{"title":"Carignan","description":"\u003cp\u003eDiscover wines made from Carignan at Vinogrande: a selection of producers and regions that shows the character of this grape.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"les-terrasses-2021-2022","title":"Les Terrasses 2022","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"product-field product-field-type-S\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eLes Terrasses Velles Vinyes \u003c\/strong\u003eis one of the most emblematic and celebrated wines of Spain's prestigious DOQ Priorat, made by acclaimed winemaker Álvaro Palacios. It's an old-vine blend that perfectly reflects the typicity and raw minerality of the region's slate soils.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eÁlvaro Palacios is one of Spain's \"sacred monsters\", creator of the legendary L'Ermita and some of Priorat's finest wines. Les Terrasses is a great success, showing what Palacios's talent can create in terms of excellent value for money. An extremely tasty wine, with lots of ripe fruit and great power on the palate. It's even better with food.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Wine Advocate\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRP 95\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by: Luis Gutiérrez\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI tasted this regional red still unbottled in January 2024. The 2022 Les Terrasses Velles Vinyes comes from 53 vineyards in seven villages and in 2022 was 60% Garnacha, 39% Cariñena and 1% white grapes, with a higher share of Cariñena than in recent years due to an extremely hot, dry year. It fermented with indigenous yeasts in oak vats, with some whole bunches, had a 41-day maceration and was to age for around 12 months in French barrels and larger casks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt's fully ripe, with 14.5% alcohol, keeping a pH of 3.55 and 5.05 grams of acidity (measured as tartaric acid per litre of wine), parameters indicating very good freshness. This wine is always a little earthier, with a nice touch of rusticity, showing Priorat's character. It's ripe without excess; all the 2022s are surprisingly fresh for such a hot, dry year. Around 113,000 bottles were expected to be filled around March 2024.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"position: absolute; left: -6px; top: 220.938px;\" id=\"gtx-trans\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"gtx-trans-icon\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Álvaro Palaçios","offers":[{"title":"2021","offer_id":40257497989260,"sku":"","price":36.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"2022","offer_id":52143699099985,"sku":null,"price":35.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0550\/3218\/4972\/files\/les-terrasses-20212022-5667410.png?v=1761785834"},{"product_id":"gratallops-2022","title":"Gratallops 2022 - 97 pontos Revista Forbes","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"product-field product-field-type-S\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eGratallops 2022\u003c\/strong\u003e is a village red (Vi de Vila) from Priorat, made by the acclaimed producer Álvaro Palacios, standing out for its elegance, mineral freshness and refined aromatic profile.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Forbes highlighted the 2022 Gratallops\u003c\/strong\u003e for its mineral excellence, freshness and harmony, giving it a prestigious score that places it among the world's wine elite. The publication emphasises the wine's balanced Mediterranean profile, silky texture with fine tannins and aromatic notes marked by black fruit and the mineral signature of the slate terroir.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlvaro Palacios is one of Spain's \"sacred monsters\", creator of the legendary L'Ermita and some of Priorat's finest wines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll wines signed by Álvaro Palacios, the magician of Priorat, guarantee elegance and refinement — wines that have made him a benchmark in international viticulture and that are among the most sought-after and prized in the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Wine Advocate\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRP 94\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by: Luis Gutiérrez\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2022 Gratallops is a village wine, \"vi de vila\" in Catalan, the official category of the Priorat appellation. It has the ancestral blend of local grapes, this year 80% Garnacha, 19% Cariñena and 1% white grapes, including Garnacha Blanca, Macabeo and Pedro Ximénez, from different vineyards in the village.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLike the rest of the wines, it fermented with some whole bunches and indigenous yeasts in oak vats, with pumping-over and, in this case, a 31-day maceration. The wine will mature in oval foudres and large oak barrels for 14 months.