NATURAL, BRUTAL & RAW

Respública Verdejo 2016

Tasting: From the stable of Ismael Gozalo, ‘El Brujo de Verdejo’ – The Wizard of Verdejo – he makes a variety of expressions from 150-year-old vines on their original rootstocks. Organically and biodynamically produced with no added sulphites, Respública represents the pinnacle of Ismael’s stable of wines. Delicate and nuanced, it shows subtle fruit in the form of crab apples, greengage, melon, light quince and red apple skin. All this is backed by an underlying elegant minerality that runs through this exceptional wine.

Bodega: Microbio

Region: Nieva

Grape: Verdejo

Aging: Aged in old oak

Vintage: 2016

Alcohol: 13.5%

Closure: Cork

El Ardachero Chardonnay 2018

Tasting: Winemaker Juan Piqueras turned his attention to the family winery after a long stint as head winemaker at Manuel Manzaneque’s legendary Finca Élez. Farming plots of old bush vines organically and biodynamically in Campo Arcís, the winery is located in the family home, and the wines aged in barrels in the cellar of the same house, true small-scale winemaking. Rich, dense and grippy tannin, spiced ripe apricot, honeysuckle flowers and zingy lemon juice all combine in this powerful skin contact Chardonnay that has exceptional depth and complexity.  

Bodega: Bodegas Pigar

Region: Utiel-Requena

Grape: Chardonnay

Aging: Maceration on skins for 18 days with wild yeasts and subsequent aging on lees in stainless steel. No Sulphites

Vintage: 2018

Alcohol: 13%

Closure: Cork

Bodegas Pigar Chardonnay 2018

Tasting: Winemaker Juan Piqueras turned his attention to the family winery after a long stint as head winemaker at Manuel Manzaneque’s legendary Finca Élez. Farming plots of old bush vines organically and biodynamically in Campo Arcís, the winery is located in the family home, and the wines aged in barrels in the cellar of the same house, true small-scale winemaking. Un-fined and unfiltered with no added sulphites it shows delicious notes of custard apple, white apricot, herbs, flint, gun smoke and a delightful mineral length. 

Bodega: Bodegas Pigar

Region: D.O. Utiel-Requena

Grape: Chardonnay

Aging: Old oak and ceramic eggs for 8 months

Vintage: 2018

Alcohol: 13.5%

Closure: Cork

790 Pe-Cats 2019

Tasting: Translated the name of this wine means 790 sins, referring to the 790 days it takes from harvesting to release, each day a sin that this wine can’t be enjoyed yet! Organically and biodynamically grown in Catalunya’s Penedès region, west of Barcelona, Loxarel have been dedicated to sustainable production since their inception. Full bodied with sumptuous flavours of ripe, candied black fruit, raspberries, black plums, all wrapped around a core of soft yet present tannins, and notes of cacao and coffee.

Bodega: Loxarel

Region: D.O. Penedès

Grape: Garnacha, Syrah

Aging: Fermented in amphora the aged 10 months in French oak

Vintage: 2019

Alcohol: 14.5%

Closure: Cork

Momvasia del Duero Malvasía 2018

Tasting: Aromas of pear, chamomile and jasmine lead into a fleshy and textural palate of nashi pear, honeysuckle flowers and baking spices. 

Bodega: Esteban Celemín Viticultor

Region: V.T. Castilla y León

Grape: Malvasía

Aging: Large format old oak

Vintage: 2018

Alcohol: 14.5%

Closure: Cork

Microbio Verdejo 2016

Tasting: From the stable of Ismael Gozalo, ‘El Brujo de Verdejo’ – The Wizard of Verdejo – he makes a variety of expressions from 150-year-old vines on their original rootstocks. Full bodied and textural, ripe red apples, key lime pie, juicy white apricots and minerals.

