 600 last count, but it’s best known for the ubiquitous Tempranillo. Some say if you like Pinot Noir, you will love Tempranillo, a wine produced from a small grape that ranges from good to exceptional depending on where it is planted, the soil it grows in, and the climate it has adapted to. One famous family that focuses on their love of Tempranillo grapes is the Faustino. With 160 years and four generations of wine makers they have been tending to what has become the 19th-best wine producer in the world. The three wines below combine Tempranillo and Garnacha grapes from the Rioja Alavesa, a region in the Basque Country, and are just a taste of this family’s magnificent offering.
Read on to discover a wine you will love from the first sip.
Faustino Rioja Icon Edition, $90.
This stunning 2017 Tempranillo is the colour of ripe cherries. The brand says you can expect the taste of ripe forest fruits with hints of oak and spice. We agree, but add that if you want to indulge yourself in a quality Tempranillo, enjoy it on a cold evening by a warm fire.
Graze with: Aged cheddar cheese and crusty crusty bread.
Dine with: Ham, with fried potatoes, or any tomato-based pasta dish.
Faustino V Red Reserva, $70.
This 2018 red is famous for its exquisite maroon colour and ripe Tempranillo taste. Lower in sugar thanks to the early ripening of this tiny grape, Tempranillo is very easy to drink. This beauty has hints of cedar and clove spice aromas. Many experts say this wine has a bold, fruity flavour, but we get a hint of vanilla cinnamon with every sip. While tapas are perfect with this wine, that touch of spice is also great with salty nuts.
Graze with: Charcuterie board with burrata.
Dine with: Seared tuna or mushroom risotto.
Faustino VII Garnacha, $30
This is an exceptional 2022 fruity drop. Created with Garnacha, dark-skinned grapes originating from the Aragon region of northern Spain. This ruby red wine features strawberry and black plum flavours and leaves a delicious aftertaste that leaves you wanting more.
Graze with: Spanish tapas, always olives.
Dine with: Potato frittata or fried squid.
This is the season to indulge.