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt's clear, bright, very clean, expressive and elegant, with a great sense of harmony, restrained ripeness and a medium-bodied palate, with very fine tannins and surprising balance — perhaps not super complex or deep, but it has a silky texture that makes it very attractive.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt has 14% alcohol, a pH of 3.52 and 4.61 grams of acidity. Production is expected to be around 21,000 bottles in March 2024.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJames Suckling: \u003c\/strong\u003eThis village wine is an aromatic red with red berries and a mineral touch. Elegant and firm on the palate, with slightly chewy tannins that manage to melt away. There's a certain red-fruit elegance that rivals a good pinot, but Mediterranean Garnacha dominates. Drink now or hold. – Zekun Shuai, Senior Editor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Aptos; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ansi-language: PT; mso-fareast-language: PT; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;\"\u003e\u003c!--[endif]--\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-field product-field-type-S\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Álvaro Palaçios","offers":[{"title":"2022","offer_id":40257546879116,"sku":"","price":51.8,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0550\/3218\/4972\/files\/gratallops-2022-9613784.jpg?v=1761785666"},{"product_id":"finca-dofi-2022","title":"Finca Dofi 2022","description":"\u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eFinca Dofí 2022\u003c\/strong\u003e is an exceptional red wine made by renowned producer Álvaro Palacios in the D.O.Q. Priorat, Spain. Known for its elegance and complexity, this single-estate wine reflects the identity of the region's llicorella terraces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA great wine born on the steep slopes and terraces of the Dofí estate, with Grenache and other vineyards in just three places: Camp d'en Piqué, La Baixada and Coll de Falset. In previous vintages they have highlighted its huge round tannins which, with Grenache's fluidity, lift a fleshiness of indescribable brightness, welcome vitality and pure life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Wine Advocate\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRP 97\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by: Luis Gutiérrez\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2022 Finca Dofí was made with 88% Garnacha, 9% Cariñena, 2% Picapoll and 1% white grapes, from a 12.5-hectare plot with vines planted 18 to 38 years ago. It fermented with some whole clusters in oak vats with indigenous yeasts and had a 32-day maceration. It matured in oval oak foudres and large French oak barrels for 14 months.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt has 14.4% alcohol, a pH of 3.46 and 4.8 grams of acidity. It has a little more colour and ripeness, and is quite spicy, with notes of liquorice and an earthy touch. Palacios commented that the Picapoll gave great acidity and low alcohol; in some years they have used up to 6% of this variety (they began grafting it about 12 years ago from the old plants of their former winemaker, Joan Asens). Around 28,000 bottles are expected to be filled in March 2024.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Álvaro Palaçios","offers":[{"title":"2022","offer_id":46486363734353,"sku":"","price":87.9,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0550\/3218\/4972\/products\/finca-dofi-20142021-7753631.jpg?v=1761785804"},{"product_id":"lermita-2015-2016","title":"L'Ermita 2022","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e L'Ermita 2022\u003c\/strong\u003e is one of Spain's most prestigious, iconic and sought-after reds. Made by acclaimed winemaker Álvaro Palacios in the prestigious Priorat region (Catalonia), this emblematic blend reflects the utmost purity and unique character of its old-vine terroir.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Wine Advocate\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRP 98\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by: Luis Gutiérrez\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2022 L'Ermita wasn't yet bottled when I tasted it in January 2024. Grapes were selected from 2.28 hectares, out of a total of 4.7 hectares planted in 1909, 1939 and 1996, to make this red classified as Gran Vinya Classificada, the top level of the Priorat appellation's quality hierarchy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt's made from a blend of 92% Garnacha, 7% Cariñena and 1% local white grapes — Garnacha Blanca, Macabeo and Pedro Ximénez. It fermented partly with whole bunches and indigenous yeasts in wooden vats, with a 23-day maceration, followed by ageing in large oval French oak foudres, planned to last 14 months.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt has 14.5% alcohol, a pH of 3.49 and 4.87 g\/L acidity. This is always the estate's most complete wine; it's reserved, somewhat closed and shy, revealing itself in an insinuating, subtle and nuanced way. On the palate it has a seamless, solid texture, with very fine tannins and remarkable balance. About 5,000 bottles were due to be bottled in March 2024.