I’ve always loved Spanish wines, from the satisfying garnacha-forward rosés, to the thirst-quenching, food friendly (and always affordable) cavas, to the more serious reds from Rioja, Jumilla, Priorat and Ribera del Duero.
Let’s start with a great meal at Moratin in Madrid (recommended by my exercise instructor).
A crisp, refreshing glass of sparkling cava from an organic producer. A great way to open the appetite. Citrus peel, chalky nose, lingering finish. Yum.
Our maitre-de/waiter/owner of this small (10-12 tables) wine bistro was the best guide for this short journey through Spanish wines. He sensed my enthusiasm and suggested that I try half-glasses so I could try a variety of wines. What a guy. Ok, so he brought two bottles to the table to sample from these two Tempranillo-based wines. (ok, to say “Tempranillo-based wines” in Spain really isn’t narrowing things down….Tempranillo is the grape for Spain’s most renowned red wines, e.g. Rioja, Ribera del Duero, Toro).
I chose the Cepa 21 for its freshness and intensity of flavor, to pair with my main dish of veal-stuffed cannelloni (not a very Spanish dish). The Prima, from the Toro region was funkier, earthier, and a wine I might’ve chosen to pair with wild game, lamb or something different. Or if I was just in the mood, which is often just as important.
This left me some capacity to try another half-glass of another red, this time a Syrah-based wine from nearby vineyards in Mardrid, which are not really well known in the US. Damn, Spain makes sooooo many amazing wines, and are possibly the best bargains for high-quality wines in the world. Not hardly exaggerating! anyways, back to the “El Rincon”…Syrah grapes with a small percentage of Garnacha (aka Grenache). Delicious, well-balanced, rich deep raspberry/cherry on the nose and palate, silky finish, medium tannins and just plain delicious.
What are we drinking tonight? 
Where can I find these wines in the states?
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Well, I’m not sure we can find those exact wines in the US, but my favorite place for great imports and domestic is K&L Wines in SF; they also have a couple of other locations on the Peninsula. They are THE BEST wine store I know of, anywhere, and they’re not a mega-chain. They have a good selection of Spanish wines and great friendly helpful staff. Spanish Table (Berkeley and Marin County) also has a surprisingly good selection of wines AND Spanish vermouth (yum!).
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