Bodega: Microbio

Region: Nieva

Grape: Verdejo

Aging: 7 months in amphora

Vintage: 2016

Alcohol: 13%

Closure: Cork

Verdeja le Dicen 2020

Tasting: Verdeja is the local name for old, pre-clonal selection Verdejo in Castronuño and Toro, and while this wine shows plenty of Verdejo character this is clearly not a wine trying to be Verdejo from Rueda! Embracing Verdejo’s tendency towards oxidation, Esteban Celemín makes this wine in the traditional method of this region, with 1-2 days of skin contact and the inclusion of some raisined grapes. The result is a very highly concentrated, but totally dry, expression of Verdejo. This shows appealing ripe green herb (fennel, coriander, celery) notes intermingled with charred lemon notes on the nose, and the palate is dense with plenty of mineral acidity and citrus and stone-fruit notes 

Bodega: Esteban Celemín Viticultor

Region: Castouño, Duero Valley

Grape: Verdeja

Aging: 2 days skin contact, fermented in and aged 12 months in old French oak foudres

Vintage: 2020

Closure: Cork

La Fanega de Ruperto Petit Verdot 2016

Tasting: A nose of ripe blackcurrants and herbs give way into a palate of powerful, structural tannins, balsamic accented black fruits, leather, and fresh cedar. 

Bodega: Marenas Viñedo y Bodega

Region: Montilla-Moriles

Grape: Petit Verdot

Aging: Stainless Steel

Vintage: 2016

Alcohol: 13%

Closure: Cork

L’Adolescent 2018

Tasting: Celler Les Foes is a tiny 3 hectare estate in Castellón, the north of Valencia, working with old vine indigenous varieties. The vineyards are tended organically with no herbicides or pesticides, and this is followed up with a minimal intervention approach in the cellar, so no sulphur at any stage. L'Adolescent is a blend of hand harvested Monastrell, Garnacha and Syrah bottled without fining or filtration. It's fragrant and herbal with touches of wood spice and great depth of red berried fruit.

Bodega: Celler Les Foes

Region: Castellón

Grape: Monastrell, Garnacha, Syrah

Aging: 5 months in old oak

Vintage: 2018

Alcohol: 13%

Closure: Cork

Kπ Rosado 2017

Tasting: From Sierra de Gredos natural wine maestro Daniel V. Ramos, a self-described ‘Span-Aussie’ (born in Australia to Spanish parents, then grew up in Madrid). The nose opens with an oxidative, warm apple cider note, before becoming all about the red fruit. Lovely texture on the palate, mouth-filling but not cloying, red berry fruit, rose water, tangerine skin and cinnamon. Bottled un-fined and unfiltered with no added sulphur.

Bodega: Daniel V. Ramos

Region: Sierra de Gredos

Grape: Garnacha

Aging: 21 months in old French oak

Vintage: 2017

Alcohol: 14%

Closure: Cork

Kπ Amphora Garnacha 2019

Tasting: Light bodied and delicate, it shows ripe purple berries, scrub herbs and granite minerality. Fermented and aged in clay amphora, grown organically, un-fined and unfiltered with minimal sulphites added.

Bodega: Daniel V. Ramos

Region: Sierra de Gredos

Grape: Garnacha

Aging: 9 months in amphora

Vintage: 2019

Alcohol: 14.5%

Closure: Cork

Instabile N.6 Alter Ego 2016

Tasting: Tasting: Alfredo Arribas was a multidisciplinary architect of national renown before turning his attention to farming and winemaking in 2001. His Vins Nus - naked wines - label is an astonishing collection of highly creative wine, exhibiting his extreme passion and intelligence. Vins Nus are based on organic and biodynamic farming, spontaneous fermentations, short macerations, minimal added sulphur, and a less is more philosophy. Forthright notes of subtle oak, toast and leather with a palate of ripe, spice dark berry jam with balsamic and chocolate nuances.

