Spanish wines for the summer

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Sean Millar of Pruno Wines shares his top Spanish recommendations for the summer months.

SUMMER IS THE PERFECT TIME for dining al fresco and there are some wines which are almost made to accompany long lazy lunches, picnics and barbecues in the sun. One of my favourite summer wines is ‘Entremares Dry’, produced in the Ribera del Guadiana in the Extremadura region of Spain.

Located in the south west of the country, Extremadura is best known for its Iberican ham but the region also has a growing reputation for its fine wines. ‘Entremares Dry’ is a rather refreshing and unusual white wine, made from one of Spain’s most popular white grape varieties, the Macabeo. I would call this a fun wine because of its slight fizz to finish, it’s definitely one to enjoy extra chilled.

Another excellent wine to suit any summer occasion is ‘Viña Bemposta Albariño’ from Rías Baixas in the region of Galicia. Situated in the north west of Spain, the region is famed for producing wines from the Albariño grape, which thrives in the damp high-altitude vineyards by the sea in Rías Baixas.

The cooler Atlantic climate with wet winters, sea fog and high rainfall can make the winemaking process quite a challenge for producers in the region, yet the wines are exceptional.

A glass of fizz always makes a great aperitif, whatever the weather, but a really chilled glass of top Spanish Cava during the summer months is very special. I highly recommend the Cava from the estate of Montau de Sadurni in Catalunya, the region where Cava is traditionally produced. The Montau de Sadurni vineyard is situated at the gates of the Garraf natural park and on the slopes of one of its highest peaks.

The estate’s two Cavas are quite different in style; one is very light, crisp and dry, while the other has a slight sweetness, however, they both make a perfect summer aperitif. Casa la Rad Solarce Rosado is another of my favourite wines to enjoy in the warmer weather and it’s best served ice-cold.

Produced on the Casa la Rad estate in the Rioja region of Spain, this refreshing rosé has a lovely pale pink colour and a fine dry summer taste.

Rosé wines aren’t often associated with Rioja and some rosés from the region can be a little on the sweet side, but the ‘Casa la Rad Solarce Rosada’ is a real delight.

Last but not least, another fabulous rosé to enjoy during the summer months comes from the De Moya winery, located just outside the port city of Valencia.

The estate, founded by Yves and Sofie Laurijssens, is very much a family affair and the winemakers are known for doing things differently. Their wines are described as ‘affordable luxury’ and the Tibó rosé definitely lives up to that description.

Here are my six Spanish picks for the summer:

VIÑA BEMPOSTA ALBARIÑO

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A smooth tasting white, which has a slightly fruity sensation. Straw yellow in appearance, this is a very fragrant wine with an intense bouquet.

TIBÓ DE MOYA ROSÉ

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Produced using Bobal and Monastrell grapes, this clean and bright rosé has aromas of exotic fruits and citrus. It also features notes of raspberry and blackberry, as well as a long finish with good acidity.

ENTREMARES DRY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A delightful ‘fun’ wine from the popular Macabeo grape. Very refreshing with white flower aromas, citrus fruit and a tiny bit of fizz to finish.

CASA LA RAD SOLARCE ROSADO

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A beautiful light pink rosé with wonderful aromas of peach, apricot and strawberry. Wonderfully refreshing with pleasant acidity and a fruity finish.

CAVA BRUT NATURE RESERVE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

An excellent Cava, aged for two and a half years in the cellars. Shiny yellow in colour with ageing aromas, this is a light and crisp Cava with small continuous bubbles.

CAVA BRUT RESERVE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A wonderful golden yellow Cava with a slight hint of sweet fruit. Slightly less dry than the Cava Brut Nature Reserve, this Cava also has an abundance of small bubbles and ageing aromas.

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