Le Coin du Vin : Surprised by Spain…Again

I have been surprised by Spain once again.   When it comes to Old World wines, Spanish wines often take a back seat to those of France and Italy.  That is changing as more and more consumers realize what Spain has to offer.  Most are familiar with Rioja and they may have heard of or tasted Ribera del Duero.  But how about the wines of Catalunya like Cava (I’m talking about the stuff not named Cordoniu or Freixenet), Penedes, Priorat, or Montsant?  Did you know that Cava is originally from the hills of Penedes south of Barcelona?  Do you really know what Priorat is?  Or Penedes?  Don’t worry, like most consumers, I have been relatively ignorant about these wines and what they’re all about for far too long until recently.  Since returning from Spain last year I have been very enthusiastic about Spanish wines.  I’ve made every effort to learn about them in any way possible through tasting, reading and talking with others knowledgable on the subject. Continue reading Le Coin du Vin : Surprised by Spain…Again

Part One – Interview with Winegrower Joan Huguet

Joan (pronounced joo-on) Huguet laughs pretty hard when someone suggests signing his wine bottles while at our store. He laughs even harder when we take to calling him “rock star” for the night, and harder still when he insists on my taking a picture of him signing a bottle so he can show his friends back in Barcelona.

Joan produces Cava first and foremost, and he brings with him his “Huguet de Can Feixes Brut Gran Reserva,” a lean, tautly balanced blend of Macabeo, Parellada, and Pinot Noir.  Cava, the flagship sparkling wine of Spain, is produced by the same method as Champagne, but is rarely of equal quality.  The Huguet, however, possesses an elegant complexity free from the angry mouthfeel of lesser sparkling wine, and does so with absolutely no dossage; that is to say, there is no sugar in this wine.   Zero. Continue reading Part One – Interview with Winegrower Joan Huguet