Bodega: Vins Nus

Region: D.O.Q. Priorat

Grape: Garnacha 

Aging: 12 months in large format old oak

Vintage: 2016

Alcohol: 14%

Closure: Cork

Instabile N.5 In Albis

Tasting: Alfredo Arribas was a multidisciplinary architect of national renown before turning his attention to farming and winemaking in 2001. His Vins Nus - naked wines - label is an astonishing collection of highly creative wine, exhibiting his extreme passion and intelligence. Vins Nus are based on organic and biodynamic farming, spontaneous fermentations, short macerations, minimal added sulphur and a less is more philosophy.  Grippy texture complements sherbet lemon, candied apricots, chamomile flowers and pounded almond.  It’s mouth-filling, stony and plump, with delicious richness yet it ooze's bright freshness.

Bodega: Vins Nus by Alfredo Arribas

Region: D.O.Q. Priorat

Grape: Garnacha Blanca, Macabeo, Xarel.lo , Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains

Aging: Fermentation in oak, aging in amphora

Vintage: 2018

Alcohol: 13%

Closure: Cork

Instabile N.4 Grosso Modo 2017

Tasting: Alfredo Arribas was a multidisciplinary architect of national renown before turning his attention to farming and winemaking in 2001. His Vins Nus - naked wines - label is an astonishing collection of highly creative wine, exhibiting his extreme passion and intelligence. Vins Nus are based on organic and biodynamic farming, spontaneous fermentations, short macerations, minimal added sulphur and a less is more philosophy. Subtle, delicate and multi-faceted, elegant red berries with balsamic notes and garrigue herbs. Un-fined, unfiltered with no added sulphites. 

Bodega: Vins Nus by Alfredo Arribas

Region: D.O.Q. Priorat 

Grape: Garnacha and Garnacha Peluda

Aging: Ceramic eggs

Vintage: 2017 

Alcohol: 14%

Closure: Cork

Instabile N.2 Peccata Minuta Garnacha Peluda 2016

Tasting: Alfredo Arribas was a multidisciplinary architect of national renown before turning his attention to farming and winemaking in 2001. His Vins Nus - naked wines - label is an astonishing collection of highly creative wine, exhibiting his extreme passion and intelligence. Vins Nus are based on organic and biodynamic farming, spontaneous fermentations, short macerations, minimal added sulphur, and a less is more philosophy. Garnacha Peluda – which translates as Hairy Garnacha – is called such as this DNA variant of Garnacha Tinta has soft downy hairs on the underside of its leaves, thought to be a genetic adaptation to prevent moisture loss in hot dry growing environments. A light bodied wine with velvety red berry fruit, crunchy, fresh strawberries red-currants and zippy acidity. No added sulphur, bottled un-fined and unfiltered.

Bodega: Vins Nus by Alfredo Arribas

Region: D.O.Q. Priorat

Grape: Garncaha Peluda

Aging: Aged in ceramic eggs

Vintage: 2016

Alcohol: 14%

Closure: Cork

Eos de Loxarel Syrah 2018

Tasting: Full Bodied, the fruit and tannins combine well with the acidity and rounds out extremely well. Liquorice, coffee, cocoa and violet with an intriguing cherry aroma. Intense aromas derived from spices, Mediterranean herbs and balsamic notes. 

Bodega: Loxarel

Region: D.O. Penedès

Grape: Syrah

Aging: 10 months in French oak barrels

Vintage: 2018

Alcohol: 14%

Closure: Cork

Calumbur Pardillo 2017

Tasting: An exciting and different wine made from an old heritage variety, Pardillo, that is almost extinct. A fleshy mid-weight palate shows carraway, quince, almond and fresh cut herbs. Low in added sulfites and grown organically.  

Bodega: Bodegas y Vinedos Jesús Recuero

Region: Toledo

Grape: Pardillo

Aging: 6 months in concrete tanks on lees

Vintage: 2017

Alcohol: 12%

Closure: Cork

Calambur Moravia 2016

Tasting: A light bodied wine with a silky, plush, cassis accented fruit drive backed up by bramble fruits and a touch of herbs.