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eÁlvaro Palacios has long been one of Priorat's leading quality references. Not only does he make some of the appellation's most prestigious wines, he's also one of the region's largest producers. He currently has 29 hectares of vines in the village of Gratallops and another 2.5 hectares in Bellmunt del Priorat, producing about 372,000 bottles per vintage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCatalonia and Priorat have recently suffered from drought. Priorat has always been quite dry, but this is now even more pronounced, with some particularly dramatic years. 2020 saw more than 800 litres of rain, with plenty of mildew, something rare there. 2021 was a more or less normal year, 2022 was very dry and 2023 was extremely dry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI've now tasted the bottled 2021s, from what many consider the last \"normal\" year, and the wines are as good as you'd expect. I'd already published notes on the young unbottled 2021s in June 2022, but only now had the chance to taste the bottled wines. We also tasted the unbottled 2022s and the very young 2023s.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePalacios describes 2022 as \"the year of three heatwaves\" in Priorat. During the winter, only 16 litres of rain fell at L'Ermita and no more than 10 litres at Finca Dofí and La Baixada. March and April were more or less normal, with 56 and 67 litres respectively, and normal temperatures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom May, however, there was a big change. During flowering that year, temperatures reached an abnormal 35ºC, which gave excellent fruit set but led the plants to start protecting themselves from the heat and lack of water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe summer was infernal: three heatwaves above 40ºC were partly eased by 42 litres of rain in July. They believe that the short-pruned gobelet vines were key to softening the effects of the heat, and they produced 20% more grapes than in an average year.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe vines shut down and ripening was limited, while acidity was retained. Harvest began a week earlier than usual and the grapes had paler colour and lower sugar.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe wines are surprisingly fresh for a year like this. The L'Ermita grapes had less colour intensity, the crop was abundant and the wine is quite pale. In general, all the 2022s are relatively pale in colour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2022 still benefited from water reserves from the rain and snow of 2021. 2023 suffered much more, as it was equally dry and hot, but 2022 had already been dry, so the plants had no reserves. Rain was expected that never came.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2023 was the driest year in recent times, with only 250 litres of rain recorded in Gratallops between November 2022 and October 2023 — the period used to measure a vintage's rainfall.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo, for the first time ever, they decided to irrigate the vines, focusing mainly on the rockiest plots and the highest points, where the need was greatest, as some vines were at risk of dying. However, water is scarce there and the whole operation is labour-intensive and costly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe grapes stayed small and concentrated, but the wines show unusual freshness and elegance. They're still very young, but may turn out better than the 2022s. The L'Ermita harvest took place between 5 and 11 October.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs for 2021, I'd previously described the year, which Álvaro Palacios called \"a year of concentration and class\".\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe year began with a huge snowstorm — Filomena — in January 2021, with 50 centimetres of snow, adding to rainfall throughout the year. Despite some swings, the weather stayed cooler than usual. The summer was genuinely mild and ripening was slow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere was some rain at the end of August, which complicated matters because of some botrytis, but the main worry was the grapes' low potential alcohol. The grapes simply weren't ripening, and the Priorat appellation requires at least 13.5% alcohol in red wines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2021 L'Ermita has the lowest alcohol ever. The wines are elegant and fresh. They were bottled almost a year before the tasting and are truly impressive, perhaps the most elegant vintage to date.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe year ended with 449 litres of rain, and the L'Ermita grapes were picked on 13 October.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2021 is a very homogeneous vintage and the wines showed very well, with purity and elegance. It's a very consistent range; I tasted the wines on three separate occasions, including a final blind tasting to confirm my impressions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePublished: 16 May 2024\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Álvaro Palaçios","offers":[{"title":"2022","offer_id":40257599111308,"sku":"","price":1475.