Bottega: quality Prosecco and Prosecco Rosé 
Book 5 Index 
951. Mullineux, Syrah Swartland, 2011 
950. W & J Graham & Co, 30 Year Old Tawny Port, NV (2010) 
949. Cartuxa, Pêra-Manca Branco Évora, 2012 
948. Pella, Xi-Ro Cuvée Experimentale, NV Crianza
584. Viña Ijalba, Rioja Graciano Crianza, 2007
From exploring The VineYard’s Spain section, an unusual (but trendy) Rioja – 100% Graciano, with is normally a small blending addition, like Petit Verdot …
410. Olvena, Somontano Crianza, 2003
I bought this magnum of Somontano Cabernet Sauvignon because the design of the packaging was excellent. Fortunately, the wine was pleasing too, and also …
La Rioja Alta: benchmark classical Riojas especially top flight Gran Reservas
La Rioja Alta, established in Haro in 1890, is certainly one of the major players in high quality, traditionally-styled Rioja. In their top pair …
CVNE: Combining volume and classical quality
CVNE, the Compania Vinicola del Norte de España, is popularly known as Cune (‘koo-nay’) in Spain – so much so that they adopted Cune …
Rioja: Spain’s classic region is changing
Rioja, the most famous wine region in Spain. Home to Tempranillo and the American oak barrel. One of only 2 regions, with Priorat, carrying …
Muga: seamlessly blending classical and modern in Rioja
The first time we visited Haro, we were not able to book into Bodegas Muga. Therefore, the first thing we did before the 2018 …
91. Bodegas Protos, Ribera del Duero Crianza, 1996
High clarity, mid-garnet colour, with the first hints of brick at the edge. Toasty, balanced oak over intense, “focused” dark fruit (prune?) aromas – …
80. Bodegas Rodero-Villa, Pago de los Capellanes, Ribera del Duero Tinto Crianza, 1997
A random purchase in Banyoles 2002. A “quite” bottle – quite pleasant, quite full-bodied, quite drinkable. Classic deep garnet colour. Strongly oaked aromas which …
24. Bodegas Valduero, Valduero Ribera del Duero Crianza, 1995
Apparently a silver medallist according to Tesco. Lightly oaky with rich dark fruit aroma. Smooth blackcurrant flavour with some tannin dryness? Very drinkable whatever.