Bodega: Bodegas y Viñedos Jesús Recuero

Region: Toledo

Grape: Moravia

Aging: Second use French oak

Vintage: 2016

Alcohol: 13.5%

Closure: Cork

Blanc Vi Espumos

Tasting: A very elegant and creamy mousse, buttery pastry flavours are backed by white pear flesh and toasted citrus. This certified organic sparkling wine (not classified as cava) has no added sulphites and is released un-disgorged with its lees from secondary fermentation still inside the bottle.

Bodega: Vins Petxina

Region: Tarragona, Catalunya

Grape: Xarel.lo

Aging: 15 months on lees, however, the wine is released un-disgorged so will continue to develop in bottle.

Vintage: N.V.

Alcohol: 12.5%

Closure: Cork

Antier White Vintage 2015

Tasting: Organically grown and no sulphites added. The winery is based in Toledo but Recuero’s Antier project focuses on fruit from the Sierra de Gata in Extremadura. Made with minimal intervention in the winery, un-fined and unfiltered its hazy, raw appearance is complemented by fresh, crisp green apple, with notes of lemon myrtle, bay leaf and green herbs.

Bodega: Bodegas y Viñedos Jesús Recuero

Region: Extremadura

Grape: Ojo de Liebre

Aging: French Oak

Vintage: 2015

Alcohol: 12.5%

Closure: Cork

Antier Tradicion Blanco

Tasting: Organically grown and no sulphites added. The winery is based in Toledo but Recuero’s Antier project focuses on fruit from the Sierra de Gata in Extremadura. Made with minimal intervention in the winery, it is a traditional wine of the area, being a blend of multiple vintages. A very aromatic nose of white flowers and citrus gives way to textural palate of nashi pear, gooseberry, and garrigue herbs.

Bodega: Bodegas y Vinedos Jesus Recuero

Region: Extremadura

Grape: Ojo de Liebre, Verdeja Serrana, Pedro Ximenez, Moscatel

Aging: Aged in a mix of large format barrels, concrete tanks and stainless steel

Vintage: N.V.

Alcohol: 12.5%

Closure: Cork

Antier Red Vintage 2015

Tasting: Organically grown and no sulphites added. The winery is based in Toledo but Recuero’s Antier project focuses on fruit from the Sierra de Gata in Extremadura. Juicy and expressive, rich red fruit dominates the medium bodied palate, with support from forest herbs and plush bramble fruits.

Bodega: Bodegas y Viñedos Jesús Recuero

Region: Extremadura

Grape: Piñuelo, Rufete, Tempranillo, Garnacha

Aging: Old French oak

Vintage: 2015

Alcohol: 13%

Closure: Cork

Amorro Blanco Palomino Fino 2017

Tasting: This super delicious natural wine is one for the Sherry lovers and the adventurous! Produced organically, this table wine from Sherry country shows citrus, chamomile, cooked apple and lip smacking salinity, with a little bit of grip due to a small amount of time on skins.

Bodega: Bodegas Vinificate

Region: Jerez

Grape: Palomino Fino

Aging: Fibreglass tanks for 8 months

Vintage: 2017

Alcohol: 12.5%

Closure: Cork

La Fina Àmfora Garnacha Fina 2018

Tasting: Produced by Vins del Tros in the far south of Catalunya, in the village of Vilalba del Arcs, their mission has always been to produce wines that represent the very essence of the region of Terra Alta. Garnacha Fina is a DNA variant of regular Garnacha, generally considered to show a little more ripeness and fruit, this deliciously light bodied, textural wine is full of mulberry jam, delicate floral notes of lavender and lilac, and graphite accented minerality.

Bodega: Vins del Tros

Region: Tarragona

Grape: Garnacha Fina

Aging: 6 months in amphora

Vintage: 2018

Alcohol: 14%

Closure: Cork