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0550\/3218\/4972\/files\/bot-lermita-en-primeur-2022.png?v=1790353896"},{"product_id":"predicador-2017-2019","title":"Predicador 2017\/2019","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"product-field product-field-type-S\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-align: justify; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eIt's something like the democratisation of luxury — as long as by luxury we mean the most careful winemaking from the best and oldest vineyards. A style crafted with great skill by Benjamín Romeo, owner of Bodegas Contador, who has released memorable vintages of Contador, La Cueva del Contador and a few other labels.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-field product-field-type-S\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: justify;\"\u003ePredicador 2017 shows abundant red fruit, spicy notes, hints of the finest oak and remarkable balsamic freshness. This time it seems designed to come close to the house's greatest creations, showing the depth and ripeness the vintage gives it. The warm end of the growing season accounts for some slightly prominent alcohol, giving it a more Mediterranean than Atlantic character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: justify;\"\u003eThe label shows the distinctive hat of a gunslinger who ends his days as a preacher, a character played by Clint Eastwood in one of his films. The most pleasant of surprises ends this story (the bottle's, not the film's). A wine at a price you could call reasonable that is long, intense and tremendously expressive. Its so cinematic dress lets its maker call it a red film. A claim that each year comes a little closer to being entirely true.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Bodega Contador","offers":[{"title":"2017","offer_id":40273505910924,"sku":"","price":25.85,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"2019","offer_id":49811507380561,"sku":null,"price":26.85,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0550\/3218\/4972\/products\/predicador-20172019-8568471.jpg?v=1761787073"},{"product_id":"baigorri-belus-2019","title":"Baigorri Belus 2019","description":"\u003cp\u003eBaigorri Belus 2019 is a vegan red from Rioja, Spain, made by Bodegas Baigorri. It stands out for its freshness and elegance, made mainly from Mazuelo, complemented by small amounts of other native grapes such as Tempranillo and Garnacha.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor the 2019 vintage of Baigorri Belus, \u003cstrong\u003eTim Atkin\u003c\/strong\u003e gave a score of 94 points in his Rioja Special Report.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBaigorri Belus 2019 – Tasting Experience (Tim Atkin)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn opening the bottle, you're immediately wrapped in an intense aroma of black and red fruit such as blackberries, blueberries and redcurrants, interwoven with subtle notes of black olives and liquorice, supported by a balsamic, spicy touch that adds creamy depth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn the palate the wine shows its elegance: polished tannins dance with lively acidity, conveying energy and freshness, typical of the more Atlantic style of Rioja Alavesa. Medium- to full-bodied, it leads to a long, persistent finish with floral echoes and an earthy “forest floor” aroma.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe blend of Tempranillo, Garnacha and Mazuelo (Cariñena) gives the wine a singular structure, with remarkable freshness and longevity. It's precisely this distinctive use of Mazuelo that Tim Atkin values, reflected in the 94 points in his Rioja Special Report.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn short: Baigorri Belus 2019 combines aromatic intensity, elegance on the palate and structural complexity, offering a complete sensory experience that promises to develop further with time.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Bodegas Baigorri","offers":[{"title":"2019","offer_id":47145298690385,"sku":"","price":28.9,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0550\/3218\/4972\/products\/baigorri-belus-2019-6402274.jpg?v=1761785994"},{"product_id":"rioja-alta-gran-reserva-890-2010-2011","title":"Rioja Alta Gran Reserva 890 Tinto 2011","description":"\u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eLa Rioja Alta Gran Reserva 890 Tinto 2011\u003c\/strong\u003e is one of Spain's most iconic and prestigious wines, the ultimate expression of Rioja classicism. Made by the renowned La Rioja Alta, S.A. only in exceptional vintages, this edition is a blend of 95% Tempranillo, 3% Graciano and 2% Mazuelo, with a limited production of 60,956 bottles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eThe Wine Advocate\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eRP 96\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by: Luis Gutiérrez\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter the extraordinary 2010 comes the 2011 Gran Reserva 890, their longest-aged red, matured for six years in used American oak barrels and made only three or four times a decade. It's mainly Tempranillo, with 3% Graciano and 2% Mazuelo, the Graciano vinified separately.