November saw the wine club turn to the Iberian Peninsula. Discovered by the Greeks as they ventured west, the peninsula incorporates Spain and Portugal as well as Andorra, Gibraltar and a small section of southeast France. In terms of wine production, it’s a fascinating and diverse region – Spain may lay claim to the largest area planted to vines of any country in the world, but other countries make more wine. Yields have traditionally been low, because there was little pressure for intensive production and irrigation was traditionally outlawed. And wow, does it make a variety of interesting wines.
Starting with a Portuguese Vinho Verde, with a characteristic spritzy prickle, we also sampled whites including an Albariño from Rias Baixas, a Sauvignon from Rueda and a Parellada (normally used as a constituent of Cava) in the form of Viña Sol from Torres.
Moving to the reds, I was delighted to be able to share a very decent crianza Ribero del Duero and a little known Priorat from the schistous llicorella slopes of Tarragona. Finally, we enjoyed a sweet treat in the form of Banyuls from the French Pyrenees.
We now look forward to December’s meeting, at which we extend the budget to show some high quality wines. Next year, we will be looking at wines from local merchants (at different price points), wines of the Loire and blind tasting. If you’ve wondered about joining us, please do contact an existing member or anyone from the committee – you’re very welcome to try your first meeting as a guest, and the more the merrier. Or follow us online, @UptonWine.
Cheers!
William Betts, Chair