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2011 was a warm, ripe year, but the wine shows medium ripeness and 14% alcohol, with a pH of 3.7 and 5.8 grams of acidity. It has a tertiary nose, with notes of wet fur, leather, truffles, spice, earth and forest floor, decaying leaves and a touch of smoke.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn the palate it's velvety, with completely integrated tannins and a long, very tasty finish. 60,956 bottles were produced, bottled in November 2016\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!----\u003e","brand":"La Rioja Alta, S.A.","offers":[{"title":"2011","offer_id":53086902157649,"sku":null,"price":224.7,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0550\/3218\/4972\/files\/rioja-alta-gran-reserva-890-2010-4988993.png?v=1761784793"},{"product_id":"barton-guestier-cotes-de-provence-tourmaline-rose-2024","title":"Barton \u0026 Guestier Côtes de Provence Tourmaline Rose 2024","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAppearance:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAn elegant, bright pale pink, typical of Provence rosés, immediately conveying freshness and refinement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNose:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSeductive and delicate, with a bouquet dominated by ripe red fruit such as strawberry and raspberry, harmoniously combined with subtle white-flower notes, for a captivating, refined aromatic dimension.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePalate:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt stands out for its great expressiveness and liveliness. A real burst of fresh fruit fills the palate, with a smooth, balanced texture. The finish has a long, pleasant freshness that invites another sip, making this rosé ideal for relaxed moments or light meals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConclusion:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAn elegant, characterful rosé that authentically conveys the Côtes de Provence terroir. Best enjoyed young, in good company.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!----\u003e","brand":"Barton \u0026 Guestier","offers":[{"title":"2024","offer_id":49091968467281,"sku":"","price":14.9,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0550\/3218\/4972\/files\/barton-guestier-cotes-de-provence-tourmaline-rose-2024-6584165.png?v=1761784793"},{"product_id":"oxer-wines-matalaz-2025","title":"Oxer Wines Matalaz 2025","description":"\u003cp\u003eOxer Wines Matalaz 2025 is an exclusive red with a rebellious, poetic profile, made by acclaimed Basque grower Oxer Bastegieta in DOCa Rioja (Rioja Alavesa), Spain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt has a lively, medium-intensity ruby colour with subtle violet glints.\u003cbr\u003eThe nose shows great freshness and complexity, with notes of fresh red fruit — strawberry, cherry and raspberry — wrapped in floral hints, aromatic herbs and delicate balsamic and mineral nuances.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn the palate it's elegant and flowing, light and precise. Vibrant acidity brings tension and freshness, balanced by firm, polished tannins. The finish is persistent and expressive, leaving hints of bitter cocoa and damp earth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOxer Wines Matalaz doesn't compete in the commercial medal circuit, but is highly acclaimed by the most influential international wine critics.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOxer Bastegieta's wines are part of the \"New Rioja\" movement, focused on purity of place, and have earned the following prestigious scores and distinctions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOfficial Critic Scores\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRobert Parker (The Wine Advocate)\u003c\/strong\u003e: Recent vintages of Matalaz consistently score in the 93 to 94+ range, praised for their tension, vibrant fruit and surgical use of stems in fermentation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGuía Peñín:\u003c\/strong\u003e The benchmark guide to Spanish wines regularly gives Matalaz 92 to 93 points. 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Structured, dense and compact, with well-handled French, American and Eastern European oak and crunchy notes of plum and black cherry. 2024-32.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJames Suckling:\u003c\/strong\u003e Toasted sweet spices over rich strawberries and redcurrants. Medium-bodied, with firm, elegant tannins and a juicy, tasty finish. From organically grown grapes. Vegan. Drink now.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Bodega Hacienda Lópes de Haro","offers":[{"title":"2020","offer_id":49814737879377,"sku":"","price":15.5,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0550\/3218\/4972\/files\/el-pacto-2020-3136633.jpg?v=1761785263"},{"product_id":"oxer-wines-otto-rosado-2023","title":"Oxer Wines Otto Rosado 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003eOtto Rosado 2023 is a rosé (often described as a modern \"clarete\") made by Oxer Wines (winemaker Oxer Bastegieta) in D.O.Ca. Rioja, Spain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Wine Advocate\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRP 93\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by: Luis Gutiérrez\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a new rosé (at least for me). The 2023 Otto, slightly reductive and with toasty notes, reminds me a little of Dominio del Águila's clarete in Ribera del Duero. It's a serious, complex wine that goes beyond the typical rosé profile, made from a blend of red and white grapes (hence a clarete!).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt has ripeness, power and elegance, 13.5% alcohol and a pH of 3.3. The must from all the grapes, red and white, fermented together, finishing in 600-litre barrels where the wine aged for six to seven months. Medium-bodied with presence, fine tannins and a chalky finish. Give it a little more time in bottle to fully integrate the toasty notes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2,000 bottles were produced. It was bottled in May 2024.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe super-creative Oxer Bastegieta keeps releasing new labels and wines full of personality; in this case, two new ones from Rioja inspired by Dante's Divine Comedy. Beyond his Rioja range, I also tasted one of his Txakolis and a red he makes in Toro. And there's more on the way: he's bought new vineyards and will plant Chardonnay and Pinot Noir!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe has 11.3 hectares in Rioja, 6.8 in Bizkaiko Txakolina and 2.5 in Toro. 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Combining Tempranillo with 6% Graciano, 5% Mazuelo and 2% Garnacha, this structured, intense red still keeps its youth. Masterfully aged in American oak, it shows flavours of Asian spice, blackberry, wild strawberry and liquorice. 2026-2040.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Wine Advocate: \u003c\/strong\u003eThe 2019 Rioja Reserva, the winery's flagship, comes from 300 hectares of their own vineyards. Tempranillo is the backbone, 87% of the wine in this low-yield vintage, complemented by 6% Graciano, 5% Mazuelo and 2% Garnacha. This is the second vintage in the new winery. It's a balsamic, spicy version — a wine with structure, aged longer in barrel, becoming more traditional and serious. Ripe, with 14.5% alcohol, a pH of 3.65 and 5.3 grams of acidity. They seek balance between fruit and oak, prioritising freshness. A year of greater power.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Vinogrande","offers":[{"title":"2019","offer_id":50842226884945,"sku":"","price":28.8,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0550\/3218\/4972\/files\/marques-de-murrieta-2019-1580423.jpg?v=1761784870"},{"product_id":"castillo-ygay-gran-reserva-especial-2012","title":"Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial 2012","description":"\u003cp\u003eCastillo Ygay is one of Rioja's century-old labels, designed after the screen-printed labels of the region's first wines. Indeed, it was one of the first wines born in Rioja, when French growers hit by phylloxera came to the area for supplies. A must-try to understand what a classic Rioja adapted to the times is, always backed by international critics, as shown by the 100 Suckling points for this 2012 vintage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJames Suckling: \u003c\/strong\u003eSo many notes of dried flowers, mushrooms, iron, rust, sweet red fruit and grilled orange. Full-bodied, with very elegant, refined tannins that melt in the mouth and give a real sense of terroir and integrity. Balanced and harmonious. The finesse and finish are endless. Production was 30% lower than in 2011. Already delicious to drink. A wonderful future. This is the new 1934 or 1964, two legends. Drink now or hold.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTim Atkin: \u003c\/strong\u003eThere will be no Castillo Ygay reds in 2013, 2014 or 2015, so its many fans would do well to stock up now. Made in a vintage María Vargas considers exceptional, this wine blends Tempranillo with 19% Mazuelo. Aged in American and a smaller amount of French oak, it has attractive aromas of balsam, tobacco leaf and aromatic spices, along with wonderful structure and depth, layers of blackberry, fig and red fruit, and a persistent, acid-driven finish. 2026-2040.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Wine Advocate: \u003c\/strong\u003eI retasted the 2012 Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial, as the wine was not made in 2013, 2014 or 2015, and the 2016 will only be released in 2027. The next vintages will be 2017, 2019 and 2021. The 2012 is a blend of 81% Tempranillo and 19% Mazuelo (Cariñena) from the La Plana plot on the Ygay estate, planted in 1950 at 485 metres, the highest on the property. The Tempranillo was picked between 17 and 19 September and the Mazuelo on 25 September. The bunches were destemmed and lightly pressed to ferment in stainless steel for 10 days, with constant pumping over and délestages. The Tempranillo aged for 34 months in American oak barrels, while the Mazuelo spent the same 34 months in French barrels; they were then blended and moved to concrete tanks for another 20 months. The wine has 14% alcohol, a pH of 3.65 and 5.8 grams of acidity (measured as tartaric acid per litre). It's spicy, with abundant notes of forest floor, truffles, dry leaves, cigar ash and cedar, with a very tasty, almost saline palate. It's evolving slowly and should last forever... 103,216 bottles, 3,121 magnums and some larger formats were produced. It was bottled in May 2019. (Luis Gutiérrez)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Marqués de Murrieta","offers":[{"title":"2012","offer_id":50845813506385,"sku":"","price":294.5,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0550\/3218\/4972\/files\/castillo-ygay-gran-reserva-especial-2012-8179995.jpg?v=1761785599"},{"product_id":"heraclio-alfaro-finca-estarijo-2017","title":"Heraclio Alfaro Finca Estarijo 2017","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis Rioja red shows an intense ruby colour with garnet glints. The nose reveals a magnificent fruity expression, led by ripe cherries, raspberries and plums, wrapped in subtle floral notes, touches of fine spice and a delicate earthy background. On the palate it's elegant and harmonious, with a silky texture and perfectly polished tannins giving great finesse. The palate is led by pure, fresh red fruit, supported by balanced acidity and medium body, ending in a long, fresh and very refined finish. A single-vineyard Rioja that favours elegance over power, revealing the full class of the Finca Estarijo terroir.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Heraclio Alfaro","offers":[{"title":"2017","offer_id":51586575499601,"sku":null,"price":15.4,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0550\/3218\/4972\/files\/heraclio-alfaro-finca-estarijo-2017-8398270.png?v=1761784445"},{"product_id":"alvaro-palacios-camins-del-priorat-tinto-2021","title":"Álvaro Palacios Camins del Priorat Tinto 2021","description":"\u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eÁlvaro Palacios Camins del Priorat Tinto 2021\u003c\/strong\u003e is a prestigious Spanish red made in the renowned DOCa Priorat, Catalonia, by acclaimed winemaker Álvaro Palacios. It's a vibrant blend made mostly of Garnacha (40%), complemented by Cabernet Sauvignon (21%), Merlot (18%), Cariñena (15%) and Syrah (6%).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Wine Advocate\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRP 91\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by: Luis Gutiérrez\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe more modern and different 2021 Camins del Priorat, a blend of 40% Garnacha, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 15% Cariñena and 6% Syrah, is a little more balsamic, with some herbal notes and slightly dusty tannins. It's powerful, with 14.5% alcohol, and well balanced. It was fermented 100% destemmed in concrete and stainless steel tanks with indigenous yeasts and matured in oak barrels and vats for six months. 246,000 bottles and 2,000 magnums were produced. It was bottled from April 2022.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJames Suckling rated Álvaro Palacios Camins del Priorat 2021 92 points, highlighting its fresh, balanced profile.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAccording to the critic, the wine shows clean, expressive aromas, with red cherry and redcurrant to the fore, alongside a delicate floral touch evoking violets. On the palate it's medium-bodied, with fine, well-integrated tannins giving a smooth, elegant texture. The fruit is well defined throughout.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLively, refreshing acidity carries it into a persistent, precise finish, making it especially enjoyable to drink now. Overall, a wine that favours freshness and elegance, moving away from the heavier or oak-marked styles typical of some interpretations of Priorat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWine Spectator gave Álvaro Palacios Camins del Priorat 2021 92 points, highlighting its expressiveness and aromatic energy. A vibrant, precise red that opens with intense notes of black cherry and crushed raspberry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs you taste, further layers of complexity emerge, with nuances of liquorice, white pepper and a delicate floral touch of violets enriching the fruit. On the palate it shows citrus-like acidity well integrated with fine tannins, giving it elegance and balance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe finish is long and persistent, marked by a spicy minerality that clearly reflects Priorat's typical slate soils (llicorella). 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